[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1348-E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO DR. C. KUMAR N. PATEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 1996

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding achievements of Dr. C. Kumar N. 
Patel, the vice chancellor of research and a professor of physics, 
chemistry, and electrical engineering at UCLA. Dr. Patel has been 
awarded the 1996 National Medal of Science, America's highest 
scientific honor, by President Clinton.
  The National Medal of Science recognizes Dr. Patel's leadership and 
innovative contributions to science for the betterment of society.

[[Page E1349]]

In announcing his selection, the White House noted Patel's invention of 
the carbon dioxide laser, which the White House described as a ``major 
scientific and technological breakthrough which continues to be an 
important tool in manufacturing, medical treatment, scientific 
investigations, and materials processing.''
  Dr. Patel, who holds 35 major scientific patents, came to UCLA after 
32 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories. Among his many achievements, he has 
made significant research contributions in the fields of gas lasers, 
nonlinear optics, molecular spectroscopy, pollution detection, and 
laser surgery. He maintains active research in the spectroscopy of 
highly transparent liquids and soils, and surgical, medical, and 
industrial applications of carbon dioxide and other high power gas 
lasers.
  After beginning his career at AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1961, Dr. 
Patel became head of the Bell Laboratories Infrared Physics and 
Electronics Research Department in 1967 and director of the Electronics 
Research Laboratory in 1970. He became director of the Physical 
Research Laboratory in 1976, and executive director of the Research, 
Physics, and Academic Affairs Division in 1981. In 1987, he became 
executive director of the Research, Materials Science, Engineering, and 
Academic Affairs Division. Dr. Patel came to UCLA in 1992 and was 
touted by the UCLA search committee as ``one of the most extraordinary 
scientists in America.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in 
congratulating Dr. Patel for his leadership and commitment to the 
advancement of science. It is only fitting that the House pay tribute 
to this outstanding National Medal of Science recipient.

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