Biography
Dr. Fathima Ameena Nalim
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow
Office of the Assistant Director
Directorate for STEM Education
Class of 2023-2025
Dr. Fathima Ameena Nalim is honored to be serving as a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow for STEM Education and Evaluation at the United States National Science Foundation’s Office of the Assistant Director in the Directorate for STEM Education. Nalim brings decades of scientific research, teaching, and service experiences and is excited to work cross-Directorate on policy development for STEM education, evaluation, monitoring, and data analytics. She has applied her scientific expertise in low- and middle-income countries and at several leading academic, research, industry, and government institutions across the United States, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Pharmacopeia, Georgetown University, the National Opinion Research Center, and the Maryland Department of Health.
Nalim has received awards for academic and leadership excellence and was one of 10 scholars selected by Cornell University to receive a full scholarship to obtain a bachelor’s degree. She earned a master’s degree in molecular plant pathology from Texas A&M University, a PhD in molecular phylogenetics of fungal pathogens from Pennsylvania State University, and a master’s degree in global public health from Emory University. Nalim is an award-winning communicator and has published her research in peer-reviewed journals. She is passionate about making higher education more accessible for all and has furthered STEM education for underserved minorities. Outside of work, she continues to support informal educational activities at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.