INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LEADER TO SPEAK AT OTTERBEIN COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT
Jeff Wadsworth

COLUMBUS, Ohio— One of the world’s top scientific research and technology development leaders will address the 2010 graduating class of Otterbein College at its commencement, beginning at noon on June 13 in the Rike Center on the Westerville main campus.

 

Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth is President and Chief Executive Officer of Battelle, the world’s largest independent scientific research and technology development organization which conducts $5.6 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. One of Battelle’s founding purposes is the advancement of education, which the organization supports through its national advocacy of STEM education.

 

“Otterbein is honored to welcome Dr. Wadsworth to our campus and to our 153rd Commencement ceremony,” said Dr. Kathy Krendl, President of Otterbein College. “Battelle’s commitment to improving teaching and learning, particularly in the STEM areas, has advanced research and innovation in education, just as their researchers have brought innovation to the study of energy and health and life sciences. Our shared commitment to advancing knowledge and improving learning has served as the foundation of the relationship between Otterbein and Battelle, which dates back to 1973."

 

A native of the United Kingdom, Dr. Wadsworth came to the United States in 1976 and has worked at Stanford University, Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He joined Battelle in 2002 and served as a member of the White House Transition Planning Office for the United States Department of Homeland Security.

 

From 2003 to 2007, Dr. Wadsworth was Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the United States Department of Energy’s largest multipurpose science laboratory. Dr. Wadsworth presided over Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s emergence as the world’s leader in neutron science, nanoscience, and high-performance computing. In 2008, he managed all of Battelle’s global lab business and science and technology investments.

 

Since becoming Battelle’s leader in 2009, Dr. Wadsworth has shepherded the investment of $200 million in Central Ohio to build Battelle’s biomedical research capacity. He also has supervised its procurement and retention of contracts to manage seven of the United State’s leading scientific laboratories and the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory. Additionally, he has strengthened the Battelle strategy and efforts to address the nation’s health and life sciences, energy, and national security needs. Dr. Wadsworth also has expanded Battelle’s interest in enhancing primary and secondary education research through Battelle’s work in advocating STEM nationally. Battelle is involved in STEM education initiatives in more than four states. In March, Dr. Wadsworth spoke before Congress in support of the importance of STEM education in all American schools.

 

Dr. Wadsworth has authored nearly 300 scientific papers, one book, and holds four U.S. patents. His professional recognitions include two honorary professorships from Chinese universities and election to the rank of Fellow of three technical societies. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2005.

 

Dr. Wadsworth has bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in metallurgy from Sheffield University in England. His interest in metallurgy led him into insights and, eventually, to the secret of how the famed Damascus steel swords were forged. He continues his research interest in the history of metallurgy and in collecting and carbon dating ancient blades and other artifacts.

 

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a nuclear energy lab in the United Kingdom.

 

OTTERBEIN COLLEGE is a private, co-educational, comprehensive liberal arts institution founded in 1847 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus that is ranked 15th on Money Magazine’s 2009 list of Best Places to Live. Otterbein enrolls over 3,100 students, including full and part-time undergraduates and students enrolled in the Graduate School and the Center for Continuing Studies. Otterbein offers 56 majors, as well as individualized fields of study. Master’s degree programs are offered in education, nursing and business administration. Accredited since 1913 by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Otterbein has consistently placed high among peer institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s “Guide to America’s Best Colleges” for over a decade. Otterbein is currently ranked 14th among its 146 peers in the University-Master’s (Midwest) category. The College will change its name to Otterbein University in fall 2010. Otterbein is online at www.otterbein.edu.

 

Media contacts: 

Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208, delaneyk@battelle.org, or

T.R. Massey at (614) 424-5544, masseytr@battelle.org.