Dr. Lauren M. Aycock awarded the APS Congressional Science Fellowship for 2017-2018

Newly minted Ph.D.,  Dr. Lauren M. Aycock has been award the 2017-2018 APS Congressional Science Fellowship! She will be spending a year working with members of Congress on issues where her experience can support the legislative and political process! Way to go Lauren!!

From the APS website:

Public policy increasingly is determined by technical considerations. A perusal of the daily press — from page one through the health and business sections — illustrates that science is a major component of many issues with which Congress must grapple: global warming, energy policy, defense technologies, AIDS, pollution, communications technologies, and many, many more.

It is the aim of the APS and AIP in sponsoring these fellowships to provide a public service by making available individuals with scientific knowledge and skills to Members of Congress, few of whom have a technical background. In turn, the program enables scientists to broaden their experience through direct involvement with the legislative and political processes. Fellows gain a perspective which, ideally, will enhance not only their own careers but also the physics community’s ability to more effectively communicate with its representatives in Congress. Today’s budget climate makes this ability of increasing importance as shrinking resources force hard choices between worthy projects.