SOTU Analysis: Leading the way in energy innovation

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama emphasized the importance of scientific research and development, praising innovation and declaring that “we need to invest in the best ideas.” Senator Coons is a passionate believer in the importance of basic and applied science and is a strong supporter of innovative products being developed in Delaware.

President Obama called attention to innovative 3D printing that “has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.” In Delaware, the revolution has already begun. At the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, scientists such as Tariq Rahman and Whitney Sample have used 3D printing to create customizable assistive devices to help children overcome mobility challenges. These cutting edge innovations gave five-year-old Emma Lavelle plastic appendages that allowed her to play and hug her mother for the first time.

Last night, President Obama called for “a level of research and development not seen since the height of the Space Race.” He specified that today, no area holds more promise than investments in American energy. Delaware is once again leading the way, with energy research that is truly paradigm-shifting.

The University of Delaware was named as an Energy Frontier Research Center by the U.S. Department of Energy. An award of more than $17 million dollars will be used to find more efficient ways to convert complex molecules from biomass into chemicals and fuels. UD is also at work fueling innovation in partnership with Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation with transformational projects like super-strong magnets and hydrogen-fuel cells.  As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a leading champion of ARPA-E, Chris will continue to support these game-changing initiatives.    

During a recent visit to the University of Delaware’s STAR campus, Chris test-drove a car built by a joint project between the UD and NRG Energy. The car allows rechargeable battery-operated vehicles to also serve as a source of power to the electrical grid. With scientists such as UD professor Willett Kempton leading the way, Delaware at the forefront of realizing the President’s vision. 

Senate passes Senator Coons’ resolution honoring Dr. Sally Ride

Senator Coons sponsored a resolution honoring the life and career of the first woman from the United States to fly in space, Dr. Sally Ride, who passed away in late July. Chris’ resolution was approved unanimously by the Senate on Thursday night.

“Sally Ride was inspirational, not only to young women, but to every American who has looked up with wonder and curiosity only the stars can inspire,” Chris said after the resolution passed. “Dr. Ride’s life’s work, like that of the shuttle program, was to inspire Americans to never stop searching for knowledge of our world, our universe, and ourselves. It’s a mission we all must carry out, and one that I am committed to helping fulfill. I’m glad my Senate colleagues came together last night to honor Dr. Ride with this resolution, and hope her memory will continue to persuade young Americans to search for answers in the sciences.”

The bipartisan resolution “expresses [the Senate’s] deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Sally Ride on her death; mourns the loss of Dr. Ride, a trailblazing pioneer who inspired millions of individuals, especially women and girls, to reach for the stars; and appreciates all of the contributions of Dr. Ride to science, physics, education, and human spaceflight.” 

Born, raised, and educated in California, Dr. Ride became a role model and hero when she launched her first mission in 1983, becoming the first American woman to enter low Earth orbit. After flying two shuttle missions and serving as a member of the Presidential Commission investigating the Challenger accident, she became a professor, and eventually started “Sally Ride Science” in 2001, a company dedicated to promoting new and exciting ways to engage elementary and middle school students with science at an early age.

Senator Coons calls for research on pancreatic cancer

As a strong advocate for science-based research, Senator Coons this week joined a bipartisan group of 56 Senators – more than half the Senate – to urge quick action on legislation to combat pancreatic cancer.  The group came together to sign a letter urging their colleagues to move forward on the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act, which would require the National Institutes of Health to lead a strategic plan to address this disease.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and will strike 43,000 Americans this year, 74 percent of whom will die within a year of diagnosis.

The letter, addressed to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, stated that pancreatic cancer is “unique biologically and requires focused research. Because pancreatic cancer is one of the most scientifically-complicate cancers, the advances we make in understanding the disease may have spillover effects in understanding treatments and cures for other cancers.”

