[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 138 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1339-E1340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING KENT STATE UNIVERSITY'S LIQUID CRYSTAL INSTITUTE'S 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2015

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an Ohio 
institution that has made scientific and technological strides that 
have had an impact on every single one of our lives. The Glenn H. Brown 
Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio 
celebrates its 50th anniversary this month after decades of scientific 
advancement in the development of liquid crystal technology that is 
used in devices like flat screen TVs and mobile devices.
   The Kent State University Board of Trustees authorized the creation 
of the Liquid Crystal Institute in 1965, subsequently garnering grants 
from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science 
Foundation, and agencies of the U.S. defense sector. Glenn Brown, a 
Chemistry professor at the University since 1961, served as the 
Institute's director until his retirement in 1983. Under the direction 
of Director Dr. Hiroshi Yokoyama, the Institute continues its tradition 
of scientific excellence.

[[Page E1340]]

   Innovations that grew from scientific endeavors at the Liquid 
Crystal Institute have fundamentally changed our modern life, like the 
invention of the twisted nematic cell, the heart of modern Liquid 
Crystal Displays. On Kent State University's campus, the Liquid Crystal 
and Materials Sciences building houses more than 25 individual labs and 
rooms for prototype development of new liquid crystal displays. There, 
the Institute is conducting groundbreaking research in advanced 
photonics, sensors, bio- and medical molecular devices, and materials 
for new energy applications. Recently, a team of scientists working 
with the Liquid Crystal Institute developed a heat-sensitive fabric to 
help diabetics detect harmful inflammation and infections.
   So this month we celebrate 50 years of innovation and research at 
the Liquid Crystal Institute of Kent State University and I know my 
colleagues join me in recognizing the importance of this great Ohio 
institution.

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