 |
About the Fellowships: Partners:
Agencies
The agencies listed below host and fund executive branch
fellowships in collaboration with AAAS.
National
Defense & Global Security
Diplomacy
Energy,
Environment, Agriculture, & Natural Resources
Health,
Education, & Human Services
AAAS Fellows at the Federal Bureau
of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has just created
a Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate to enhance
our WMD prevention mission, and with this expansion
of the WMD program comes exciting new opportunities
for AAAS Fellows in WMD counterterrorism and counterproliferation
programs. AAAS Fellows have the opportunity to work
with staff involved in the planning, development and
oversight of FBI programs. Although not government officials
with formal authority over such efforts, Fellows have
the opportunity to advise and be involved in virtually
all aspects of this process.
Fellows from a variety of disciplines with a strong
interest in interagency liaison and policy development
would be valuable contributors to this dynamic work
environment. Fellows should not expect to work specifically
on technical issues related to their dissertations or
previous post-doctoral appointments, but rather to apply
their technical, organizational, and communication skills
to technical and policy issues in the FBI. Additionally,
Fellows help increase the awareness of FBI and its agencies
as a challenging and rewarding career environment for
scientists and engineers. Fellows may have an opportunity
to work in one of several offices within the WMD Directorate:
- The FBI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Countermeasures
Unit (WMDCU) leads the FBI's WMD mission through
building and maintaining FBI and interagency countermeasure
initiatives to detect and deter the illicit acquisition
and development of WMD equipment and materials for
harmful purposes. WMDCU has five areas of focus: Chemical/Explosives,
Biological, Nuclear/Radiological, Agriculture, and
Infrastructure Protection. In each of these areas,
WMDCU is responsible for liaison, program development,
and policy formulation both within the government
and with other organizations.
- The FBI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Counterproliferation
Initiatives Unit (WMDCPIU) develops and implements
sophisticated tripwire initiatives that specifically
target the acquisition, weaponization, and development
of WMDs by state sponsors for counterintelligence
operations.
Web site: www.fbi.gov
AAAS Fellows at the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission
- Office
of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
The Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) supports
the NRC mission to protect public health, safety,
and the environment by developing and implementing
rulemaking, licensing, oversight, and incident response
programs for reactors. We conduct these activities
in a manner that develops trust and is consistent
with the NRC organizational values.
NRR is responsible for accomplishing key components
of the NRC's nuclear reactor safety mission. As such,
NRR conducts a range of regulatory activities in four
primary program areas to protect the public health,
safety, and the environment.
-
Deputy
Director for Probabilistic Risk & Applications
The Office of the Deputy Director for Probabilistic
Risk & Applications develops, recommends, plans,
develops and manages research programs relating
to probabilistic risk assessments (PRA), human factors,
human reliability analysis, and special projects.
This office supports agency efforts to use risk
information in all aspects of regulatory decision
making, and recommends improvements in NRC programs/processes
to achieve outcomes of enhanced safety, efficiency
or effectiveness
Web site: www.nrc.gov/
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Department
of Defense
AAAS Fellows work with staff involved in the planning,
development and oversight of U.S. Department of Defense
(DoD) programs. Although not government officials with
formal authority over such efforts, Fellows have the
opportunity to advise and be involved in virtually all
aspects of this process.
Fellows should not expect to work specifically on technical
issues related to their dissertations or previous post-doctoral
appointments, but rather to apply their technical, organizational,
and communication skills to technical and policy issues
in DoD. Additionally, Fellows help increase the awareness
of DoD and its agencies as a challenging and rewarding
career environment for scientists and engineers.
- The Office of
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology
and Logistics
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics (OUSD/AT&L) oversees
all matters relating to systems acquisition, research
and engineering, economic security, atomic energy,
advanced technology, environmental security, logistics
and acquisition reform. Although not a research agency,
its mission includes all aspects of defense systems
development, from basic and applied research, to advanced
technology development and systems engineering.
OUSD/AT&L deals with a wide array of technical
and policy-oriented issues. Some possible examples
include chemical weapons disposal, space missions
and policy, environmental remediation, U.S.-Russian
environmental collaborations, base closure and redevelopment,
ballistic missile defense, cooperative threat reduction,
R&D funding, weapons testing, acquisition reform,
program management policy, counter-proliferation,
information technology and information warfare.
- Director
of Defense Research & Engineering (DDR&E)
The DDR&E is the principal staff advisor to the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology,
and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) and the Secretary and
Deputy Secretary of Defense for research and engineering
matters.
- The Defense Threat
Reduction Agency
- Advanced Systems & Concepts Office
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) Advanced
Systems and Concepts Office (ASCO) seeks creative
and innovative professionals in engineering and
science to address the national and international
socio/political/technical issues of Weapons of
Mass Destruction (WMD), nuclear/biological/chemical.
They are expected to lead investigative teams
of specialists and subject-matter experts, coordinate
and develop study efforts, and present those findings
to senior officials in the executive branch or
to congressional staff.
