Bob Megginson, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Mathematics at the University of Michigan, has served on the MSRI Human Resources Advisory Committee for most of its existence, in 1993-99 (chair 1997-99), 2002-04 (ex officio), 2005-08, and 2010 through the present. He also currently serves on the Educational Advisory Committee and was an ex officio member at the time of its founding in 2003. He has also served on MSRI’s Board of Trustees (ex officio 1997-99 and elected 2000-04) and as Deputy Director 2002-04.

Trained as a functional analyst specializing in the geometry of Banach spaces, Bob has recently become interested in the contributions mathematicians can make to understanding climate change, particularly the impact it is having on indigenous populations. He recommends MSRI’s 2007 publication, "Mathematics of Climate Change," as a good place for mathematicians to look for ideas on how to make contributions in this important arena.

Recognitions for Bob’s work to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities in mathematics and other STEM fields have included the highest awards for professional service of the MAA and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Quality Education for Minorities Network’s Etta Zuber Falconer Award, and the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. He has been named to the Native American Science and Engineering Wall of Fame, maintained at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, and selected for inclusion in 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History (Bonnie Juettner, Bluewood Books, 2002). In 2010 he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and in 2012 to the inaugural list of Fellows of the American Mathematical Society. He currently serves on NSF's Congressionally-mandated Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering, the diversity advisory committee for NSF.