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Reports from the Hill

Other Fellowship Opportunities

AGU members are also eligible to apply to the American Geological Institute and American Institute of Physics Congressional and State Department Fellowships.

Policy Contact

Elizabeth Landau
AGU
Public Affairs Manager
Phone: +1 202 777 7535
Fax: +1 202 328 0566
E-mail: elandau@agu.org

Erik Hankin
AGU
Public Affairs Coordinator
Phone: +1 202 777 7523
Fax: +1 202 328 0566
Email: ehankin@agu.org

Kristan Uhlenbrock 
AGU 
Public Affairs Coordinator 
Phone: +1 202 777 7506 
Fax: +1 202 328 0566 
Email: kuhlenbrock@agu.org 

AGU Congressional Science Fellowship

The demands on Congress to establish sound public policy on scientific issues have never been greater, the effects of which are far-reaching. In response to these congressional needs, AGU is pleased to have sponsored a Congressional Science Fellowship for over thirty years. The Fellowship program enables more effective use in government of scientific knowledge and provides a unique experience to scientists seeking careers involving public use of technical information.

The Congressional Science Fellowship program places highly qualified, accomplished scientists, engineers, and other professionals in the offices of either an individual Member of Congress or on a committee for a one-year assignment.

The AGU Fellow will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to public policy during their time working with Congress. Past Fellows have been directly involved in water policy, climate research, energy conservation, and a range of other issues that are of high priority to society.

Terms, Selection Criteria and Application


Current [2012–2013] Fellows: Erica Bickford and Kevin Reed

Erica BickfordErica Bickford

The AGU Congressional Science Fellows for the 2012-2013 fellowship term are Erica Bickford and Kevin Reed. Their term will mark the 35th year that AGU has sponsored a Fellow and the third year that AGU has sponsored two Fellows concurrently.

Erika Bickford finished her Ph.D. in Environment and Resources from the University of Wisconsin this summer. Her research over the years has focused on policy-relevant natural science topics, from the long-term effects of future climate change to investigating air quality impacts of transportation. She is working in the office of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) for the fellowship term. Kevin Reed completed his Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Space Science from the University of Michigan in January 2012. His scientific interests lie in weather and climate, including his study of atmospheric events such as dust devils and dust storms in order to develop a better understanding of their electric fields. He also studies climate models used to simulate tropical cyclones and help us better understand and prepare for future cyclones. He is working in the office of Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) for the duration of the fellowship.

Kevin ReedKevin Reed

Bickford and Reed arrived in Washington, D.C. in September and participated in a two-week intensive course on politics and the legislative process with other Congressional Science Fellows, hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Bickford and Reed were then interviewed by congressional offices and committees before being offered a position. Among their varied duties, they will help craft legislation, advise members of Congress on votes, meet with lobbyists and constituents, organize hearings, and write speeches and statements. Additionally, they may be asked to assist during congressional hearings or debates on the floor of the House or Senate.

 

Learn about the AGU Congressional Science Fellowship through firsthand interviews with AGU Executive Director Chris McEntee, Senator Jeff Bingaman, and the 2011–2012 Fellows, Rebecca French and Ian Lloyd, by watching the video below.

AGU Congressional Science Fellowship

AGU galvanizes a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advances and communicates science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.