[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5303-S5304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO REGAN MURRAY

  Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize another of our 
Nation's great Federal employees. Americans continue to watch closely 
the efforts in the Gulf of Mexico to clean up the worst oilspill in our 
Nation's history. That oilspill has been a reminder to all of us just 
how important clean water is for wildlife, businesses, and our food 
supply.
  The Federal employee I have chosen to honor today designed innovative 
software to identify risks and solutions to possible attacks against 
our Nation's water supply.
  Dr. Regan Murray is a native of Cincinnati, OH. She holds a 
bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College and a Ph.D. in applied 
mathematics from the University of Arizona. After completing her 
doctorate, she worked in the private sector but soon realized she 
wanted to make a difference by serving her country.
  Then came the attacks of September 11. Shortly after that tragic day, 
Regan started working at the Environmental Protection Agency as a 
mathematical statistician.
  Looking back at her decision to pursue public service, Regan said:

       I wanted to do more meaningful work that directly impacted 
     people's lives.

  Regan was instrumental in leading the development team for new 
software that identifies security vulnerabilities in our water supply 
and helps devise solutions to make it safer. One of these programs, 
TEVA-SPOT, helps find the best locations in water utility distribution 
systems in which to install sensors. Another, called CANARY, is a real-
time data analysis program to monitor the sensors and identify 
contaminants.
  Regan attributes her success to a strong background in mathematics. 
She has said:

       Math is the language of science, which is perfect when 
     leading an interdisciplinary group of researchers.

  I have spoken often on this floor about the desirability of more of 
our students, especially women, to consider careers in the fields of 
science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM. Regan is a 
wonderful example of how someone who studies mathematics can make a 
real and important difference.
  Her story, though, does not end with her success in developing these 
software programs. Regan also worked hard to build and maintain 
important relationships with water utilities in order to ensure that 
these programs would be put to use.

[[Page S5304]]

  Furthermore, despite her long hours of work for the agency, Regan 
cofounded a nonprofit that focuses on improving the lives of children 
affected by HIV-AIDS and poverty in Africa. She visits Zambia annually 
and has raised thousands of dollars to benefit the schools there.
  Outstanding government employees such as Dr. Regan Murray are making 
a difference each and every day. So many of them also serve as 
volunteers in their communities and around the world.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in thanking Dr. Regan Murray and 
all those working at the Environmental Protection Agency for their hard 
work and dedicated service on behalf of the American people. They are 
all truly great Federal employees.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant editor of the Daily Digest proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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