[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2484]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


      HONORING DR. USHA VARANASI ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer special recognition 
to my constituent, Doctor Usha Varanasi, on the occasion of her 
retirement as the Science and Research Director of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration's Northwest Fisheries Science Center, a 
position Dr. Varanasi has held since 1994, when she became the first 
woman to lead a National Marine Fisheries Service Science Center.
  During Dr. Varanasi's 35 years of federal service as a research 
chemist and marine scientist, the Northwest Fisheries Science Center 
has made potent advances in the fields of ecotoxicology, molecular 
biology, genetics, and microbiology. Dr. Varanasi's multidisciplinary 
approach has produced innovative research and established the Center as 
a high-performing and internationally-renowned research institution. 
Throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Varanasi has furthered science 
and technology essential to wise fisheries management and marine 
resource preservation.
  Dr. Varanasi began her career at NOAA pursuing breakthrough research 
on the effects of chemical contamination on marine organisms. Dr. 
Varanasi's research revolutionized the field. Her work led to the 
development of techniques to assess the impacts of oil-related 
pollution on fisheries resources. As a result, Dr. Varanasi and her 
team provided invaluable seafood safety evaluation during the Exxon 
Valdez oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, and the Deepwater Horizon oil 
spill.
  Dr. Varanasi's research is recognized nationally and internationally. 
She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles in journals 
including Nature and Science. She has edited two acclaimed books and 
her seafood safety editorial, The Seafood ``Dilemma''--A Way Forward, 
has influenced policymakers broadly.
  Dr. Varanasi's ongoing efforts have ensured that the Center's science 
is of the highest quality, providing the scientific underpinning for 
complex decisions that guide management of the Nation's marine 
resources. From careful monitoring of the West Coast ground fishery, to 
salmon recovery, to protection of the endangered Southern Resident 
Killer Whales, and, finally, to crucial regional ocean governance 
structures, Dr. Varanasi has led the way. Her foresight and dedication 
have made possible new collaborations and effective partnerships that 
changed the way we approach fisheries management and marine resources 
preservation.
  A generous colleague and mentor, Dr. Varanasi has served for many 
years on the faculties of Seattle University and the University of 
Washington. She has been instrumental in helping countless students to 
understand that the wisest policies come from the best science.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Varanasi's remarkable career has advanced 
substantially our understanding of marine life and its vital 
connections to our own existence. Her legacy of leadership and 
breakthrough research will inspire students, scientists, researchers, 
and policymakers for decades. I extend to Dr. Varanasi my 
congratulations on her outstanding achievements, my appreciation for 
her many years of exceptional public service, and my best wishes for 
her future endeavors.

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