"My grandfather on my father’s side immigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century and placed tremendous emphasis on education, which both of my parents (my dad was a chemical engineer; my mom was a chemist) passed on to me and my family," says Jim Kurose, Assistant Director for the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering. Shown here: Kurose and his parents at his college graduation.

Credit: Jim Kurose

In graduate school at the University of Florida, Pramod Khargonekar was inspired by his mentor, engineer Rudolf E. Kálmán. Now, Khargonekar is Assistant Director of the NSF Directorate for Engineering. (Photo taken in Gainesville, Florida in 1981.)

Credit: Pramod Khargonekar

"I often say that GEO supports most of geosciences research in the university community that both protects and maintains the health of the planet (not just the U.S.) that we live on," says Roger Wakimoto, NSF Assistant Director for Geosciences. This photo shows Wakimoto as he conducts tornado research in the field.

Credit: UCAR