SHPE - Conference 2007 - (Page 42)

H I S PA N I C H E R I TA G E Astronomy Agent of Change Like the universe she studied, Dr. France Anne Córdova is in constant motion intellectually and professionally. Born in Paris in 1947, she grew up in California with her 11 younger siblings. She earned a B.A. in English from Stanford University, but her interest in science led her to study physics and earn a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology. As one of the first students to study X-ray astronomy, she launched rockets as well as developed a new approach to observational science – multiwavelength astrophysics – which helps scientists understand the cosmic sources of radiation from a more comprehensive perspective as a result of using ground- and space-based telescope facilities. Dr. Córdova helped develop experiments for the first multi-wavelength astronomy space mission. Her experiment is currently still flying on the European Space Agency’s X-Ray MultiMirror Mission. From her early years as a scientist, Córdova explained, she followed her instincts and took the road less traveled. “There’s more room on that road and there you can lead,” she said. Dr. Córdova worked under the Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 10 years, conducting research in astronomy. She then headed the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The Pennsylvania State University for four years. Always mindful of taking on opportunities to effect change, she accepted the position as chief scientist for NASA for what was to be a three-year leave of absence from Penn State. In this role, she was the primary advisor to the NASA administrator and served as the bridge between NASA and the greater scientific community. NASA recognized her work and awarded her its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal. Dr. Córdova moved on to her next challenge, as vice chancellor for Research at the University of California at Santa Barbara. For six years, she was the driver behind the university’s innovative multidisciplinary research. Upon accepting the position of Chancellor of the University of California at 42 250-900 A.D. Courtesy of University of California at Riverside An ancient observatory in Yucatan, Mexico, testifies to the Mayans being among the first civilizations to explore the heavens. Accomplished Observers of Celestial Bodies The Maya of Central America were accomplished astronomers, with religion driving many of their accomplishments in astronomy. Their patient observations of celestial bodies contributed to the accuracy of their measurements. While few of their records were preserved by their Spanish conquerors, one of the most important that remains is called the Dresden Codex. This revealed how the Maya were able to determine such events as when eclipses occurred and when Venus appeared as a morning star. They were interested in tracking the movement of the moon and planets and developed a sophisticated number base to help them predict when these bodies would be in certain places in the sky in the future. They also developed calendars to keep track of celestial movements and the passage of time. These tools helped Mayan priests determine when various celebrations or other occasions should occur. The Maya built observatories in many of their cities and important structures to align with the movements of celestial bodies. physics, conducted multi-spectral research on X-ray and gamma ray sources and space-borne instrumentation, and authored more than 150 scientific papers. In 2000, she was named a Kilby Laureate for “contributions to society through science, technology, innovation, invention and education.” In May 2007, the opportunity to change led her to the position of president of Purdue University. SHPE R Conference 2007 Dr. Córdova’s multi-wavelength astronomy experiments are still flying aboard the European Space Agency’s X-Ray Multi-Mirror Mission. Riverside in 2002, Dr. Córdova said, “As a leader, you become an agent of change.” While at UC Riverside, she was instrumental in, among other things, the launch of a new medical school, the first new medical school west of the Mississippi in 45 years. In a March 2007 speech to announce the launch of the new medical school, Dr. Córdova explained, “I had a need to know beyond the surface of things, a desire to tie my imagination to something beyond what was common or obvious, a drive to find a connection with the mysterious, and with a seemingly infinite, indifferent and wondrous universe that was more hidden than revealed.” She has contributed to advances in observational and experimental astro- Courtesy of European Space Agency Copyright: Richard Gunion

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Conference 2007

SHPE - Conference 2007 Contents President’s Letter From the Vice President Calendar Browser The Top 10 Interview Questions A Federal Case for Education Reform Managing in the Multi-Generational Work Force Ahead of Their Times: An Engineering Progression The Place to Innovate Management Growth Training Executive LeaderSHPE Institute Programs & Services Welcome Letters Highlights Conference Schedule STAR Awards Company of the Year Professional Adelante and Student Chapter Awards Speakers Professional Development Strategy SHPE Academic Olympiad AHETEMS Design Competition Morgan Stanley Web Coding Competition The Ultimate SHPE Challenge Technical Paper Competition Pre-College Symposia Graduate Program Tours Hospitality Suites Advisors Workshop Quick Guide Workshop Descriptions Sponsors and Career Fair Exhibitors Hotel and Convention Center Maps IPC Update Regional Roundup Advertisers Index Inner Circle Employer Profiles

SHPE - Conference 2007

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