CCST Recognizes Lisa A. Rossbacher (Cal Poly Humboldt) and Pramod Khargonekar (UC Irvine) for Years of Service on Board of Directors

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) announces that two members of its Board of Directors—Lisa A. Rossbacher and Pramod Khargonekar—have concluded their service. CCST extends its deep appreciation for their leadership, commitment, and exceptional contributions to advancing the organization’s mission of bringing sound science and technology advice to California policymakers.

Lisa A. Rossbacher, PhD, appointed to the CCST Board in 2015, brought decades of academic leadership to her role, including her tenure as President of Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University). An accomplished geologist, author, and academic administrator, Rossbacher earned her degrees from Dickinson College, the State University of New York at Binghamton, and Princeton University. She also became the first woman geologist to serve as a university president in North America. During her decade of service on the Board as its Vice Chair, Rossbacher strengthened CCST’s connections with the California State University and provided important leadership in the revamping of CCST’s governance processes.

Pramod Khargonekar, PhD, served on the CCST Board following his appointment in 2021. He is the former Vice Chancellor for Research and current Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. His research and leadership have spanned systems and control theory, machine learning, and applications to smart electric grids and manufacturing. Over a distinguished academic and policy career, Khargonekar has also served as Assistant Director for the Directorate of Engineering at the National Science Foundation and as Deputy Director of Technology at the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy. His strategic insight and experience strengthened CCST’s engagement on complex science and technology issues and helped deepen the organization’s connections with research and policy leaders across California and beyond.

“Lisa and Pramod have both made lasting contributions to the strength and impact of CCST,” said Peter Cowhey, Chair of the CCST Board of Directors. “Their vision, expertise, and steadfast commitment have helped shape our strategic direction and governance during pivotal moments for the organization. We are deeply grateful for their service and look forward to continuing to benefit from their insights as partners in the broader science and policy ecosystem.”

CCST thanks Rossbacher and Khargonekar for their many years of service and wishes them every success in their next chapters.

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About the California Council on Science and Technology
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers — ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation. Established via a unanimous vote of the Legislature in 1988, CCST has been making California’s policies stronger with science and technology for nearly 40 years.