The proposed pancreatic cancer legislation follows in the footsteps of other legislative actions to eradicate other pernicious diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, autism, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. The legislation would “provide a critical tool for making progress in this terrible disease,” but the strategic plan would not compel the NIH, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or National Cancer Institute (NCI) to allocate taxpayer dollars for disease specific research. Rather, funds would be allocated “on a peer-reviewed basis.”

During a Democratic Steering Committee meeting this week, Chris engaged leaders of the biomedical research community, including NIH Director Francis Collins, in a dialogue on biotech research and what Congressional action would best facilitate academic research. The panel of experts, which included two Delawareans, unanimously agreed that greater government funding will spur economic growth. Dr. Collins also pointed out that every dollar of NIH funding yields a return of $2.25 in the first year alone. 

Senator Coons passes resolution to honor International Chemistry Olympiad

On Tuesday, Senator Coons passed a resolution through the U.S. Senate honoring the student participants in the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad. In the resolution, the Senate welcomed the International Chemistry Olympiad to the United States, acknowledged the importance of encouraging students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and honored the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as the American Chemical Society for making this event possible.

Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) co-sponsored the resolution, which passed the Senate unanimously.

About 300 students from over 70 countries will gather in Washington, D.C. next month to participate in the International Chemistry Olympiad. The competition brings students together and tests their abilities in the theory and practice of chemistry, with specific opportunities in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and spectroscopy. By interacting with their peers from countries around the world, participants will have the chance to foster important relationships and be a part of a scientific community.

Chris is committed to encouraging students to pursue STEM fields through innovative events like this one. He previously co-hosted the first-ever Kent County Science Fair in Dover and checked out student projects at the 20th annual Sussex County Science Fair. Chris was himself an undergraduate chemistry major, and is passionate about science and math education. He believes events like the International Chemistry Olympiad can fuel students’ critical thinking skills and open doors to their future.

Senator Coons Celebrates National Robotics Week with FAME

Senator Coons marked the third annual National Robotics Week and Delaware’s inaugural National Robotics Day at Barclays on the Wilmington Riverfront.  Chris joined members of the Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering (FAME) as they recognized robotics technology as a pillar of 21st century American innovation.  FAME, Inc. Executive Director Donald Baker talked with Chris about the growing importance of robotics and the role it plays in encouraging students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). In Delaware, FAME is a year-round program that works with students in grades 6 through 12. 

“I was impressed to learn that FAME is working to increase the number of women and minority students who decide to go into robotics and the sciences,” said Chris.  “Events like Robotics Day are fun to attend, and they also help ensure STEM education is getting the attention it deserves in today’s curriculum.”

The event provided a great opportunity for networking and interaction between students, industry leaders and other experts. As a former student of the sciences himself, Chris was thrilled to participate in National Robotics Day. He encouraged the students in the audience to continue pursuing science and pointed out to the female students that they don’t need to look far for inspiration – the heads of two of Delaware’s largest science-based companies, DuPont and W.L. Gore, are both women.

Senator Coons is inspired at Sussex County Science Fair

Senator Coons went back to his roots as a chemistry major at the 20th annual Sussex County Science Fair on Monday. Chris was blown away by the work of the middle and high school participants whose projects covered a wide spectrum of scientific studies. He also took the opportunity to meet with and thank science teachers who encouraged students to participate.

“Teachers who go the extra mile, teachers who inspire kids to use what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to everyday life--those are the educators who motivate students to follow their dreams and to go on to do great things,” said Chris.

The fair provided students with the opportunity to be recognized by the community for their curiosity and achievements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) academics. Since arriving in the Senate, Chris has worked hard to promote STEM education.

“An education rooted in STEM gives students a leg up when it comes to finding good quality jobs,” he said.

Chris also spoke with Priyen Patel and his sister, Bansri, students at Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown who he previously met last year in Washington when they were on Capitol Hill for the international BioGENEius competition.

