The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Geosciences(GEO) has selected Kathryn Jablokow as Deputy Division Director forthe Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education (RISE).   

Prior to joining GEO, she served a 4-year rotation as Program Director for the Engineering Design and Systems Engineering Program, which is part of the Directorate for Engineering’s Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation Division.Jablokowwas a researcher, educator and administrator for Pennsylvania State University before joining NSF. 

“Dr. Jablokow is a skillful leader dedicated to advancing early career researchers and developing innovative approaches to addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in science and engineering fields,” said Tim Patten, the Deputy Assistant Director for GEO. “She will be an integral part of RISE’s mission to promote transdisciplinary collaborations that engage the broader geosciences community.”  

Jablokow earned her doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Ohio State University. She received the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society World-Cass Engineering Faculty Award in 2018 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers(ASME) Ruth and Joel Spira Outstanding Design Educator Award in 2016. She was elected a fellow of the ASME in 2008. 

With Jablokow’s appointment, Daniel Thornhill will step down as Acting Deputy Division Director and return to his role as a Program Director for the Biological Oceanography Program in the Division of Ocean Sciences