According to the White House, Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy was appointed by President Joe Biden for her leadership in advancing Maine’s workforce and economy.
ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy will soon be serving on the National Science Board.
According to the White House, she was appointed by President Joe Biden for her leadership in advancing Maine’s workforce and economy.
The board helps guide the government on science and research and oversee how funding is allocated to support scientific projects.
“I’m just deeply honored and can’t quite still believe this,” Ferrini-Mundy said. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to be a part of the national conversation.”
The National Science Board’s mission is to shape the future of science and technology, drive innovation, and expand opportunities in STEM education.
“This is a major both responsibility and opportunity to be a part of really important discussions in fields that I care and have cared about over my whole career and that is STEM and the advancement of STEM and the progress of science,” Ferrini-Mundy said.
During Ferrini-Mundy’s six years as the University of Maine president, she’s led the school to several STEM education achievements including earning top research status and securing funding to improve education opportunities for people across the state. Now she’ll be one of 24 board members serving on the National Science Board.
“It’s kind of a mutual learning experience I hope where I can bring what we’ve able to do here at Maine but can also bring insights and connection from all of the colleagues I’ll have on that board,” Ferrini-Mundy said.
She steps into the role at a time the nation is facing a shortage of stem professionals.
“Making sure that we have enough employees and people in the workforce in the STEM fields to advance our nation and I know that’s a primary focus of the National Science Foundation and so I’m very much excited about those conversations,”
The University of Maine Chancellor Dannel Malloy, who nominated Ferrini-Mundy for this role, said she will be a voice for smaller states like Maine.
“It’s wonderful for the state to have a representative on the national science foundation,” Molloy said. “I also think its good for the smaller states to have someone on that panel,” Malloy said.
RELATED: ‘You can be whatever you want to be’: Meet women in STEM driving UMaine
As she steps into this role, Ferrini-Mundy hopes to continue advocating for innovation in science and education.
This post was originally published on here