At the fair, Chris recognized all the hard work students, educators, judges, sponsors and volunteers like Helen Gieske put in to make this important event a reality for the 20th straight year. He also congratulated all of the winners:

Sussex County BioGENEius Winners             

Priyen Patel, Sussex Tech            

Bansri Patel, Sussex Tech             

Gopika Lakshmanan, Indian River            

Melissa Schoonfield, Sussex Central                                       

William McCabe, Indian River                    

Sussex County Science Fair Winners            

Grade 7                               

First Place: Cohen Davis, Sussex Academy

Second Place: Golden Fees, Sussex Academy

Third Place: Brooke Ward, Sussex Academy

Honorable Mention: Colleen Anderson, Sussex Academy

Honorable Mention: Gabrielle Hastings, Sussex Academy

Honorable Mention: Griffin McCormick, Sussex Academy

Grade 8                               

First Place: Ricky Brokaw, Sussex Academy

Second Place: Ashe Hebrank-Ekas, Beacon Middle

Third Place: Grace Brokaw, Sussex Academy

Honorable Mention: Tobias Ferl, Sussex Academy

Honorable Mention: Nicholas Conrad, Beacon Middle

Grade 9                               

First Place: Melissa Schoonfield, Sussex Central

Second Place: Alison Jennings, Indian River

Third Place: John Douglass Messick, Sussex Central

Honorable Mention: Tiffany Raeuber, Sussex Central

Honorable Mention: Jack Saxton, Indian River

Grade 10                             

First Place: Bansri Patel, Sussex Tech

Second Place: Sid Miller, Cape Henlopen

Third Place: Merrick Kovatch, Indian River

Honorable Mention: Jennifer Peasnall, Sussex Central

Honorable Mention: Mason Chambers, Sussex Central

Honorable Mention: Chelsea Shanahan, Indian River

Grade 11                             

First Place: Caroline Maahs, Sussex Central

Second Place: Priyen Patel, Sussex Tech

Third Place: Trevor Aldred, Cape Henlopen

Honorable Mention: Kristin Kneller, Indian River

Grade 12                             

First Place: Sara Westhafer, Indian River

Second Place: Amber Pearce, Sussex Central

Senator Coons congratulates local student on attending White House science fair

As a participant in the second annual White House Science Fair, Priyen Patel, a junior at Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown, was rewarded for his hard work with a well-deserved handshake from President Obama.

Senator Coons, who had the opportunity to meet Priyen last summer after the BioGENEius challenge, came away impressed with his practical application of his science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

The White House science fair celebrated student winners of a broad range of STEM competitions from across the country.  Senator Coons is a passionate supporter of STEM education, and admired the higher-order thinking skills that Patel used in his project, “Over-the-Counter and In Your Water?  The Most Effective Filtration of Pharmaceuticals.” 

“Congratulations to Priyen on this remarkable accomplishment,” said Chris. “Priyen’s project exemplifies what STEM education is all about—using science, technology, engineering and math to solve real world problems.  An education rooted in STEM will give students like Priyen a leg up when it comes to finding good quality jobs.”

Priyen’s project focused on using various water filters to determine the concentration of medicines that end up in our drinking water.  Priyen first became interested in the issue of pharmaceutical containment after reading an article in the News Journal in 2010 and learning common drugs were being found in the local water supply. 

After winning his high school science fair, Priyen advanced to the Sussex County Science Fair, then moved on to the Delaware BioGENEius Challenge. His win in the 2011 U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge earned him the spot in the White House science fair where he represented Delaware, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, and the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge. 

Senator Coons speaks to Chemistry Council on energy efficiency

This morning, Senator Coons spoke at the American Chemistry Council’s bipartisan event highlighting how chemistry contributes to a national energy strategy. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he is especially interested in putting science to work to further develop clean, affordable, alternative energy while also creating and sustaining jobs in Delaware.

