Inés Cifuentes

Inés Lucia Cifuentes (April 26, 1954 – December 16, 2013) was an English-born American seismologist and educator. From 1994 to 2005, she was director of the Carnegie Academy for Science Education (CASE). While growing up, she lived in Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay and Guatemala. It was during her stay in Chile where she discovered her passion for science. In 1960, a deadly earthquake shook Santiago, Chile, resulting in the death of 1000 people. It was from this moment on that Inés knew she wanted to be a seismologist.

Personal life Inés Cifuentes married Frank Aikman in 1983. The couple had two children: Benjamin C. Aikman and Julia N.Aikman.

Inés Cifuentes made an effort in the early 2000s to open a charter school to aid minority students. Unfortunately, she was unsuccessful in her efforts. Her plan was to set up a Jaime Escalante Public Charter School in Silver Spring in hopes in helping the SAT scores of minority students.

Cifuentes was also a board president of Casa de Maryland. This is an organization that focusing on the rights of immigrants. She additionally was a co-chairmen on the board of directors for the dance company Dance Exchange in Takoma Park.

Death She died of breast cancer at home in Takoma Park at the age of 59.