[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 82 (Friday, May 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. TERESA WOODRUFF

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the extraordinary 
contributions of Dr. Teresa Woodruff--a pioneering scientist and 
esteemed academic leader. Throughout her career, Dr. Woodruff has 
earned recognition for groundbreaking research in the fields of ovarian 
biology and reproductive science. She has also provided compassionate 
leadership during a tumultuous period at Michigan State University when 
the campus needed her most.
  From her days as a graduate student at Northwestern University to her 
tenure as Provost and interim President at Michigan State University, 
Dr. Woodruff has dedicated herself to bettering the lives of others 
through her medical research and leadership.
  Her trailblazing work in the field of oncofertility, a term she 
coined in 2006 merging the fields of oncology and fertility, has 
revolutionized cancer care. She has led efforts to improve reproductive 
care and to address the complex reproductive health needs and quality-
of-life issues of cancer survivors whose fertility may be threatened by 
their disease or its treatment.
  Dr. Woodruff has been a passionate advocate for women in STEM, 
dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and gender equity. Among 
her many initiatives to address the attrition of women from scientific 
careers and promote sex inclusion in biomedical research, she created 
the Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls & Beyond to 
provide science education programs to high school female students in 
Chicago Public Schools.
  Her commitment to mentorship and equity and her many contributions to 
science have earned her numerous awards and honors. She is an elected 
fellow of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Association 
for the Advancement of Science, and other prestigious organizations. In 
2011, Dr. Woodruff was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in 
Science Mentoring by President Barack Obama. More recently in 2021, she 
was the recipient of the Endocrine Society's Laureate Award for her 
achievements in endocrinology.
  In August 2020, Dr. Woodruff joined Michigan State University as 
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, and was 
named interim President of the university in November 2022. During her 
time leading this global research institution, she demonstrated her 
steadfast commitment to the students and faculty under her care. She 
showed exceptional leadership and resilience in the face of adversity, 
guiding the university through challenging times including a tragic 
mass shooting incident on campus that took the lives of three students 
and injured five others on February 13, 2023.
  In the wake of the shooting that shook the community, Dr. Woodruff 
stressed the importance of supporting and caring for the families and 
students affected by the shooting. She provided a steadying presence 
and a listening ear to students. She partnered with students, faculty, 
staff, and community members in recognizing the anniversary of the 
incident and in the planning of a permanent memorial that will serve as 
a space for reflection, honoring, and remembering.
  As Dr. Woodruff transitions to her role as MSU Foundation Professor 
in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, 
and the Department of Biomedical Engineering to resume her research, I 
have no doubt that she will continue to support and empower students in 
the Spartan community and beyond. It is with profound gratitude that I 
honor Dr. Woodruff's incredible leadership and achievements.

                          ____________________