A pioneer advocate who brought to national attention the “double bind” of sexism and racism that women and minorities face in science, Shirley Malcom will deliver the keynote address at Drexel’s annual Founders Day Convocation on Thursday, Oct. 18.Malcom, head of the directorate for education and human resources program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, is a tireless advocate for the empowerment of the public through science, engineering, mathematics and technology. She believes that science education for all is a key to social progress, especially for those underrepresented in scientific careers.Malcom is a trustee of the California Institute of Technology, American Museum of Natural History and Heinz Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. She served on President Clinton’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology from 1994 to 2001. Malcom graduated with a master’s degree in zoology-animal behavior from UCLA and a doctoral degree in ecology from Penn.Convocation, which marks the formal beginning of the University’s academic year, offers students, faculty and staff the opportunity to welcome new scholars to the Drexel community. The ceremony opens with a processional of faculty and administrators in traditional academic regalia of hoods and gowns.Malcom will deliver her address at 11 a.m. in the auditorium of Drexel’s Main Building, 32nd and Chestnut streets.News media contact: Paul Statt, director of communications, Office of the Provost 215-895-1263 or paul.s.statt@drexel.edu
