I traveled to Washington, D.C., this past week to attend the National Medal of Science ceremony at the White House. Rice’s Richard Tapia was among seven scientists in the U.S. to receive the medal this year. The medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government. Below are photos from my visit. The trip included a Rice alumni dinner at Equinox, a Tapia interview at NPR headquarters and the White House ceremony. Before the ceremony, I attended the daily WH media briefing in the briefing room (I had a press credential), where President Obama announced the end of the war in Iraq and that the remaining troops there would return home by Christmas. Click on image thumbnails to increase its size.
The White House, 10/21/2011
Media holding area outside prior to East Room ceremony
President Obama in the East Room of the White House, 10/21/2011
President Obama White House media briefing -- announcing the end of the war in Iraq.
Richard Tapia receiving the National Medal of Science
NPR studio control room, Washington headquarters
The White House press room. 10/21/2011
Richard Tapia receiving the National Medal of Science