Kathie L. Olsen, PhD

The Honorable Kathie L. Olsen, PhD established KLO International, LLC, a consulting firm headquartered in Virginia. Believing that research is the core foundation for innovation that will sustain global quality of life and economic vitality, she is dedicated to helping people and organizations succeed in their science and engineering research pursuits. She also served as the director for research advancement in the Washington Office of the University of Notre Dame and founder, managing director of ScienceWorks International. Olsen served over 20 years in the federal government in a variety of scientific leadership positions. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the deputy director and chief operating officer of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in August 2005. As such, she was responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of program creation and administration; national and international collaborations; merit review processes; strategic and long-term planning and performance; budget development, implementation, and reporting; personnel; and operations. She rejoined NSF from the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President where, since 2002, she had been the associate director and deputy director for science. Her responsibilities included overseeing national and international science and education policy development and federal agency program coordination for the physical sciences, life sciences, environmental science, behavioral and social sciences, and education. Prior to OSTP, Olsen served as chief scientist for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (May 1999−April 2002) and the acting associate administrator for biological and physical research (July 2000−March 2002). As chief scientist, she served as the Administrator's senior scientific advisor, principal advisor on budget content of the scientific programs, and principal interface with the national and international scientific community. Olsen holds numerous career awards including four honorary doctorates from U.S. universities, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Public Service Award; the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Louise Hanson Marshall Recognition Award for significantly promoting the professional development of women in neuroscience; the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN) award for outstanding contributions to development of research & education initiatives; NASA's Outstanding Leadership Medal; the NSF Director's Award of Excellence; the University of California, Irvine Lauds and Laurels Distinguished Alumna Award; the Barnard College Medal of Distinction; the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary award for “Women Who Make A Difference" in the greater Washington area and the Norwegian Royal Order of Merit. She is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a fellow of the Association for Women in Science, elected member of the ARCS Foundation, the Explorers Club, and the Cosmos Club. She also serves on several university and scientific society boards and committees.