Foreign travel is likely. Fellows are expected
to dedicate one third of their time to developing
their own personal area of interest compatible
with the broad mission of the office and to champion
new initiatives that could have a major impact
on the nation's security or the broader world
stability. The breadth of the study areas is not
limited to WMD but can address Weapons of Mass
Effect (disruptive effects that may have the same
psychological or economic impact as WMD). Exceptional
people seeking a different and challenging experience
are invited to investigate the future with DTRA-ASCO
in the general areas of:
- Threat Anticipation and/or Reduction (including
Terrorism)
- Homeland Security
- Force Transformation
- Strategic Deterrence
- Unconventional Options/Alternate Futures
- The Chemical and Biological Technologies
Directorate
The goal of this Directorate is to research, develop,
and demonstrate innovative technologies and capabilities
to mitigate the threat and/or effects of chemical
and biological events. The objectives are to:
- Develop and execute an agile, flexible,
and robust S&T program to meet validated
needs.
- Seek out "best-in-class" performers
to pursue innovative solutions.
- Push to ensure effective technology to the
soldier, sailor, airman, and marine.
- The U.S.
Army Research Office
The mission of the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO)
is to manage the Army extramural basic research program
in the physical and engineering sciences, materials
science, atmospheric and terrestrial sciences, biology
and mathematical sciences in response to Army-wide
requirements. This research is largely carried out
through grants to universities. The ARO manages the
Army's Small Business Innovation Research program.
ARO sponsors long-range, opportunity-driven research
that leads to pioneering scientific discoveries resulting
in revolutionary advances in Army capabilities. Fellows
have an opportunity to assist in shaping the Army's
research program of the future and in managing new
initiatives.
- The Missile Defense
Agency
The Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) mission is to develop,
test and prepare for the deployment of a missile defense
system. Using complementary interceptors, land, sea,
air and space-based sensors, and battle management
command and control systems, the planned missile defense
system will be able to engage all classes and ranges
of ballistic missile threats. The MDA's programmatic
strategy is to develop, rigorously test and continuously
evaluate production, deployment and operational alternatives
for the ballistic missile defense. MDA works at the
leading edge of critical aspects of technology and
national security, in response to the global expansion
of missile technology and the threat of weapons of
mass destruction.
- The Office
of Naval Research
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) promotes, coordinates,
funds and executes the S&T programs of the U.S.
Navy and Marine Corps. Programs are developed and
executed nationally through universities, government
laboratories, industry and nonprofit organizations.
Collaborations with the international S&T community
are promoted and developed through ONR Global, an
ONR department comprised of several international
field offices. ONR provides advice to the Chief of
Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy on
all technical issues, but its primary focus is on
the next Navy in development and the Navy after next.
Fellows detailed to ONR will assist in the development
and administration of ONR research and educational
programs during their assignment to ONR's home office
in Arlington, VA. This assignment may be followed
by up to six-months assigned to a defense laboratory
or university center conducting Navy research where
Fellows will participate in an existing or new S&T
research project. ONR Fellows may be offered the opportunity
to extend their assignment at ONR for a second year.
- The Office
of the Secretary of Defense, Director, Program Analysis
and Evaluation
The Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director,
Program Analysis and Evaluation (OSD/PA&E), conducts
independent analysis for and provides independent
advice to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense.
PA&E's principal responsibilities include:
- Analyzing, evaluating, and providing alternative
plans, programs, and budgets in relation to U.S.
defense objectives, projected threats, allied
contributions, estimated costs, and resource constraints.
- Reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating programs,
including classified programs, for executing approved
strategies and policies.
- Providing leadership in developing and promoting
improved analytical skills and competencies, tools,
data and methods for analyzing national security
planning and the allocation of resources.
- Ensuring that the costs, effectiveness, and
capabilities of DoD programs, including classified
programs, are presented accurately and completely.
- Assessing effects of DoD spending on the U.S.
economy, and evaluating alternative policies to
ensure that DoD programs can be implemented.
PA&E employs mathematicians, physicists, biochemists,
molecular biologists, chemists, engineers, economists,
etc. to provide honest, unbiased, analytical advice
to the Secretary of Defense. Fellows have an opportunity
to impact decisions through a wide variety of analytical
efforts such as the following:
- Analyze and evaluate the capabilities, effectiveness,
feasibility, and costs of proposed and alternative
forces, weapon systems, and programs.
- Design and/or conduct studies and analyses of
the capabilities of U.S., allied, and potential
enemy forces.
- Develop and/or validate life-cycle cost estimates
of planned or proposed weapon systems.
- Perform cost and/or economic analyses of alternative
defense plans and programs.
- Develop better mathematical models and analytical
methods for use in Defense analysis.
- Conduct research into economic and fiscal issues
of major concern to the Department of Defense.
