Comment from Greg Chini

[200.432, 200.454, 200.461, 200.206, 200.450] To Whom it May Concern: I am a full professor of mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, specializing in the study of turbulent fluid flows arising in engineered and natural systems. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.432, 200.454, 200.461, 200.206, and 200.450 that would restrict typical professional expenses, curtail the communication of scientific results, and place excessive scrutiny on the activities of scientists. Over the course of my career, I have been a member of the American Physical Society, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the American Geophysical Union. Moreover, I am a faculty (and executive committee) member of the annual Woods Hole Summer Program in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. I cannot overstate the positive impact that being part of these societies and associations has had on my career. Scientific discourse, the exchange of ideas, and the development of collaborations require regular interaction among scientists. Science cannot be done in a vacuum! Without question, sharing my results at research conferences while learning about other related (and often seemingly unrelated) research efforts has had a profound impact on my success as a researcher. As a specific example, through my regular participation in the Woods Hole Geophysical Fluid Dynamics summer program I have had the opportunity to engage with world-renowned colleagues who have shaped my ability to pose and successfully address important scientific questions. I cannot imagine being an effective scientific researcher and scholar without participating regularly in conferences, workshops, and research programs of my choosing. Indeed, participation in these communal events is the lifeblood of science.