National Science Foundation director to speak at University commencement

Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, has been selected to address UVM’s 2023 commencement ceremony, according to a March 27 University press release.

“Dr. Panchanathan has spent more than 30 years conducting brilliant work in science, technology, engineering, and education,” stated UVM President Suresh Garimella in a March 27 email to the UVM community. “His leadership of NSF has helped drive important advancements in scientific discovery, technological innovation, and STEM education. Dr. Panchanathan is also one of the warmest and most engaging leaders I know, and I can’t wait to hear his address to our graduates.”

Panchanathan, who is originally from Chennai, India, received degrees from two universities in India before earning his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Ottawa in Canada, according to the release.

Before taking the helm at the NSF, Panchanathan served six years on the National Science Board, the release stated. He will receive an honorary doctorate of science on commencement day.

The May 21 commencement will also include honorary degrees awarded to Michele Cohen ‘72 and Mark Levine, according to the release.

Levine is the current commissioner of health at the Vermont Department of Health, appointed by Governor Phil Scott in 2017, according to the Department of Health’s website.

Cohen, who earned her B.S. in early childhood education from UVM, is one of the UVM Foundation Board’s founding members and is the namesake of Cohen Hall, according to a March 27 UVM strategic communications release.