BA, Philosophy and Anthropology, State University of New York; MA and PhD, Anthropology, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Fellow, University of Chicago. Cultural anthropologist. Formerly with: Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. 1976, first joined the Smithsonian; former Director, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage; produced public living cultural expositions such as on the Silk Road, Tibetan diaspora, Musics of Struggle and presidential inaugurals, the openings of monuments and museums. Formerly, Undersecretary of the Smithsonian overseeing national museums and scientific research institutes; currently, Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador at Large, overseeing cultural heritage and special projects, particularly collaborative efforts to save heritage endangered by human conflict and natural disaster. Liaison: White House Historical Association; President’s Committee for the Arts and the Humanities; Member: ALIPH Foundation board, Frost Science Board, National History Day Board; Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Senior Fellow: Atlantic Council; Former Member: U.S. Commission, UNESCO; Visiting Committee, Social Sciences, University of Chicago. Author of six books, including “The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects”, and more than 100 scholarly articles and chapters. Presenter at universities and museums worldwide. Recipient, Smithsonian Secretary's Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. Expertise: India, Pakistan, cultural policy and museology, safeguarding of cultural heritage.