Recognizing Scripps Vice Chancellor Margaret Leinen

Floor Speech

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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

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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

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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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