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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FLORIDA INVENTORS HALL OF FAME 2019 INDUCTEES
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HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the eight
inventors who have been recognized as the 2019 Inductees of the Florida
Inventors Hall of Fame. To be named as an Inductee, these inventors
were nominated by their peers nationwide and have undergone the
scrutiny of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Selection Committee. As
a result, their innovations have been identified as significantly
impacting the quality of life, economic development, and welfare of
their communities, the residents of Florida, and the United States.
The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 2013 by Paul R.
Sanberg, Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge
Enterprise, and Judy Genshaft, President, at the University of South
Florida. It was recognized by the Florida Senate with Senate Resolution
1756, adopted on April 30, 2014. Its mission is to encourage
individuals of all backgrounds to strive toward the betterment of
Florida and society through continuous, groundbreaking innovation by
celebrating the incredible scientific work that has been or is being
accomplished in Florida and by its citizens.
Nomination to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is open to all
Florida inventors (living or dead) who are or have been residents of
Florida. The nominee must be a named inventor on a patent issued by the
United States Patent and Trademark Office. The impact of the inventor
and his or her invention should be significant to society, and the
invention should have been commercialized, utilized, or led to
important innovations.
The 2019 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame are:
Michael Bass: Professor Emeritus at the University of Central Florida
selected for his significant inventions in optics and spectroscopy that
have optimized the use of lasers and optical systems, aiding in the
treatment of major diseases and improving the design of the world's
fiber optic communication system.
Joanna S. Fowler: Native Floridian, University of South Florida
alumni, and 2008 National Medal of Science recipient selected for her
transformative research that enabled the use of molecular imaging to
more accurately identify and treat illnesses ranging from drug
addiction to cancer.
Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000): Former Florida resident for nearly two
decades, Oscar-nominated actress, and 2014 National Inventors Hall of
Fame inductee selected for her ground breaking invention of the Secret
Communication System, which led to the creation of various technologies
used today to support Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth.
Thomas A. Lipo: Research Professor at the Florida State University
Center for Advanced Power Systems selected for his pioneering
innovations in the field of electrical machinery and power electronics
that improved the technology that runs subway cars as well as paved the
way for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Alan F. List: CEO and president of Moffitt Cancer Center selected for
his dedication to understanding cancer biology and developing novel
therapeutic strategies for treating hematologic malignancies such as
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelocytic leukemia (AML).
Chris A. Malachowsky: University of Florida alum selected for
inventing the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) that transformed the
visual computing industry, revolutionized high performance computing,
and opened the door to modern artificial intelligence.
Luther George Simjian (1905-1997): prolific inventor and founder of
Tampa based Reflectone, Inc, who developed the Optical Range Estimation
Trainer used during WWII, which became the standard for simulation
defense training, and for his many other inventions including his ATM
concept that revolutionized the banking system.
Richard A. Yost: University of Florida professor of chemistry
selected for his invention of the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer,
a ground breaking analytical instrument that is used daily in drug
development, disease testing, food safety, and environmental studies.
Innovation and invention are the building blocks of our nation. I
applaud these highly accomplished individuals and the organizations
that support them in their quest to change the world in ways that truly
benefit humanity. It is because of the perseverance of these inventors
that future generations are encouraged to reach beyond their limits and
push the boundaries of innovation.
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