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Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship

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Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship

Application Dates: 15 September 2025 - 02 January 2026

The Optica Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship offers a one-year opportunity for scientists and engineers to work directly with the U.S. government. Fellows serve from September to August as legislative assistants for a member of Congress or a congressional committee. This role allows them to gain experience in public policy, influence how science is used in government, and improve the scientific community's communication with Congress.

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 a member of Optica or MRS.
Must be authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship is not required).

Application Requirements

Resume: Your resume should be no longer than two pages and include your educational background, employment history, and professional activities. You may include an optional third page for a list of professional publications and presentations. The resume should be tailored to highlight the qualifications for this fellowship.
Statement of Interest: Up to 1,000 words explaining your interest in the fellowship, your career goals, the contributions you believe you can make to the legislative process, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Letters of Reference: Three signed letters of reference are required. These letters should be uploaded directly by the recommender and must be in PDF format on official letterhead with an electronic or scanned signature. You are responsible for ensuring all three letters are submitted by the application deadline. If a recommender has difficulty uploading the letter, they can email it to CF@optica.org.

Program Stipend

USD $81,750 yearly stipend.
Health insurance allowance.
Travel and relocation allowance to the Washington, DC area.

Evaluation Criteria

Scientific/Technical Background: The applicant's professional accomplishments and technical background, with weighting based on their career stage.
Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and nonscientific audiences, including writing skills and involvement in community outreach.
Public Policy Interest: Demonstrated interest through participation in policy or advocacy activities, service to professional societies, or other relevant involvement.
Fellowship Skills: Qualities such as the capacity to work quickly and cooperatively, experience with diverse viewpoints, and strong interpersonal skills.

Questions? Contact:

Congressional Fellowship Program at CF@optica.org

Our Past Fellows:

Click to view past fellows

2025-2026	Damien Bérubé PhD in Chemical Physics Harvard University
2023-2024	Claire Cody PhD in Chemistry Yale University	Sen. Christopher Coons
2022-2023	Clara Tibbetts PhD in Physical Chemistry Colorado State University	Rep. Paul Tonko
2021-2022	Brandon McMurtry PhD in Chemistry Columbia University	Sen. Christopher Coons
2020-2021	Michelle Solomon PhD in Materials Science & Engineering Stanford University	Sen. Edward Markey
2019-2020	Christina Willis PhD in Optics CREOL, University of Central Florida	Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management
2018-2019	Benjamin Isaacoff PhD in Applied Physics University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	Sen. Gary Peters
2017-2018	Tanya Das PhD in Electrical Engineering University of California, Santa Barbara	Sen. Christopher Coons
2016-2017	Kenneth Kort PhD in Chemistry University at Buffalo	Rep. Louise Slaughter
2015-2016	Jennifer Brookes PhD in Physical Chemistry University of Washington	Rep. Louise Slaughter
2014-2015	Ariel Marshall PhD in Physical Chemistry Georgia Institute of Technology	Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
2013-2014	Carly Robinson PhD in Atmospheric Chemistry University of Colorado	Sen. Mark Udall
2012-2013	Chris Schaffer PhD in Physics Harvard University	Rep. Edward Markey
2011-2012	Anthony "T.J." Augustine PhD in Chemistry Stanford University	Sen. Dick Durbin
2010-2011	Marcius Extavour PhD in Quantum Optics and Atomic Physics University of Toronto	Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
2009-2010	Matthew McMahon PhD in Experimental Psychology University of California, San Diego	Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
2008-2009	Robert Saunders PhD in Physics Duke University	Rep. Rush Holt
2007-2008	Audrey Ellerbee PhD in Biomedical Engineering Duke University	Sen. Carl Levin
2006-2007	Eleanore Edson PhD in Neurobiology Harvard University	Sen. Hillary Clinton
2005-2006	Jamie Link PhD in Biochemistry Univ. of California San Diego	Sen. Joseph Lieberman
2004-2005	David Catarious PhD in Biomedical Engineering Duke University	Rep. Edward Markey
2003-2004	Elka Koehler PhD in Optical Sciences University of Arizona	Sen. Joseph Lieberman
2002-2003	Chris Beck PhD in Physics Tufts University	Rep. Loretta Sanchez
2001-2002	Kristen Kulinowski PhD in Physical Chemistry University of Rochester	Rep. Edward J. Markey
2000-2001	Apriel Hodari PhD in Optical Physics Hampton University	Rep. Cynthia McKinney
1999-2000	Barry Masters PhD in Physical Chemistry Weizmann Institute of Science	Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich

Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship

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