This morning’s event also featured Gary Spitzer, President of Chemicals & Fluoroproducts at Delaware’s own DuPont, who said “At DuPont, we are intensely focused on using science to address major challenges, including the need for abundant, affordable and increasingly clean energy.”

Chris’ remarks focused on the importance of this connection, describing chemistry as the bridge that brings the innovations of our nation’s laboratories to the conveyor belts of our manufacturing plans. Energy efficiency was among the issues that Chris pointed out as a bipartisan, common sense solution. Chemistry is fundamental to energy efficiency and is one of the smartest ways we can address our energy challenges. 

Chris believes chemistry can create energy solutions with a sustainable future, including clean, renewable and efficient energy technologies. These scientific breakthroughs will also create high-paying jobs in Delaware, a state that has always been on the cutting edge of innovation.

This morning, Chris called for a renewed focus on science – especially chemistry – in order to deliver a consistent, common-sense national energy policy that delivers the fuels to power the next generation of American innovation.

Chris talks leadership with Delaware Girl Scouts

In honor of Girl Scouts of the United States of America’s 100th Anniversary, Senator Chris Coons joined with Senator Tom Carper and Congressman John Carney to host a meet-and-greet with 27 Delaware Girl Scouts who traveled to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The Girl Scouts have named 2012 as “The Year of the Girl,” where they will focus on leadership for girls and young women.

During the meeting, Chris talked with the girls about how his wife, Annie, was a Girl Scout when she was younger and his daughter, Maggie, is currently enjoying her time as a member of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter, which includes nearly 15,500 girls and 5,500 adults.

Chris encouraged the girls to pursue a career in the sciences, where women have been making inroads in a traditionally male dominated field.  He went on to discuss the importance of women taking leadership positions, stating that some of the most influential and educational bosses he’s had throughout his career were women who pushed him to reach his full potential.

A recent Girl Scout study highlighted a leadership gap, finding that close to three in five girls think that a woman can rise up in a company but will only rarely be put in a senior leadership role.  It also found more than one-third of girls say they would not feel comfortable trying to be a leader and almost 40 percent are not sure if they are cut out to be a leader. To address this issue, the new “ToGetHerThere” campaign, which is part of the centennial “Year of the Girl” theme,  includes a $1 billion philanthropic effort to support services and programs for girls across the nation and in 94 countries globally to help fill critical talent gaps in finance, science, technology, environmental, and global leadership arenas.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on education reform.

Click here to learn more about Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

Senate takes steps to protect American intellectual property

Senator Coons commended the Senate Judiciary Committee’s passage of two critical bills to combat dangerous intellectual property theft on Thursday. The first bill that passed the Committee was the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011, which would penalize those knowingly trafficking in counterfeit pharmaceuticals.  The second bill was the Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act, which would increase the maximum penalties for theft of a trade secret to benefit a foreign company or government.

A firm believer in the importance of protecting American innovation and ideas, Chris, who is a cosponsor of both bills, has repeatedly highlighted the importance of intellectual property and strengthening our government’s efforts to enforce intellectual property rights. 

“Individuals who steal ideas from American companies are stealing more than just intellectual property — they are stealing jobs, and when pharmaceuticals are involved, they are putting lives at risk,” Chris said in a statement to the press. “This country cannot afford to let the rampant intellectual property theft underway now to continue to go unchecked. Trade secrets — whether in the form of ideas, schematics, or formulas — are critical to American companies and especially to American manufacturers. As a nation we haven’t done enough to protect the ideas on which our economy depends, but these measures will help change that.”

Copyright infringement and the sale of counterfeit goods cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs, in addition the billions of dollars in lost tax revenue for federal, state and local governments and threatens the safety and wellbeing of consumers. Fortunately, the two measures passed by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday will help combat the theft of intellectual property by increasing the sentences of criminals who are found guilty of trafficking in counterfeit pharmaceuticals or committing economic espionage.

Chris is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former counsel for one of Delaware’s leading science-based manufacturers.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on the Senate Judiciary Committee.