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2020-21 MRS/TMS 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 administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 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. The AAAS also administers many other aspects of the program for the MRS/TMS Fellow, as well as other Fellows sponsored by nearly two dozen other scientific societies.

Criteria

A prospective Fellow must have a record of success in research or scholarship in a field relevant to materials science and technology, familiarity with the discipline and a working understanding of the scientific communities. The Fellow must also demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues and have a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to United States public policy issues. The Fellow must be able to work quickly and communicate effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences on a wide variety of topics and work cooperatively with individuals having diverse viewpoints. An applicant is expected to be a member of MRS or TMS (or an applicant for membership) and have a Ph.D. by the Fellowship's start date, or a master’s degree with at least three years professional experience. US citizenship is not required; however, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Specifically excluded as selection criteria are age, sex, creed, race, ethnic background and partisan political affiliation. 

2020-2021
MRS/TMS Fellow

Megan Malara

Megan Malara
The Ohio State University
 Current and Past MRS/TMS Fellows

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Scientific/technical background and professional accomplishments—weighted in consideration of the applicant’s career stage.
  • Communication skills—to scientific and nonscientific audiences—including writing ability, community involvement and outreach activities.
  • Demonstrated public policy interest, such as through participation in policy or advocacy activities; service to professional societies and/or the broader scientific community; and student government or other campus involvement (if applicable).
  • Fellowship skills and abilities, including (but not limited to): capacity to work quickly, flexibly and cooperatively; experience working with individuals with diverse viewpoints; ability to work in a public environment; and strong interpersonal skills.

Award

The Fellow will have a one-year appointment beginning September 1. The Fellowship stipend will be $78,750, plus additional funds for health insurance, travel and relocation expenses to the Washington, D.C., area. 

 

For additional information contact:

Mary F. Samsa
TMS Foundation and Public Affairs Manager
The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society
msamsa@tms.org
Tel: 724.814.3130