Alumna of Scripps and UC San Diego Up for Positions in the National Academy of Sciences
Marcia McNutt, a distinguished geophysicist and advocate for science-based policy, has been nominated to become the next president of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Known for her extensive leadership and scientific contributions, McNutt's career spans over four decades and includes a range of impressive accomplishments.
Born in Colorado, McNutt earned her B.A. in physics from Colorado College before pursuing her Ph.D. in earth sciences from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) in 1978. Her academic journey culminated in her serving as the 22nd President of the National Academy of Sciences, the first female director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from 2009 to 2013, and editor-in-chief of the journal Science from 2013 to 2016.
In the realm of geophysics, McNutt's research has focused on the deformation of tectonic plates in response to vertical and horizontal forces. During her tenure at the USGS, she played a crucial role in managing responses to major natural disasters, notably the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As editor-in-chief of Science, she steered the journal's editorial direction and maintained its high standards of scientific publishing.
McNutt's dedication to oceanographic research has been evident throughout her career. Prior to directing the USGS, she led the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, where she contributed to 15 major oceanographic expeditions investigating ocean island volcanism and tectonic uplift. Her research on the equilibrium of the earth's crust on continents and oceans led to fundamental contributions in understanding the evolution of islands.
Last year, McNutt, along with several other scientists with ties to Scripps/UC San Diego, participated in a workshop addressing intertwining issues such as climate change, sustainability, and humanity. The workshop, an unprecedented event of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, marked McNutt's continued commitment to advancing scientific understanding and addressing global challenges.
McNutt's achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including fellowships from the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Geological Society of America, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Association of Geodesy. In 2004, she was awarded the UC San Diego Outstanding Alumna Award, and in 2020, Scripps Director Margaret Leinen, who is currently serving as AGU president, stated that NAS will benefit from McNutt's wealth of experience and unique leadership qualities.
In her current role as editor-in-chief of Science, McNutt continues to champion scientific research and publishing. A testament to her versatility, McNutt even completed underwater demolition training with the U.S. Navy Seals, demonstrating her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown.
As McNutt awaits the confirmation of her nomination, the scientific community looks forward to the impact her presidency will have on the National Academy of Sciences and the broader scientific community.
Engaging in a workshop hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences last year, Marcia McNutt, alongside fellow scientists, addressed interdisciplinary topics such as health-and-wellness, including the impact of climate change on global human health. With her extensive background in fitness-and-exercise, as illustrated by her underwater demolition training with the U.S. Navy Seals, McNutt's presidency at the National Academy of Sciences may further the intersection of science and health-and-wellness research.
