Celebrating Dr. France A. Córdova: Astrophysicist, Innovator, and Champion for Women in STEM
- Sharmila Wijeyakumar
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Not all stars are found in the sky—some are here on Earth, lighting the way for the next generation of women in science. One of those guiding lights is Dr. France A. Córdova, a world-renowned astrophysicist and former Director of the National Science Foundation, who has spent her career advancing scientific discovery and fighting for equity in STEM.
Reaching for the Stars—Literally
Dr. Córdova’s journey into science began with curiosity and a love for the universe. With a Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology, she went on to become NASA’s Chief Scientist, where she worked on projects exploring the deepest mysteries of space. Her research in x-ray and gamma-ray astronomy expanded humanity’s understanding of black holes, neutron stars, and other cosmic phenomena.
Breaking Barriers in Every Role
Dr. Córdova has always been a first. She served as the first Hispanic woman to head the National Science Foundation, a position she held from 2014 to 2020. Under her leadership, NSF invested billions into science and engineering research across the United States. She also served as president of Purdue University and as chancellor of the University of California, Riverside—consistently breaking ground as a woman and a Latina in academic leadership.
Advocate for Equity and Inclusion
What sets Dr. Córdova apart is not just her brilliance in science but her unwavering advocacy for inclusivity. Throughout her career, she has pushed for more women and minorities to enter and thrive in STEM fields. She believes in creating environments where all voices are heard—and where girls can see themselves as scientists, engineers, and explorers.
Why She Inspires Us
Dr. France A. Córdova proves that you don’t need to choose between scientific excellence and social impact—you can lead with both. Her legacy is written not only in the stars she studied but also in the pathways she cleared for others to rise.
At Women on the Rise, we celebrate women like Dr. Córdova—women who’ve reached great heights and still make time to lift others. Her story is a reminder that when women rise in STEM, we all rise.
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