[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 149 (Friday, October 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE SELECTION OF DR. PAUL L. MODRICH AS A RECIPIENT OF THE 2015 NOBEL 
                           PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY

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                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 2015

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate 
Dr. Paul L. Modrich, James B. Duke Professor of Biochemistry at Duke 
University, on winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
  As a young man growing up in a small town in northern New Mexico, Dr. 
Modrich was instilled with a curiosity and love of the natural world. 
When he was a junior in high school, Dr. Modrich's father who taught 
high school biology, sparked his curiosity in science by suggesting 
that he learn more about DNA.
  Dr. Modrich went on to attend the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology (MIT) where he received his undergraduate degree in 1968. It 
was at MIT while working in a lab that studied the genetics of viruses 
that infect bacteria, that he became interested in molecular genetics. 
After MIT, Dr. Modrich matriculated at Stanford University where he 
obtained a Ph.D. in 1973.
  Since then, Dr. Modrich has spent his career studying how organisms 
prevent the occurrence of mutations in their genetic material. This 
research has led to discovering crucial insights into how a living cell 
functions, about the molecular causes of several hereditary diseases, 
and about mechanisms behind cancer development. This research has also 
contributed to better understanding exactly how DNA is damaged and has 
led to advancements in cancer treatments.
  The 114-year-old Nobel award, regarded as the most prestigious prize 
for chemistry research, is given to recipients whose discoveries have 
conferred the greatest benefit to mankind. In his current post as a 
Professor of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute 
Investigator at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Dr. Modrich 
continues a life of service through research that has improved the 
lives of individuals.
  Dr. Modrich believes in and is a testament to the importance of 
curiosity-based research. He has demonstrated time and again that basic 
research leads to unanticipated results which have value for saving and 
improving the quality of lives.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Modrich has spent his career on the forefront of 
groundbreaking research that will surely continue to benefit health 
outcomes for all people. I am so pleased that he is being recognized 
for his truly amazing work. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Dr. Paul L. Modrich for winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in 
Chemistry.

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