Expert panel from academia, government, and industry advises foundation leadership by addressing current issues in STEM education and research

WASHINGTON DC, November 30, 2015 - ARCS® Foundation (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation, Inc.) announced the appointment of five new members to its Science and Engineering Advisory Council (SEAC).

Established in December 2009, SEAC is comprised of distinguished scientists, engineers and scholars from across the United States. Drawing upon collective experience in government, industry, and academia, the Council provides recommendations to advance the ARCS mission to increase our country’s scientific and technological competitiveness.

The newest SEAC members are:

• Chad Evans, Executive Vice President, Council of Competitiveness
• Dr. Steven Koonin, Director of NYU's Center for Urban Science and Progress
• Martin Kress,  Assistant Vice President for Research, Ohio State University
• Dr. Norine Noonan, Professor of Biology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg
• Dr. Suneel Sheikh, CEO and Chief Research Scientist of the Advanced Space Technology and Research Laboratories.

Since its founding in 1958, ARCS Foundation has provided financial awards to the most promising young U.S. scientists to enhance their ability to successfully complete advanced degrees in STEM fields; the majority of ARCS Award recipients are pursuing degrees at the doctoral level. As government funding for basic research dwindles, the ARCS Foundation Award fulfills an essential and under-served role in ensuring that young scientists have the opportunity to pursue their boldest ideas, free from the ongoing burden of seeking grants and unrelated employment to fund their work.

SEAC members are appointed based upon their ability to provide insight and perspective to ARCS as it seeks to enhance its leadership role in private funding for basic research.

The SEAC is chaired by UC San Diego Executive Director for Government Research Relations, Angela Phillips Diaz, who states: "I am delighted to welcome these new members to the Science and Engineering Advisory Council. All bring a depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise that will be critical in providing timely advice to ARCS Foundation leadership. The Council fills a unique role by responding to specific tasks as well as raising awareness about the global challenges and opportunities facing philanthropic investors focused on STEM higher education.”

ARCS Foundation National President Lynne Brickner, who has served in executive leadership in aviation, defense and technology-driven industries, shares, “The Science and Engineering Advisory Council plays a vital role in our organization’s quest to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in STEM fields. ARCS Foundation focuses its resources on promising scientists at the early stages of discovery. The SEAC advises our reach to the frontiers of science, giving confidence that our investment is making a strong difference.”

About ARCS Foundation:

ARCS Foundation is a national nonprofit volunteer women’s organization that promotes American competitiveness by supporting talented U.S. citizens working to complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and health disciplines at the nation's leading research colleges and universities. Since 1958, the organization has awarded more than $96 million to more than 9,000 students. ARCS Scholars have produced thousands of research publications and patents, secured billions in grant funding, started science related companies, and played a significant role in teaching and mentoring young people in the STEM pipeline. More at www.arcsfoundation.org.