[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 80 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING PROFESSOR FRANCISCO J. AYALA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 17, 2002

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Francisco J. 
Ayala, Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of 
Philosophy at the University of California, Irvine. Today, President 
Bush will present Professor Ayala the National Medal of Science, the 
highest honor for scientific achievement in the United States.
  Professor Ayala was bom in Madrid, Spain in 1934, and moved to the 
United States in 1961. Three years later, he received a Doctorate of 
Philosophy from Columbia University. Since this time, he has served on 
the faculties of several universities across the country, published 
over 750 articles, and written or edited 15 books. From 1994 to 2001, 
he served his country on the President's Committee of Advisors on 
Science and Technology. He has been a member of the faculty at the 
University of California, Irvine since 1987, and it has been my 
pleasure to represent him in Congress for the last 14 years.
  Professor Ayala's discoveries have revolutionized the study of 
evolution by applying new techniques to the investigation of the 
evolutionary process. He has also made landmark advances in the 
treatment and prevention of worldwide diseases that have afflicted 
millions, including Chagas' disease and malaria. Professor Ayala's 
advances are helping the medical profession eradicate diseases that 
have devastated communities in developing countries for centuries.
  Professor Ayala will continue to serve mankind by selflessly lending 
his time and effort as a scientist to the war against disease, and as a 
teacher at University of California, Irvine. The national recognition 
of his outstanding work is a special honor for UCI, as well: Professor 
Ayala is the UCI's second recipient of this award. On behalf of the 
United States House of Representatives, and all of the people of Orange 
County whom I am privileged to represent, I congratulate Professor 
Ayala on his lifetime of achievements in the field of evolutionary 
biology.

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