[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PROFESSOR MARGARET MURNANE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2000

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today I honor one of my 
constituents, Margaret Murnane, who is a physicist at the University of 
Colorado at Boulder. This week Professor Murnane received a ``genius'' 
award from the MacArthur Foundation for her work in optical physics. 
She is one of just twenty-five Americans named as MacArthur fellows 
this year.
  Professor Murnane has developed a camera-like laser that emits pulses 
of red light. Applications of this laser technology range from laser 
surgery to monitoring water content in cooking. Additionally, this 
laser can aid scientists visualize processes that are too fast for the 
human eye to detect, such as chlorophyll harvesting sunlight, which is 
a process in plant growth.
  When she was a child, her father used to give her math puzzles to 
solve. Without a doubt, this practice contributed to her passion for 
science. This shows what a little parental involvement can do to 
further the development of a child's mind.
  Professor Murnane's contributions to science, education and 
technology will have a large impact on our society for years to come. I 
am pleased to honor her today for her accomplishments.

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