[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H10125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING DARREN ZHU FOR BECOMING A DAVIDSON FELLOW

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, today I had the privilege to meet Darren 
Zhu, an exceptional student from North Carolina's Fifth Congressional 
District who is a freshman at Yale University. Darren is in Washington 
today to receive a prestigious scholarship from the Davidson Institute 
for Talent and Development.
  At the age of 17, he has already made impressive contributions to his 
community and in the fields of science and math. Darren is a resident 
of Winston-Salem and a 2009 graduate of the North Carolina School of 
Science and Mathematics, where he pursued his interests and developed 
his skills in math and science.
  After meeting him today, I understand why he was honored as a 
Davidson Fellow by the institute. The project that helped him win this 
scholarship award struck me as the sort of work you would find graduate 
students doing. In his research, he worked to develop more efficient 
data storage technology by exploring nanofabrication methods for 
spintronics, which are a type of powerful electronics. I'm told that 
his work has applications in the nanotech industry, especially in the 
field of nanolithography.
  The scholarship he won comes from the Davidson Institute. I would be 
remiss if I didn't highlight their program, the Davidson Fellows 
program that recognizes the accomplishment of gifted students like 
Darren.
  The Davidson Institute seeks to nurture and support extremely gifted 
young people through its many programs and scholarships. The Davidson 
Fellow Scholarship that Darren received recognizes students under the 
age of 18 for making significant contributions to society in either 
science, technology, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy, or any 
other graduate-level work considered outside the box. Since 2001, the 
institute has awarded $3.1 million in scholarships to 127 students.
  The institute also runs a public school in Nevada for profoundly 
gifted middle and high school students. In addition, the institute 
provides a wealth of resources for teachers and parents of highly 
gifted students. This organization is to be commended for its strong 
commitment to helping our Nation steward one of our most precious 
resources, our young people.
  I congratulate Darren Zhu for the amazing work that helped him win 
this important scholarship from the Davidson Institute. I look forward 
to hearing how he continues to develop his gifts as he pursues his 
college education.

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