A year on the Hill proved to be a turning point indeed for me.  Although I, unlike many of my colleagues in the Congressional Science Fellowship, overcame "Potomac Fever" and returned to my home base with the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., the imprint of that year in Washington was indelibly stamped.  I am certain that it was singularly responsible for the numerous new career vistas that are now beginning to open to me.

First and foremost, being on the Hill afforded visibility (thanks to AGU and Eos) that few of us down among the ranks attain in the normal course of a research career.  Being a Congressional Science Fellow may be considered a unique experience -- especially for geologists -- and I therefore found myself plugged into a network of professional committee appointments that otherwise would not likely have come my way.  To my surprise, I was named to a 4-year term on the new National Research Council Board on Earth Sciences because of my somewhat anomalous perspective on how science gets done in the nation.  Also, I was privileged to serve my Alma Mater, the University of Texas, as a member of its Centennial Commission, which assessed the state of the university on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

Coming back to Menlo Park, I returned to earth after 13 years in planetary geology by signing on as a coordinator of a project in international minerals resource assessment.  At that time I also learned that AGU had attached a string to my Congressional Fellowship: AGU President James Van Allen suggested that I chair the Public Affairs Committee for a 2-year term, which afforded an enjoyable insight into the workings of our Union.  Additional "spinoffs" include election to the Council of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, membership on the Committee on Committees of the Geological Society of America, and appointment to the Stanford Earth Sciences Advisory Board.  Most importantly, I am inclined to attribute my present assignment as Assistant Chief Geologist for the Western Region to the simple fact that I did something unusual for a year that added immeasurably to the "breadth of experience" category.

Now, when I consider the benefits of my year with regard to science, I'm less certain.  However, one so inspired by the Washington scene cannot help taking up the cause of science in the political arena.  Former Fellows are a fraternity of spokesmen who emphasize at every opportunity the importance of having scientists get involved at all levels of government and in all realms of societal affairs.  As our numbers increase, we are becoming a louder voice and a more effective irritant within our professional societies!

Finally, I would like to say that my fellowship year was surely my most rewarding to date.  The art of "networking" that one learns on Capitol Hill is an indispensible skill that serves one well in the many facets of professional life, if one happens to enjoy a broad array of contacts, opportunities, and experience!

Carroll Ann Hodges AGU Congressional Science Fellow, 1980-1981.

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