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Kathryn Sullivan

Director of the Battelle Center

Professional Bio:

A scientist, astronaut, and award-winning educator, Dr. Sullivan was named founding Director of the Battelle Center in November 2006. Prior to joining the Center, Dr. Sullivan served as President and CEO of Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry (COSI) for 10 years. From 1993 to 1996, Dr. Sullivan served as Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During her 15 years with NASA, Dr. Sullivan flew on 3 space shuttle missions and earned the distinction of being the first American woman to walk in space. In 2003, the National Science Board awarded Dr. Sullivan its Public Service Medal. Soon thereafter Dr. Sullivan was appointed to the National Science Board and has served as Vice Chairman. Dr. Sullivan is an acclaimed speaker on the national and international levels and a strong advocate for bringing passion and creativity of real science into the heart of teaching and learning. She is co-author with Karl J. Klimek and Elsie Ritzenhein of “Generative Leadership: Shaping New Futures for Today’s Schools” (Corwin Press 2008).