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Congressional Fellowships

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Congressional Fellowships

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

Get Involved

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 (subject to verification).
  • Must be a member of Optica or MRS.
 

Fellowship Offerings

Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship

Co-sponsored by Optica and the Materials Research Society.

 
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Meet Our 2026-2027 Congressional Fellow

Optica/ MRS Fellow

Tahiyat Rahman

Tahiyat Rahman (he/they) (he/they) is a quantum researcher with a passion for science advocacy and labor justice. They completed their Ph.D. in physics at the University of Washington. During their doctoral work, Tahiyat developed a tabletop experiment for precision measurements of gravity using quantum sensors based on neutral atoms. Such experiments may shed light on open questions in fundamental physics, including the role of the equivalence principle in quantum gravity. Additionally, compact gravitational sensors have applications in navigation, geosensing, and mineral discovery.

Tahiyat has also engaged in community building and grassroots organizing through leadership in their union, UAW Local 4121. As a bargaining representative, they helped negotiate a collective bargaining agreement covering thousands of coworkers. Their contributions led to an improved contract, including advancements in immigration rights and job security. Tahiyat has also mobilized for several grassroots community efforts, such as affordable housing initiatives in Seattle. They are eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of how scientists can engage with the federal legislative process.

 
 
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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