Optica/ MRS Congressional Fellowship
Application Dates: 15 September 2025 - 02 January 2026
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The Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship is a one-year program that places scientists and engineers in key roles within the U.S. government. Co-sponsored by Optica and the Materials Research Society (MRS). 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 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.
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 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.
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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.
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Questions? Contact:
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Click to view past fellows
| 2025-2026 |
Swati Narasimhan
PhD candidate in Materials Science and Engineering
Stanford University |
Sen. John Hickenlooper |
| 2024-2025 |
PhD in Physics
University of Colorado Boulder
|
Sen. Ed Markey |
| 2023-2024 |
PhD in Chemistry
University of Wisconsin-Madison
|
Rep. Derek Kilmer |
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2022-2023
|
Sindhu Nathan
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Stanford University
|
Sen. Tina Smith |
| 2021-2022 |
Rachel Starr
PhD in Chemistry
Columbia University
|
Sen. John Hickenlooper |
| 2020-2021 |
Catherine Clark
PhD in Materials Science
University of Minnesota
|
Sen. Richard Durbin |
| 2019-2020 |
Daniel Broberg
PhD in Materials Science & Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
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Sen. Christopher Coons |
| 2018-2019 |
Dylan Rittman
PhD in Geological Sciences
Stanford University |
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand |
| 2017-2018 |
Sarah Vorpahl
PhD in Chemistry
University of Washington
|
Sen. Bernie Sanders |
| 2016-2017 |
Felicia Lucci
PhD in Chemistry
Tufts University
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Sen. Heidi Heitkamp |
| 2015-2016 |
Peter Winter
PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology
Colorado State University
|
Sen. Christopher Coons |
| 2014-2015 |
James O'Dea
PhD in Chemistry
University of California, Santa Barbara
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Sen. Brian Schatz |
| 2013-2014 |
Sydney Kaufman
PhD in Chemical Physics
University of Colorado Boulder
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Sen. Mark Begich |
| 2012-2013 |
Mirvat Abdelhaq
PhD in Physical Chemistry
University of Colorado, Boulder
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Sen. Jeff Merkley |
