Science and Technology
The health and longevity of Oklahoma’s economy depends in large part on the acceleration of scientific and technological innovations. Maintaining Oklahoma’s leadership in these fields requires a concerted effort to ensure ongoing investments in technology, education and science.
As a member of the STEM Education Caucus, I support broadening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at the elementary, secondary and postsecondary levels. I believe we must harness American innovation by improving energy efficacy and success, supporting research and basic science labs and widening access to STEM education while building America’s STEM workforce.
I support the needs of our scientists to continue their research and provide meaningful employment to our communities. In fact, the Fourth District of Oklahoma is the proud home of the National Weather Center, a massive research center that provides facts and predictions regarding the weather and information on emergency preparedness. Not only does the center provide lifesaving resources to Oklahomans, but it also benefits our state’s economy and workforce as a major employer to our district for scientists, researchers and meteorologists from around the world. Science and research programs like these are vital for solving the most pressing challenges facing Oklahoma and the entire nation.
Research Leadership in the Fourth District
The University of Oklahoma (OU) plays a vital role in comprehensive research. With three campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OU encompasses a broad array of disciplines in chemistry, engineering, meteorology, medicine, physics and much more. OU is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a Highest Research Activity institution, placing it in the top tier of comprehensive research universities in the nation.
Also in the Fourth District, Ada is the home to the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center. Research at the Kerr Lab focuses on soil and subsurface environments. This is the Environmental Protection Agency’s first ever carbon-neutral laboratory and the center for expertise on groundwater remediation and ecosystem restoration research. Moreover, the Noble Research Institute houses its headquarters in the Fourth District city of Ardmore. The Noble Institute specializes in research helps farmers and ranchers improve land stewardship and productivity. With 350 resident scientists and consultants, the Noble Research Institute is an amazing resource for agricultural challenges right in the heart of Oklahoma.
More on Science and Technology
STAT - Dylan Scott
Congressional Republicans said on Tuesday that they’re open to boosting federal funding for cancer research, as the Obama administration proposed the day before. But they aren’t willing to simply rubberstamp the $755 million that the White House is asking for in the next fiscal year.
The Atlantic - Nora Kelly
When Americans go to the ballot box, they expect the congressional candidates they support to take their interests to the Hill—to fight for the political issues and programs they prefer with an enthusiasm and dedication that’s deeply personal. That doesn’t always happen. But in the last year or so, members of Congress responded to what one member called a “constituent-driven movement” to rally around the National Institutes of Health and the biomedical research it funds.
National Journal - Rachel Roubein
Wristbands that track your daily activity. Kits that can purportedly analyze your genetics. Smartphone apps that track your daily intake of protein, sugar, and carbs.
It’s the age of “precision medicine,” as doctors and patients look to leverage vast amounts of individualized information available to fight diseases in a way they’ve never been able to before—with treatments that take into account environment, life-style, and even genes.
The Oklahoman - Stephen Prescott, M.D.
For the sake of Oklahoma's energy sector, let's hope the New Year brings a bump in oil and gas prices. But even if that doesn't happen, there are still plenty of economic silver linings to be found in the state.
In particular, the ongoing development of the bioscience sector has helped diversify our state's — and particular Oklahoma City's — economy. For 2016, here are five bioscience success stories that should just keep getting better.
Making cancer history
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently filmed the latest episode of his television and web show, Cole on Congress. This month’s program featured an interview with Lt. General Thomas Stafford—a former U.S. Air Force officer, test pilot and notable NASA Astronaut from Weatherford. Stafford’s decorated career includes more than 507 hours logged in space and six rendezvous missions.
Norman Transcript - Staff Reports
The House Labor Health and Human Services (HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Tom Cole recently proposed a $300 million increase for Alzheimer’s research, as requested by Alzheimer’s Association advocates. This is a significant milestone toward reaching the levels deemed necessary by scientists to realize the goal of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease — to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s by 2025.