About Our Speaker:
Geraldine “Geri” Richmond currently serves as the Presidential Chair in Science and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oregon. Bridging the fields of chemistry and physics, Richmond’s research focuses on understanding the molecular characteristics of water surfaces, studies that have relevance to environmental issues such as oil remediation, atmospheric chemistry and alternative energy sources. Her teaching and extensive outreach efforts have focused on science communication and building a strong and inclusive workforce. Richmond is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Between 2021-25, she served as Undersecretary for Science and Innovation at the U.S. Department of Energy. She is currently serving as interim Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Oregon.
Richmond is also the Founding Director of COACh, a grass-roots organization that, over the past 25 years, has helped over 25,000 women scientists and engineers advance in their careers in career advancement in the U.S. and in over two dozen developing countries over the past 25 years. She is a recipient of numerous honors and awards for her research and outreach efforts including the National Medal of Science from President Obama (2016), the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from President Clinton (1997) and the Presidential Young Investigator Award from President Reagan (1985).