Dr. Rita R. Colwell is a microbiologist and marine scientist. She is active in national and international research and teaching. Much of her research has focused on the effects of bacteria on the Chesapeake Bay, in deep seas, and in recreational waters. Rita Rossi was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, November 23, 1934. She is a professor of microbiology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also a member of the National Science Board, which is appointed by the President of the United States. She has authored or edited 12 books and hundreds of papers and articles. Colwell has been awarded 57 honorary degrees from institutions of higher education, including her alma mater, Purdue University, and is the recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, bestowed by the Emperor of Japan, the 2006 National Medal of Science awarded by the president of the United States and the 2010 Stockholm Water Prize awarded by the king of Sweden.