Lora Weiss honors U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas as a 2022 'Champion of Science'

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Following sponsorship from Penn State and Washington State University, U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., was honored in a ceremony to commemorate his award as one of the Science Coalition’s 2022 "Champions of Science." 

Each year, the Science Coalition, which is comprised of 50 research universities, including Penn State, selects exemplary members of Congress to honor as their Champions of Science. 

Lora Weiss, senior vice president for research at Penn State, presented Lucas with his award in Washington, D.C., as the official recognition. 

“The bipartisan support that coalesced around science was energizing. It was exciting to see so many members of Congress who are 'Champions of Science,'” said Weiss. “We applaud them for their efforts to ensure our nation remains a leader in innovation, knowledge creation and discovery.” 

Lucas was one of four members of Congress to earn the acknowledgment this year and was presented with a commemorative Wheaties box with his image. 

The two universities sponsored Lucas as a testament to his dedication and leadership, resulting in vital support and critical funding increases that enable research universities to make significant contributions toward leading technologies and innovations.  

During his time in the House, Lucas has led numerous pieces of legislation that invest in the nation’s STEM talent and innovation — sponsoring and advancing more than 40 scientific research and innovation bills in the last three years alone. 

As Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant university, research is a crucial part of Penn State’s mission. The bills and policies sponsored by Lucas have helped further that commitment to the commonwealth to provide teaching, research and service to Pennsylvania communities. 

Funding provided by that legislation gives institutions like Penn State the opportunity to develop more technologies and innovations to tackle some of the world’s greatest scientific challenges. 

Additionally, specific to Penn State’s mission, Lucas led the effort as chair of the House Agriculture Committee to pass the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill despite calls to cut farm bill spending, and in the fight against COVID-19, where 400 Penn State students and faculty worked together on research and innovation to support health care workers and hospitals.  

Since 1999, the Champion of Science Award has recognized 109 members of Congress for their commitment to secure federal funding for crucial scientific research efforts. The Science Coalition selects its awardees based on their voting record, bill sponsorships and letters of support, among other factors.   

Learn more about Penn State's research enterprise by visiting research.psu.edu and by following on Twitter.