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Congressional Fellowships

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Congressional Fellowships

A unique public policy learning experience for PhD scientists and engineers.

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Application Dates: 15 September 2025 - 02 January 2026

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Optica Congressional Fellowships

Congressional Fellowships are a one-year opportunity for scientists and engineers to gain a unique public policy learning experience. Fellows spend a year working in Washington, D.C., typically as legislative assistants for a member of Congress or a congressional committee. This program demonstrates the value of bringing a technical background and external perspective to the decision-making process in the U.S. government.

Program Details:

The program begins in early September with an intensive orientation run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This training covers how Congress and the executive branch operate and guides fellows through the process of choosing their placement. After the orientation, fellows interview with various congressional offices to secure their final position. Throughout the year, the AAAS also hosts seminars on science and public policy and provides other educational opportunities.

If you have questions, please contact CF@optica.org.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Strong record of research in optical science, technology, or materials.
  • Must have a Ph.D. by the start of the fellowship (September).
  • Policy-minded with a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to U.S. public policy.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with individuals having diverse viewpoints.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship is not required).
  • Must be a member of Optica: 
    • Optica Members: Eligible to apply for both fellowships.
    • MRS Members: Eligible to apply for the Optica/MRS Fellowship only.
 

Fellowship Offerings

Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship

A prestigious fellowship for professionals in optics and photonics.

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Optica Congressional Fellowship

 

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Meet Our 2025-2026 Congressional Fellows

Optica/ MRS Fellow
Swati Narasimhan

Swati Narasimhan is a PhD candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, where she investigates the physics of lithium-ion batteries' fast-charge capabilities. By studying how lithium transport occurs in graphite under different conditions, her work aims to reveal key mechanisms that can guide fast charge protocol design. This research has involved work at major national facilities, including SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Complementing her technical research, Swati participates in a cross-disciplinary Stanford team analyzing the techno-economics of graphite supply chains, seeking to identify innovation pathways crucial for building competitive and secure supply networks. Her foundation includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami, focusing on stationary energy storage. Swati's broad practical experience, built through research roles and industry internships, touches on areas from mining equipment design and battery mineral demand evaluation to advanced transmission line technologies. Eager to bridge the gap between technology and policy, Swati looks forward to learning the legislative process and applying her deep technical expertise to inform future policy decisions, particularly in energy and materials science.

Optica Fellow
Damien Bérubé

Damien Bérubé recently completed his doctoral research in chemical physics at Harvard University, investigating exotic materials that could power the next generation of quantum computers. These powerful machines promise transformative advances across cybersecurity, biotechnology, materials science, and chemistry. His research begins with crystalline flakes, meticulously peeled to be twenty thousand times thinner than aluminum foil, and involves probing their nonlinear optical and electronic properties. His work has already revealed a unique one-way current in a zero-resistance material (a superconducting diode), unlocking the potential for energy-efficient data centers, and brought to light several other intriguing yet-to-be-explained phenomena.

Damien extends his focus beyond fundamental science to tackle big-picture technology challenges. He has spearheaded projects exploring emerging technologies, innovation policy, autonomous vehicle regulation, cybersecurity, AI, and data privacy in collaboration with institutions like MIT, Harvard's Kennedy School, the Belfer Center, and the Massachusetts State House. Committed to community impact, he volunteers as AI Innovation Lead for HopeOneSource, applying technology to better support the veteran community. Away from the lab and policy discussions, Damien might be found elbow-deep in flour, perfecting what could be Boston’s (and soon DC’s) finest croissants or seeking adventure hiking mountain trails.

 
Resources
Click Here to view previous webinars

Congressional Fellowship Q&A Information Session

(Original Webinar Date: 07 December 2023)


Careers for Scientists and Engineers in Policy

(Original Webinar Date: 02 November 2023)
 

Click Here to view articles about the Congressional Fellowship experience

Optics and Photonics News and MRS have published several articles about the Congressional Fellowship:

 
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