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Congressional Fellowships
A unique public policy learning experience for PhD scientists and engineers.
Get Involved
Congressional Fellowships
Congressional Fellowships are designed to provide a unique public policy learning experience, demonstrate the value of science-government interaction and bring technical backgrounds and external perspectives to the decision-making process in the U.S. Congress. Fellows spend one year working in Washington, D.C. as special legislative assistants on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee, beginning in September.
This program, as well as many other fellowship programs, is facilitated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and includes an orientation on congressional and executive branch operations and a year-long seminar program on issues involving science, technology and public policy.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. by the start of the program (September).
Qualifications and Application Requirements:
Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship Program
Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship Program
Apply Today
Previous Webinars Available for Viewing
Congressional Fellowship Q&A Information Session - FiO Conference 02 November 2021
2023-2024 Congressional Fellows:
2022-2023 Congressional Fellows:
Read more about the Congressional Fellowship experience
Optics and Photonics News has done several articles about the Congressional Fellowship:
- "Experts, Advisors and Advocates" - Optics and Photonics News, September 2017 Issue
- "A Year of Service, a Lifetime of Impact" - Optics and Photonics News, November 2016 Issue
- "OSA U.S. Congressional Fellowships: A Career Shaping Event" - Optics and Photonics News, May 2015 Issue
If you would like to speak to an Optica representative about these programs, please contact:
Brandy Dillingham
Government Relations Manager
Office: +1.202.416.1409
E-mail: bdillingham@optica.org
