Chairwoman Johnson Congratulates Locascio on Senate Confirmation to Lead NIST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 8, 2022

(Washington, DC) — Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Laurie Locascio, Ph.D. as Under Secretary for Standards and Technology at the Department of Commerce and Director of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Dr. Locascio was nominated by President Biden in July 2021.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Laurie Locascio on her long-awaited confirmation to lead NIST, one of our nation’s premier science agencies,” said Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s science and innovation leadership. As the House and Senate begin conference negotiations on a bipartisan innovation package, it is essential that all of the agencies given important new authorities in the legislation have their leadership fully in place and ready to hit the ground running. This is perhaps most true for NIST, which will play a central role in implementing the CHIPS Act once funded. Dr. Locascio is a widely respected scientist and innovator who brings extensive experience to her new role, including many years serving in leadership positions at NIST before moving to the University of Maryland to serve as Vice President for Research. With degrees in chemistry, bioengineering, and toxicology she is the first Director of NIST to bring a deep expertise in biology — a valuable asset in an agency whose role in the bioeconomy will continue to grow. Dr. Locascio is the third woman to lead NIST in its 120 year history, serving as an inspiration to early career scientists and engineers across the nation. I look forward to working closely with Under Secretary Locascio in her new role. I would also like to thank Dr. Olthoff for his capable stewardship of NIST over the last 16 months.”