[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. MICHAEL POSNER

 Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Dr. Michael 
Posner, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, Institute of 
Cognitive and Decision Sciences at the University of Oregon. Dr. 
Michael Posner is one of nine scientists awarded the prestigious 
National Medal of Science award this year by President Barack Obama.
  Dr. Posner received both his bachelor's degree in physics and his 
master's degree in psychology from the University of Washington in 
Seattle. In 1962, he received his doctorate in psychology from the 
University of Michigan. Dr. Posner joined the University of Oregon in 
1965 and ever since has inspired students and impressed colleagues.
  Dr. Posner is a pioneer in the field of cognitive science and 
neuroscience and has won numerous awards. His groundbreaking research 
on brain development and how the brain processes thought have been 
recognized by numerous organizations such as the American Psychological 
Association and the National Academy of Sciences.
  Dr. Posner has dedicated his career to researching how the brain 
functions and most recently, on attentional networks in children and 
infants. He has made invaluable contributions to our medical, 
educational, and scientific communities. I am proud that Dr. Posner's 
groundbreaking work at the University of Oregon is helping put our 
State at the forefront of developing innovative medical and scientific 
research.
  I encourage my fellow Oregonians to join me in celebrating the 
innovative spirit of Dr. Posner and the entire University of Oregon 
faculty for their cutting-edge scientific research. Generations of 
Americans are in debt to Dr. Posner for his breakthroughs that have 
improved their lives. This recognition for his lifetime of achievement 
is well-earned. I hope that his example can inspire our State and our 
Nation to renew our commitment to education and academic 
research.

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