[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E218-E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY'S GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DISCOVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2016

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, our understanding of the 
universe leapt forward when gravitational waves were first detected. I 
rise today to recognize that

[[Page E219]]

achievement and honor six researchers from the Rochester Institute of 
Technology (RIT) who were part of one of the most significant 
scientific discoveries in a century.
   While hundreds of scientists worked together to make this discovery, 
I am especially proud of the researchers from RIT--James Healy, Jacob 
Lang, Carlos Lousto, Richard O'Shaughnessy, John Whelan, and Zhang 
Yuanhao. All of these researchers are members of RIT's Center for 
Computational Relativity and Gravitation, which is led by Manuela 
Campanelli. Her team was one of the first groups to initially solve 
Albert Einstein's strong field equations describing black hole mergers. 
Because of this legacy, it is fitting that the recent discovery helps 
further confirm Einstein's general theory of relativity.
   As the only microbiologist in Congress, I know that every scientist 
hopes to have their predictions verified by direct observation. I also 
know that this is relatively rare, so I stand in awe of this RIT team 
that accurately modeled the merger of two black holes and predicted the 
gravitational waves that were detected. This monumental achievement 
marks yet another chapter in Rochester's rich history as a center of 
scientific innovation and discovery.
   Rochester has helped pioneer important research and develop 
innovative products such as the Kodak Brownie camera, the Norden 
bombsight, and myriad high-powered lasers. Established in 1829, RIT has 
not only played a critical role in Rochester's past, it continues to 
ensure that Rochester remains a global center of excellence. RIT makes 
invaluable scientific contributions to the research community, but it 
is also a cornerstone of the Rochester community and helps provide 
local businesses with the talent they need to flourish.
   Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this discovery is that 
it allows us to pose new questions and push the bounds of our 
collective knowledge. There's no doubt in my mind that RIT will play an 
essential role in these forthcoming discoveries, and I am proud that 
millions of people will continue learning about the world around us 
thanks to the contributions of researchers like Dr. Campanelli and the 
other members of her team.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding all of the 
individuals who helped contribute to this monumental discovery and 
especially the six researchers from RIT. These Rochesterians have 
helped fundamentally change our understanding of the world, and I am 
proud to support their work in Congress.

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