Congresswoman Johnson speaking to scientists and educators at ethnic diversity workshop in Arlington, Virginia

Washington, DC – (Tuesday, December 11, 2012) –  Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke at the Ethnic Diversity Workshop in Materials Science, held by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. The workshop’s focus was to address the lack of diversity in post-secondary education and the Materials Science fields.

Congresswoman Johnson noted, “Statistics show that students from minority communities are falling behind in math and science as early as the 4^th grade. We cannot continue down this path if we want to remain competitive globally.  We must continue to emphasize and invest in STEM education so that our science and tech companies can find the skilled workforce they need here at home.”

Justin Schwartz, head of the Department of Materials Science at North Carolina State University, said “Congresswoman Johnson has shown both expertise and leadership in increasing diversity in the science fields, and we are thankful for her thoughts and perspectives.” North Carolina State University was one of the universities partnering in the event.

The workshop was held in Arlington, Virginia, and attended by government agencies, academics, and graduate students from across the country.

As the first African American and the first female Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Congresswoman Johnson has been a constant champion for increasing the ranks of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. 

###

U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.