Richard E. Berendzen

Richard E. Berendzen (born in Walters, Oklahoma, in 1938) is an American scientist.

Berendzen received a BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and MA and Ph.D degrees from Harvard University in 1967. He served as Carl Sagan's teaching assistant. He also has been awarded seven honorary doctorate degrees.

Berendzen believes that science fact, if presented well, can be far more engaging than science fiction. He is a proponent of the scientific search for extraterrestrial life (SETI). He feels that there is a tremendous need to make more people aware of the difference between real science and blatant pseudo-science. Also, he is active in efforts to increase educational opportunities for girls and minorities, especially to educate them better in science and technology.

Joining the physics and astronomy faculty at Boston University, he became astronomy department chairman in 1971. Two years later he spent his sabbatical leave doing research at the National Academy of Sciences, American Council on Education, and Library of Congress.

In 1974 Berendzen went to American University, Washington, D.C., as a professor and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He then became the university provost, the chief academic officer. In 1980 Berendzen became AU's eleventh president.

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