April 16, 2010 –
Napolitano shares her thoughts with CALIT2 Irvine director G.P. Li
U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano, who represents California’s 38th District, visited UC Irvine April 6 to meet with campus water researchers and participate in an open forum with students who are studying water-related issues.
Her visit, an effort to bridge the gap between policy and science, was sponsored by the UC Center for Hydrologic Modeling. The center’s director, UCI professor Jay Famiglietti,recently testified before the House Subcommittee on Water and Power chaired by Napolitano.
The congresswoman’s first stop was the Visualization Lab at CALIT2, where several UCI professors used the HIPerWall and its sister display wall, Hiperwall, to illustrate their research. Presenters included dean of engineering Rafael Bras, and engineering faculty members Famiglietti, Stephen Jenks, Russell Detwiler and Brett Sanders.
After a catered lunch with researchers and Chancellor Michael Drake, Napolitano participated in an open forum at Croul Hall with students working in scientific and social fields related to water.
Her program, “Strengthening a Bridge between Policy Makers and Research,” focused on federal legislation and policy relating to regional, national and international water crises, and included an opportunity for the students to ask the congresswoman questions about water policy and the political process.
“It is critical for the well-being of our water supply that our scientists, students and law makers work closely and communicate on water issues,” Napolitano said. “The tremendous potential I have seen and heard today will only be realized if our brightest students know how to communicate with policy makers as they continue on in their careers.
Jenks use the display walls in the Visualization Lab to punctuate his research.
Presenter Bras
Chancellor Drake and Napolitano talk over lunch.
“We do want to listen – it just takes a little extra effort on both sides to get the word across. I encourage water programs in campuses across the country to communicate more not only with one another, but with their elected representatives and policy makers as well.”
Napolitano, an avid promoter of conservation, water recycling, desalination, and groundwater management and storage, was first elected to Congress in November, 1998 and is currently serving her sixth term. She has been a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources since 1999 and was appointed chair of the water and power subcommittee in 2007.
— Anna Lynn Spitzer
