Indian PIO is head of US science and technology |
The US Senate has voted in favor of Indian-American Dr. Arati Prabhakar as the next White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). With this confirmation, Arati becomes the first woman, immigrant, and person of color to serve in this position. Prabhakar was confirmed in a 56-40 vote. She will now be the president`s Chief Advisor for Science and Technology, a co-chair of the President`s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and a member of the cabinet. US President Joe Biden had announced Prabhakar`s nomination in June, saying in a statement that she was “a brilliant and highly respected engineer and applied physicist,” adding, “I share Dr. Prabhakar`s belief that America has the most powerful innovation machine in the world has ever seen.” Under Biden, OSTP has worked with the National Security Council to develop the American Pandemic Preparedness Plan and leads the White House`s Cancer Moonshot initiative. Alondra Nelson, the acting OSTP director, issued a statement saying Prabhakar`s confirmation, “is a testament to her sterling track record of leadership and innovation stewardship, as well as her extensive expertise in science and technology policy.” Prabhakar`s family came to the US when she was three and made their home in Lubbock, TX. She has an electrical engineering degree from Texas Tech. Prabhakar has also served as Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
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