Astrophysicist & First Latina National Science Foundation Director
August 5, 1947 – Present
🇺🇸 United StatesFrance Anne-Dominic Córdova was born on August 5, 1947, in Paris, France, to Mexican-American parents. Her father served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Europe at the time of her birth. The family soon returned to the United States, settling in California, where France grew up in a household that valued education and encouraged intellectual curiosity.
From a young age, Córdova showed exceptional aptitude for mathematics and science. She attended Stanford University, earning her bachelor's degree in English in 1969—an unusual foundation for someone who would become an astrophysicist, but one that gave her strong communication skills that served her throughout her career. She then pursued graduate studies in physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world's premier institutions for astrophysics.
At Caltech, Córdova specialized in multi-spectral research on X-ray and gamma-ray sources in space. She earned her PhD in physics in 1979, studying under Nobel laureate physicist Murray Gell-Mann. Her doctoral research focused on observing celestial objects across different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation—from radio waves to gamma rays—to build complete pictures of cosmic phenomena.
Multi-spectral observation was revolutionary in astrophysics. Different wavelengths reveal different aspects of celestial objects: optical light shows stars and galaxies; X-rays reveal hot gas and black holes; radio waves map gas clouds and magnetic fields. By combining observations across the spectrum, astrophysicists could understand cosmic objects far better than any single wavelength could provide.
After completing her PhD, Córdova joined Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she conducted research on high-energy astrophysics and space instrumentation. She studied pulsars, neutron stars, black holes, and other exotic cosmic objects that emit intense radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Córdova as NASA's chief scientist, making her the youngest person and first woman to hold this position. As NASA chief scientist, she advised the NASA Administrator on science programs and strategy, overseeing research priorities across astronomy, planetary science, Earth science, and space biology. She helped guide NASA's scientific direction during a period of major missions including the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions and Mars exploration programs.
Córdova's career included leadership at major research universities. She served as Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of California, Santa Barbara, as Chancellor of UC Riverside, and as President of Purdue University—one of America's leading engineering and science universities. In these roles, she oversaw research programs, championed diversity in STEM, and advocated for increased federal science funding.
As a university leader, Córdova emphasized the importance of making science accessible to students from all backgrounds. She knew from personal experience that talent exists in every community, and that universities must actively recruit and support students from underrepresented groups. Her leadership helped increase diversity in STEM fields and inspired young Latinas to pursue careers in science and engineering.
In 2014, President Barack Obama appointed France Córdova as Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), making her the first Latina to lead the agency. NSF is the federal government's primary source of funding for basic research in science and engineering, with an annual budget exceeding $8 billion supporting research at universities and laboratories nationwide.
As NSF Director (2014-2020), Córdova oversaw funding for breakthrough research across all scientific disciplines: physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and social sciences. NSF grants supported discoveries ranging from gravitational wave detection to CRISPR gene editing, from quantum computing to climate science.
Córdova championed interdisciplinary research, recognizing that many modern scientific challenges require expertise from multiple fields. She advocated for increased diversity in science, knowing that diverse research teams produce more innovative solutions. She emphasized the importance of basic research—curiosity-driven investigation that may not have immediate applications but often leads to transformative discoveries decades later.
During her tenure, NSF supported the research that led to the first image of a black hole, advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and critical climate change research. She navigated political challenges to maintain strong science funding despite budget pressures and advocated tirelessly for the role of science in addressing society's greatest challenges.
Córdova has received numerous honors including NASA's Distinguished Service Medal, the Kilby Science Award, and election to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She has served on countless advisory boards and committees, using her influence to strengthen American science and technology.
Throughout her career, Córdova has balanced scientific research, university leadership, and science policy, demonstrating that scientists can contribute through discovery, education, and advocacy. Her career shows that the path to scientific impact isn't singular—it can include research, teaching, administration, and policy leadership.
For Latina women in science, France Córdova represents powerful proof that they can lead at the highest levels. As NASA chief scientist, as president of major universities, and as NSF Director, she demonstrated that Latinas belong in leadership positions shaping American science policy. Her success inspired countless young Latinas to pursue STEM careers, seeing in Córdova evidence that their dreams were achievable.
Córdova has spoken publicly about the importance of mentorship and the challenges facing women and minorities in STEM. She advocates for policies that increase diversity, understanding that science benefits when it draws talent from all communities. Her career demonstrates that excellence in science, education, and leadership knows no ethnicity or gender—what matters is curiosity, rigorous training, and commitment to advancing knowledge for humanity's benefit.
Dr. Córdova led American science as first Latina NSF director, oversaw billions in research funding supporting breakthrough discoveries, and championed diversity in STEM, opening doors for women and minorities in science.
France Córdova's legacy operates across multiple dimensions: scientific research, university leadership, science policy, and advocacy for diversity in STEM. As an astrophysicist, she advanced understanding of high-energy cosmic phenomena through multi-spectral observation. As NASA chief scientist, she guided American space science during critical missions. As a university president and chancellor, she strengthened research institutions and expanded access to education. As NSF Director, she stewarded billions in research funding that supported breakthrough discoveries across all scientific disciplines.
Her tenure at NSF was particularly impactful. She oversaw funding for research that led to the first image of a black hole, advances in quantum computing and artificial intelligence, improved understanding of climate change, and countless other discoveries that expanded human knowledge. NSF grants she approved will continue producing breakthroughs for decades, as basic research often takes years to yield applications.
Córdova's commitment to diversity transformed science. She understood from personal experience that talent exists in every community and that science benefits when it draws from all backgrounds. Her advocacy for women and minorities in STEM helped create pathways for the next generation. Her visibility as a Latina leading major institutions demonstrated to young girls—particularly Latinas—that they could aspire to scientific leadership.
For Latinas in science, Córdova's career is inspirational. She broke barriers repeatedly: first woman NASA chief scientist, first Latina NSF director, president of major research universities. Each achievement opened doors for others and challenged assumptions about who could lead American science. Her success proved that Latinas belong at the highest levels of scientific research, education, and policy.
Beyond her specific positions, Córdova demonstrated that scientists can contribute through multiple pathways. She conducted research, taught students, led institutions, and shaped policy—showing that scientific careers need not be narrowly focused on laboratory work alone. Scientists can advance knowledge through discovery, but also through education, administration, and advocacy for science funding and evidence-based policy.
France Córdova's legacy will endure through the scientists she mentored, the research she funded, the institutions she strengthened, and the barriers she broke. Every Latina scientist pursuing leadership, every NSF grant supporting breakthrough research, every student inspired to study astrophysics carries forward her legacy of excellence, inclusion, and dedication to advancing human knowledge.