[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 2006 BILL TALLMAN MEMORIAL WOMEN IN SCIENCE CONFERENCE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I rise 
to recognize the Bill Tallman Memorial Women in Science Conference, 
which is taking place in five communities across South Dakota from 
March 6th through April 28th. Since 2002, the Women in Science 
Conference has helped to increase interest in science and technological 
careers among young women in my State. This year's conference is named 
in honor of the event's distinguished founder, Bill Tallman, who 
unexpectedly passed away last October while helping with recovery 
efforts for victims of the devastating hurricanes that hit the gulf 
coast region.
  The cover of a recent Time magazine features a rather amusing photo 
of a child wearing a lab coat and oversized safety goggles, accompanied 
by the question, ``Is America Flunking Science?'' Though the image is 
meant to provoke a laugh, its associated question is anything but 
humorous. By a number of measures, our country is losing the 
competitive edge in scientific and technological fields that has for 
decades been a key driver of our economy. At a national level, one of 
the factors that undoubtedly contributes to this unfortunate trend is a 
failure to adequately engage young women in scientific pursuits. It is 
discouraging to think of how many important discoveries were never made 
because of our failure to cultivate young female researchers.
  In my view, the Women in Science Conference in South Dakota is a 
shining example of what we as a nation need more of to retain and 
enhance our superiority in science and technology. The conference 
provides young women in South Dakota with first-hand exposure to women 
who are leading important scientific work. These distinguished 
individuals share the rewards and challenges of their work in vivid, 
concrete terms, and serve as role models for young women who may not 
have previously considered a career in science.
  The Women in Science Conference is a product of a partnership between 
several forward-thinking entities, including the National Weather 
Service, and several nonprofit and private-sector sponsors. Without 
their contributions, this valuable event would not be possible.
  It is a fitting tribute to Bill Tallman that this year's event should 
be named in his honor. Bill not only recognized the need for an 
important event like this, he actually made it happen. I know it was 
one of his proudest achievements, and I congratulate everyone who 
participates in the Women in Science Conference for helping to carry on 
his vision. Bill began his career by engaging young minds as a high 
school math teacher, and then served his country during a 20-year 
career as a meteorologist with the U.S. Air Force. Next he joined the 
National Weather Service, and was eventually asked to lead its 
Aberdeen, SD, office. At a time of national tragedy, few were surprised 
at Bill's willingness to serve again by leaving home to help those who 
had suffered through the devastating hurricanes that hit the gulf coast 
in 2005.
  Bill Tallman's presence will be sorely missed by all the people whose 
lives he touched. It is my distinct pleasure to honor his life and 
legacy by recognizing the Bill Tallman Memorial Women in Science 
Conference today in the Senate.

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