[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          RECOGNIZING SCRIPPS VICE CHANCELLOR MARGARET LEINEN

  (Mr. Peters of California was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Margaret 
Leinen, who is stepping down as director of Scripps Institution of 
Oceanography and vice chancellor for marine science at the University 
of California San Diego.
  The Scripps Institution of Oceanography works to study and find 
solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges, such as the 
relationship among our oceans, climate change, and human health.
  Under Dr. Leinen's leadership, Scripps grew its degree programs and 
student enrollment, doubled its sponsored research and philanthropic 
funding, and furthered UC San Diego's reputation as one of the 
prestigious research institutions on the world stage.
  Dr. Leinen has shaped our ocean and climate research. She oversaw the 
commissioning of state-of-the-art research vessels, the opening of 
multiple new facilities, and fostered Scripps' relationship with San 
Diego's developing blue economy industry.
  Dr. Leinen has also served as the U.S. Department of State's science 
envoy for the oceans to Latin America and the Pacific and as assistant 
director for geosciences at the National Science Foundation. I have 
enjoyed working with her and learning from her at the U.N. climate 
change conferences, or COP.
  Dr. Leinen's work has left an extraordinary mark on oceanography. I 
thank Dr. Margaret Leinen for her service. Along with all of San Diego, 
I wish her the best in her retirement.


                    Recognizing Dr. Alessandro Sette

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent of 
mine, Dr. Alessandro Sette, for being awarded the Order of Merit of the 
Italian Republic and being granted the status of knight, or Cavaliere 
dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia, for his exceptional work in 
immunology. He was previously elected fellow of the American 
Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of 
Microbiology.
  Dr. Sette is a professor at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in 
the centers for autoimmunity and inflammation, infectious disease, and 
vaccine research. He has dedicated his career to understanding our 
body's immune system and developing interventions against cancer, 
autoimmunity, allergies, and infectious diseases. His laboratory works 
to understand scientific structures called epitopes that the immune 
system recognizes in diseases, and he uses this knowledge to improve 
our immune responses.
  Dr. Sette's research led to the creation of the Immune Epitope 
Database, which is a vital source of experimental data on antibody and 
T cell responses. Dr. Sette's research revealed how T cells can fight 
pathogens like tuberculosis, dengue, SARS-CoV-2, pertussis, and the 
virus that causes Mpox.
  Dr. Sette and the La Jolla Institute team were the first in the world 
to publish a detailed analysis of our immune system's response to the 
coronavirus. Their research exemplifies San Diego's role in developing 
the cures and treatments of tomorrow.
  I congratulate Dr. Alessandro Sette on his achievements and on this 
most recent distinct honor of being knighted by the Italian Republic.


                      Recognizing Dr. Shane Crotty

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable 
Shane Crotty, a San Diegan and world-renowned immunologist whose work 
has transformed our understanding of the human immune system.
  Dr. Crotty's groundbreaking research into the body's response to 
virus was not only vital to the global fight against COVID-19 but also 
to the advancement of vaccines and treatments for a wide range of 
infectious diseases.
  In recognition of Dr. Crotty's enduring contributions to research on 
the immune system, he was recently elected to the American Academy of 
Arts and Sciences. This honor is a testimony to the value of his 
scientific contributions and to the curiosity, integrity, and 
commitment to public service that define his work.
  At a time when public trust in science is more important than ever, 
Dr. Crotty stands as a beacon of integrity, innovation, and hope. His 
tireless pursuit of knowledge continues to save lives and will inspire 
future generations of researchers.
  I am grateful for his leadership and proud to honor his legacy, and I 
thank Dr. Crotty.

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