from the Board: CAS Alum and Board Member Irene Glowinski

Reflecting on her distinguished four-decade career in science, College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board member and alumna Irene Glowinski (BS chemistry '75) shares valuable wisdom on the importance of confidence, embracing new experiences, understanding your worth, and giving back.

As part of this commitment, Glowinski recently established American University's very first Science and Policy Undergraduate Certificate for the next generation of aspiring scientists.

Glowinski's career path, which sits at the intersection of science and policy, began at American University and led to a series of key roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She retired in 2019 as the Deputy Director of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). In this position, which she held for 20 years, she oversaw a national and international research program in infectious diseases by supporting investigations into the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a broad range of pathogens, including those related to biodefense, as well as emerging diseases such as pandemic influenza.

Science for Real-Life Impact

Today, Glowinski remains active in the worlds of science and policy. Her legacy continues to grow as she shapes the next generation of scientists through her role on the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, mentoring young people, and creating opportunities for students to experience the nexus of science and policymaking in Washington, DC.

Most recently, Glowinski-alongside fellow alum and Board member John Miller (CAS/BS '74)-came up with the idea for AU's Science and Policy Undergraduate Certificate. Glowinski helped fund the project because she believes that scientists equipped with strong communication, writing, and policy skills are better positioned to convey their discoveries to general audiences, influence decision-making, advocate for important science-based policies, and bridge the gap between research and public understanding.

Students in the certificate program will apply scientific knowledge and technical skills to real-world problems, hear from science policy experts, gain insider understanding of how science-relevant policy is shaped, improve critical thinking and communication skills, and learn about career paths at the intersection of science and policy.

"We are deeply appreciative of Irene's vision and leadership in helping to establish this unique interdisciplinary certificate," says College of Arts and Sciences Dean Linda Aldoory. "By integrating science and policy and leveraging our unparalleled access to policymakers and scientists here in Washington, DC, this program offers our students a one-of-a-kind educational experience that prepares them to be leaders at the intersection of science and policy."

An American University Start

Growing up as a first-generation American and first-generation college student, Glowinski received minimal guidance while navigating the college application process. But she liked chemistry and knew she was good at it. And she was drawn to American University's location in the nation's capital.