Trump tabs ASU executive for National Science Foundation director gig

PHOENIX — President Donald J. Trump announced plans this week to nominate an Arizona State University executive as director of the National Science Foundation.

Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise Development, is Trump’s choice to succeed France Córdova, whose six-year term ends in 2020.

“Panch has the character and knowledge that make him an ideal fit for the job,” Córdova said in a press release Thursday. “As my own term draws to a close, I am heartened at the idea of Panch as my successor.”

Panchanathan would have to be confirmed to the NSF director position by the Senate.

He has served on the National Science Board, which sets NSF policy and advises the agency and the president, since 2014.

Panchanathan leads the initiative to advance research, innovation and economic development at ASU, which has been named the nation’s most innovative university by U.S. News and World Report for five consecutive years.

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