She is responsible for overseeing Drexel's research enterprise and guiding the University's continuing growth as a comprehensive research institution. Crawford provides senior leadership for the Office of Research, including offices of research administration, research compliance, and technology commercialisation.

Prior to joining Drexel in September 2010, Crawford was the assistant director for Computer & Information Science & Engineering at the National Science Foundation (NSF). A 17-year veteran of NSF, she led the creation and execution of a number of federal-wide and NSF initiatives, including the K-12 Math and Science Partnerships program, initiatives in high performance computing and large scale data management, the Science and Technology Centers program, and NSF's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

In 2006 and then again in 2010, she was recognised by the President of the United States for her contributions to science and science policy when she received Presidential Rank Awards.

"Dr. Crawford's experience in science, technology and academia make her a valuable addition to the University City Science Center's Board of Directors," says Science Center President & CEO Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D., MBA (right) . "We've already benefited from her participation on our Scientific Advisory Committee and look forward to her input and involvement in the Science Center's Board as well."