Reporter: James Gherardi l Videographer: R.J. Burnette
Danville, VA – President Obama's Science and Technology adviser toured the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Thursday.
John Holdren made sure to bring the president's message with him, touring a facility he says has become a model for the country.
"The future of our country really depends on getting these things right. And I'm very happy to see it happening here in Danville," said Holdren.
For more than an hour, he weaved in and out of laboratories, classrooms, and offices. Holdren says the IALR has gotten it right, pursuing a slew of genetic testing, plant and bio research.
"We have a set of challenges in education and in workforce training, where all the different pieces have to be dealt with at once," said Holdren.
It's something he says is happening here in Danville - moving manufacturing jobs from the traditional to the futuristic.
There are no more textiles and tobacco, but manufacturing that involves science and technology.
They are combining the rich agricultural heritage of the Southside with futuristic manufacturing jobs. For example scientists at the institute working with plants used to replace old tobacco fields.
"We feel we're on the right track. But the most attractive thing of today was to be able to let the federal people hear that voice," said Dr. Liam Leightley, the institute's executive director.
Holdren says he plans to share what he saw in Danville with the president. He says while the work here is well underway, it needs to be happening throughout the country.
