During the recent Congressional recess, UGA was fortunate to host members of the Georgia Congressional delegation and their staff. United States Representatives Doug Collins (R-09) and Tom Graves (R-14) were invited to tour UGA facilities and learn about critical research initiatives underway across campus.
“We appreciate members of our congressional delegation and their staff taking time to visit the university during recess,” said Andrew Dill, UGA Director of Federal Relations. “It is critically important that members of Congress understand the valuable research taking place at UGA and the impact that work is having on our state and across the country. Research taking place at the university is not only leading to new innovation, but it also serves as a catalyst for job creation in Georgia.”
Rep. Collins, whose district includes a portion of Athens-Clarke County, met with Terry College of Business Professor David Lowery to learn about the UGA Music Business Program and IP issues in the music industry. The congressman has been a leading voice on IP in the music industry in Washington and Professor Lowery was invited to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on the topic earlier this year.
“I’ve been honored to get to see the research at UGA up close,” Rep. Collins said. “The students and faculty at the University of Georgia are emerging as real leaders in a range of subjects, from intellectual property to all facets of business and everywhere in between. I’m proud of the work that’s coming out of UGA and I always look forward to the chance to see more of it.”
Rep. Graves, who is a graduate of UGA, was able to visit the Department of Kinesiology with Dr. Kevin McCully and tour the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center with Director Alan Darvill. Rep. Graves serves on the Appropriations Committee and is expected to be named a subcommittee chairman next year. His district stretches across northwest Georgia and this was his first visit to the university’s research facilities.
Senator Johnny Isakson’s Legislative Director, Jay Sulzman, was also able to tour the GRU/UGA Medical Partnership Health Sciences Campus, the Animal Health Research Lab with Dr. Mark Tompkins, and the Georgia BioBusiness Center. Sen. Isakson serves on the very influential Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee which is critically important to the university. Jay was able to not only to see the great research taking place, but the impact it is having in commercial markets.