[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 27, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E846-E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING DR. MIGUEL RIOS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 27, 2024

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, I commemorate 
the passing of a beloved force in New Mexico, Dr. Miguel Rios, Jr.
  Miguel's life was a remarkable journey of dedication and achievement. 
From his early days earning his Ph.D. in Experimental Nuclear Physics 
at the University of Maryland to founding ORION International 
Technologies, Inc. in Albuquerque, Miguel was a pioneer in his field. 
His tenure as president of ORION and his work at Sandia National 
Laboratories

[[Page E847]]

showcased his brilliance and unwavering commitment to advancing 
technology and science.
  In 1985, Miguel's expertise and leadership were further recognized 
when he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to serve as a member 
of the National Science Board for the National Science Foundation. This 
prestigious appointment underscored his significant contributions to 
the scientific community and his influence on national science policy.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Miguel's leadership at the 
National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR) in Santa Fe, where he 
served as Chairman of the Board and Interim President/CEO, was 
transformative. His work in bioinformatics and computational biology 
has left an important mark on the field, contributing to advancements 
that will benefit future generations.
  I was privileged to work alongside Miguel on the National Genome 
Resource Center, where his insights into the role of science in shaping 
New Mexico's economy were invaluable. His passion for both science and 
community was truly inspiring, and I learned so much from him.
  Miguel was not only a brilliant scientist and leader but also a 
loving husband, father, and grandfather. His deep love for his wife, 
Maria Estela de Rios, is legendary. I will always remember their smooth 
dancing to the tango, the cumbia, and other mainstays of his Latino 
cultural heritage. His love for his family (familia)--Miguel III, the 
late Benjamin Tomas, Eva Angelica, Magdalena Anastacia--and his 
grandchildren was evident in all he did.
  His family is in my thoughts and prayers. May Miguel's spirit 
continue to guide and watch over them. His passing is a profound loss 
not only to his family but also to the scientific community, to our 
civic community, and to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
  Miguel's legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

                          ____________________