Optica and SPIE offer a congressional fellowship program providing members with an invaluable opportunity of public policy learning. Fellows gain a perspective that enhances their industrial, academic or government careers and the optics community's ability to more effectively communicate with the U.S. Congress. The fellowship is an ideal way to spend an academic sabbatical or leave of absence from a company.
The Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellow works in the office of a U.S. senator or representative or with a congressional committee to get first-hand knowledge of congressional operations, contribute to the policymaking process and forge links among the engineering, scientific and public policy communities.
Deadline: Jan. 3, 2025
Fellows are evaluated on the basis of technical competence, responsible work experience, ability to serve in a public environment and evidence of service to Optica, SPIE and the profession. Prospecive fellows must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral level degree by program orientation (01 September 2023); significant familiarity with optical engineering or science disciplines; a working understanding of the optical engineering and science communities; and demonstrated interest in the U.S. public policy process. Although prior experience in public policy is not necessary, a demonstrable interest in applying science and engineering to the solution of U.S. policy issues is required. Federal employees are not eligible. U.S. citizenship is not required; however, applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Applicants should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and possess the flexibility to tackle a variety of work. Specifically excluded as selection criteria are age, sex, creed, race, ethnic background and partisan political affiliation.
A stipend of USD 85,000 is provided by Optica and SPIE. The societies also provide an allowance for health insurance, travel and relocation expenses to the Washington, DC area. Final selection of the fellow will be made in early 2025 after personal interviews are conducted.