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2009 - 2010 MRS/OSA Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship

Program
The Fellow spends one year working as a special legislative assistant on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee. Activities may involve conducting legislative or oversight work, assisting in congressional hearings and debates, and preparing briefs and writing speeches. The Fellow also attends an orientation program on Congressional and executive branch operations, which includes guidance in the congressional placement process, and a year-long seminar series on science and public policy issues. These aspects of the program are administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for the MRS/OSA Fellow, and those Fellows sponsored by nearly two dozen other scientific societies.

Purpose
To provide MRS and OSA members with an invaluable public policy learning experience, to contribute to the more effective use of optical and materials science knowledge in government, and to broaden awareness about the value of scientist and engineer-government interaction among MRS and OSA members and within the federal government

Criteria
A prospective Fellow must demonstrate a record of success in research or scholarship, in a field relevant to materials and/or optical science and technology. The Fellow must also demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues and have a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to U.S. public policy issues. The Fellow must be able to work quickly and communicate effectively on a wide variety of topics, and be able to work cooperatively with individuals having diverse viewpoints. An applicant is expected to be a Member of MRS or OSA (or an applicant for membership) and have a doctorate.

Award
The Fellow will have a one-year appointment beginning September 1, 2009. The Fellowship stipend will be $58,000, plus money for health insurance, travel and relocation expenses to the Washington, DC area.  Final selection of the 2009-2010 Fellow will be made late in March, 2009.

Application
Candidates were required to submit the following materials by January 9, 2009.  The 2009-2010 MRS/OSA Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow will be announced in late March, 2009. Details regarding the 2010-2011 MRS/OSA Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship will be made available in September, 2009.

  1. A detailed vita providing information about educational background, professional employment and activities, professional publications and presentations, public policy and legislative experience, and committee and advisory group appointments.
  2. A statement of approximately 1000 words addressing the applicant's interests in the fellowship, career goals, contributions the applicant believes he or she can make as an MRS/OSA Fellow to the legislative process, and what the applicant wants to learn from the experience.
  3. Three letters of reference, specifically addressing the applicant's ability to work on Capitol Hill as a special legislative assistant.

Additional Information
For additional information, contact:

Angela Stark
202-416-1499

or

Gail Oare
724-779-3004 ext. 501

Documents