Dr. Kelly is an economist and the former chairman of the Association of American Universities. Richard A. Tapia of Houston, Texas, is the Noah Harding Professor of Computational and Applied Mathematics at Rice University. He formerly served on the National Board of Directors of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Sciences. The National Science Board recommends overall national policies for promoting basic research and education in the sciences to the National Science Foundation. The Board was established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 and has 24 members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Members serve six-year rotating terms and eight members are appointed every two years.
NSB members are drawn from industry and universities, and represent a variety of science and engineering disciplines. They are selected for their distinguished service in research, education or public service. Responsibilities will include the creation, planning, evaluation and maintenance of a national network of state and local technology assistance providers to develop and enhance their capabilities to meet the needs of small and medium sized manufacturers. The successful candidate will review, analyze, or write operating business plans and guidelines to facilitate to effective operation of manufacturing extension centers. He or she will discuss manufacturing and moderization issues with high level government and industry officials.