Heroes and Cultural Identity Project

SCE Heroes - Dr Usha Varanasi

Science Hero: USHA VARANASI

by Ankit Patel

FIRST WOMAN OF FISH SCIENCE

Dr. Usha Varanasi
Science and Research Director
National Marine Fisheries Service Centre (NWFSC) in Seattle, Washington, part of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Dr. Varanasi has held this position since 1994, when she became the first woman to lead one of the Fisheries Science Centers.
Education: Ph. D. (University of Washington) 1968
Research Areas: Impact of Anthropogenic/environmental factors on marine ecosystems
Specialty: Chemistry in Biological systems
Birthplace: Bassien, Burma

Dr. Varanasi has served as the Center's Science and Research Director since 1994. In this position, she oversees more than 300 scientists and staff at the Center's headquarters in Seattle and its five research stations in Washington and Oregon to ensure that the Center provides the best scientific information to support critical management decisions regarding the Pacific Northwest's living marine resources. Dr. Varanasi serves on many expert committees and scientific boards. She is deeply committed to the open communication of science to diverse constituents, the education of students in the sciences, and the mentoring of young leaders.

An honor guard salutes Varanasi during a processional for dignitaries at festivities celebrating Seattle's annual Opening Day of boating season.

Dr. Varanasi worked for the Oceanic Institute of Hawaii and Seattle University, where she studied marine mammals to understand how they process sound biochemically. After joining the Center, Dr. Varanasi's research focused on uptake, metabolism, and biochemical effects of chemical contaminants on marine organisms. Her research resulted in the development of technologies to reduce pollution impacts on fisheries resources and ensure that seafood was safe for human consumption. Dr. Varanasi's research has been successfully applied during major oil spills, like the Exxon Valdez. As a researcher, she edited two books and published over 150 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Varanasi received her B.Sc degree from Bombay University in India, her M.S. degree from California Institute of Technology, and her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Washington, where she now holds an adjunct professorship. For her achievements, Dr. Varanasi was awarded the prestigious 2000 Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service, the Department of Commerce Gold Medal, the NOAA Distinguished Career Award, and an honorable mention as one of NOAA's History Makers.

Ankit Patel is a science student following a one year university access course in biological sciences.