11/2013

A Transcendental Journey in Scientific Discovery, Education and Purpose

Dr. Monya Ruffin will share her journey from a fortuitous aspiration to a rewarding career in science policy, education, and outreach. Dr. Ruffin joined Emory University in April 2013, after serving several years as a Program Officer at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources in Arlington, Virginia. At NSF, she was involved in cutting edge research, development, programming, public outreach, evaluation and other efforts to build and support the scientific enterprise.

She also oversaw a $20 million dollar portfolio of science and technology initiatives. Over the span of her professional career, Dr. Ruffin has served in many capacities from teaching at the high school and graduate levels to working with government agencies, State Education Agencies, profit and nonprofit organizations, Industry Leaders (e.g., PBS, Texas Instruments, etc.), districts, schools, teachers, children/youth, families, and communities domestically and abroad in efforts aimed at improving educational outcomes for students, preparing a strong workforce, and promoting an informed citizenry.

Dr. Ruffin has a B.S. in Biology and a M.Ed. in Secondary Science Education (Biology) from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Monya very kindly gave a career perspective for the Center members and answered questions from the students. We have over 20 participants, with members logging in from various institutions across the Center.