Recognizing the Achievements of Dr. Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts

Floor Speech

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Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts who was recently recognized as the North American laureate of the 2025 L'Oreal-United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) For Women in Science International Awards.

Each year, the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards acknowledge five exceptional women from each of the world's major regions. Barbara was selected from an impressive pool of 466 nominees for her pioneering contributions in the realm of environmental science and atmospheric chemistry. On June 12, Barbara will join the additional four laureates at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France for an official recognition of her groundbreaking research.

Barbara embodies the very best of our community's values through not only her consistent dedication to better understanding the world around her, but also through her passion for preparing future generations of researchers as a professor within the University of California, Irvine's Department of Chemistry.

Barbara holds a bachelor's degree from Trent University, and both a master's and doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of California, Riverside. Barbara is a long-term resident of Big Bear Lake--and in her spare time--she enjoys observing Big Bear Lake's resident eagles, Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo.

Heather and I thank Barbara for her years of service and significant contributions to the scientific community. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Barbara on this monumental achievement.

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