Frances Colón

Frances Colón is an American science diplomat and environmental policy expert most notably having served at the United States Department of State between September 2008 and January 2017. In her work, she promotes the integration of science and technology into foreign policy dialogues; global scientific engagement for capacity-building; the advancement of women in STEM; and the use of innovation as a tool for economic growth around the world.

Since 2021, she has been a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).

Early life and education Dr. Colón grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico and earned her B.S. in biology in 1997 from the University of Puerto Rico. She went on to earn her doctorate in developmental neurobiology at Brandeis University in 2004.

Career Science diplomacy career She served nearly five years as deputy science and technology adviser to the Secretary of State (2012–2017). In that role, she became the highest-ranking Hispanic scientist at the State Department. Prior to this role, she had been an adviser on science and the environment for the Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department and served as acting science and technology adviser to Secretary of State John Kerry.

Science advocacy efforts Colón is also an outspoken advocate for women and girls to pursue careers in science.