Ciencia Puerto Rico

Dr. Frances Colón is the former Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State at the U.S. Department of State (2012-2017) where she promoted integration of science and technology into foreign policy priorities.  In her role as science diplomat, Dr. Colón led reengagement of scientific collaboration with Cuba and coordinated climate change policy for the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas announced by President Obama.  Dr. Colón is founding board member of Cenadores Puerto Rico, a non-profit that provides a platform for Puerto Rican diaspora and friends of Puerto Rico to strengthen civil society on the island. Dr. Colón is a graduate of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, fellow of the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the Austria Leaders Program. In 2016, Dr. Colón was named one of the 20 most influential Latinos in technology by CNET.  She is recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s 2015 Inspira Award and a 2015-2016 Google Science Fair judge.  Dr. Colón earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2004 from Brandeis University and her B.S. in Biology in 1997 from the University of Puerto Rico