National Science Board
The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, which created the NSF, states that “The Foundation shall consist of a National Science Board … and a Director.” Jointly the Board and the Director pursue the goals and function of the NSF, including the duty to “recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies for the promotion of research and education in science and engineering.”
In addition, the National Science Board has two important roles. First, it establishes the policies of NSF within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President and the Congress. In this capacity, the Board identifies issues that are critical to NSF’s future, approves NSF’s strategic budget directions and the annual budget submission to the Office of Management and Budget, and approves new major programs and awards. The second role of the Board is to serve as an independent body of advisors to both the President and the Congress on policy matters related to science and engineering and education in science and engineering. In addition to major reports, the NSB also publishes occasional policy papers or statements on issues of importance to U.S. science and engineering. The NSB is made up of 25 Members appointed by the President. The NSF Director is an ex officio Member. Members serve six-year terms.
Merlin Theodore, Member, National Science Board
Dr. Merlin Theodore is the Advanced Fibers Manufacturing Group Lead for the Manufacturing Science Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory where she directs material research efforts and works with industry to overcome the barriers associated with advanced manufacturing to enhance U.S. competitiveness. Theodore’s diverse experience supports her current role and as a researcher and scientific leader driving materials and manufacturing innovation. She has served in several key leadership positions supporting government agencies, industry, and academia. In her adjacent role, Theodore serves as the Director for the Materials and Processing Technology Area for the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation. She also holds a joint appointment at the University of Tennessee. In previous roles, Theodore was the Head of Excellence at SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber LLC in Moses Lake, Washington; served as a research scientist and technical advisor/coordinator for the educational task of the Minority Leaders Program at Universal Technology Corporation co-located at AFRL Wright-Patterson Airforce Base, which fosters HBCU and Hispanic University Minority students’ graduate engineering degrees; and held a research faculty position at Georgia Tech.
She has authored more than 30 open literature publications, holds multiple U.S. patents, and has received numerous awards. She has served by invitation on scientific and technical review panels, women in science panels, and committees. A native from St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands, Theodore received a doctoral degree in material science and engineering, a master’s in mechanical engineering, and an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Tuskegee University.