- National Defense University
- Center
for Technology and National Security Policy
The life sciences program at the Center for Technology
and National Security Policy has had considerable
flexibility to explore a number of policy issues
during the last three years. Topics have included
the utility of the Biowatch biosensor program,
as well as alternatives to the current DoD vaccination
scheme. Additional work has centered on the emergence
of biotechnology as a force multiplier for the
military. There is an ongoing project with a major
medical school, where fMRI is being used to understand
the manner in which certain messages are perceived
and interpreted by members of various cultures.
There is also a major project underway in which
we are assessing the consequences of a flu pandemic,
especially as it relates to military readiness.
- Information
Resources Management College
The Information Resources Management College offers
graduate-level courses, programs, and educational
services to government leaders who seek to leverage
information and information technology for strategic
advantage. The college's faculty collaborate in
an interdisciplinary environment to create learning
opportunities for Department of Defense and federal
government leaders.
Web site: www.dod.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
Innovation and cutting-edge science are more than just
buzzwords at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), as AAAS Fellows will discover during their fellowship
the department. DHS is at the forefront of a new age
of employing science to anticipate, prevent, respond
to, and recover from terrorist attacks, and conduct
mission-directed research in science and technology.
Fellows may have an opportunity to work in one of several
offices within the following directorates:
- Directorate
for Science and Technology
- Explosives Division focuses on the detection,
mitigation, and response to explosives such as
improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers.
- Chemical and Biological Division conducts
analyses for better characterization and prioritization
of the threat, develops detection systems to provide
early warning of a possible attack so as to minimize
exposure and speed treatment of victims, conducts
forensic analyses to support attribution, and
works with federal partners who have lead responsibilities
in decontamination and restoration, agrodefense,
and food security.
- Border and Maritime Security Division
develops, evaluates, and demonstrates technologies
and tools for better securing our land and maritime
ports of entry. We are pilot testing surveillance
and monitoring capabilities to cover vast expanses
of remote border and developing and testing security
devices and inspection methods to secure the large
volume of cargo entering U.S. ports daily.
- Command, Control, & Interoperability
Division focuses on operable and interoperable
communications for emergency responders, security
and integrity of the Internet, and development
of automated capabilities that “connect-the-dots”
to recognize potential threats.
- Human Factors Division applies the social
and behavioral sciences to improve detection,
analysis, and understanding of threats posed by
individuals, groups, and radical movements; to
support the preparedness, response and recovery
of communities impacted by catastrophic events;
and to advance national security by integrating
human factors into homeland security technologies.
- Infrastructure/Geophysical Division
focuses on identifying and mitigating the vulnerabilities
of the 17 critical infrastructure and key assets
that keep our society and economy functioning.
- Office of Health Affairs
The Office of Health Affairs is the Department of
Homeland Security’s principal authority for all
medical and public health matters. Working across
all levels of government, and with the private sector,
the office leads the department’s role in developing,
supporting, measuring and refining a scientifically
rigorous, intelligence-based medical and biodefense
architecture that ensures the public health and medical
security of our Nation.
Divisions
- Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Biodefense
a. Bioshield Program
b. BioWatch program
c. National Biosurveillance Integration System
d. Animal Disease and Agrodefense
- Medical Readiness
a. Contingency planning
b. Medical integration and coordination
c. First responder readiness
d. WMD incident management support
e. Medical preparedness grant coordination
f. Pandemic Influenza planning and coordination
- Component services
a. Occupational health and safety programs for DHS
b. Protective Medicine
- Policy
Directorate
The Office of Policy Development stregthens
homeland security by developing and coordinating policies,
planning, and programs that better integrate the Department's
entire prevention, protection, response and recovery
mission. One major aspect of the work accomplished
by this Office is related to policy development for
countermeasures to the deliberate use of biological,
chemical, and radiological/nuclear threat agents.
The Office also helps address myriad other issues
created by the rapidly evolving world of technology
that can jeopardize as well as enhance homeland security.
Web site: www.dhs.gov
AAAS Fellows at the Fogarty
International Center
The Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) promotes and supports scientific
research, training and capacity-building internationally
to reduce disparities in global health. To accomplish
this broad objective, FIC works with the U.S. scientific
community and counterparts abroad; U.S. agencies, including
the State Department and other agencies of the Department
of Health and Human Services; international organizations;
and non-governmental groups. FIC funds research, training
and capacity building programs to advance critical initiatives
on HIV/AIDS, emerging infectious diseases, medical informatics,
maternal and child health, environmental health and
other key issues, and supports multi-disciplinary research
programs on topics such as the linkage between health
status and economic development and international bioethics.
The Fellow will work with a community of researchers,
administrators and policy-makers at FIC, to advance
medical research, training and capacity-building through
international cooperation. Fellows will be placed in
the Division of International Relations, the Division
of Advanced Studies and Policy Analysis, or the Division
of International Training and Research. The Fellow will
also contribute to program, policy, and priority-setting
efforts. It is anticipated that one Fellow will be placed
at FIC.
The AAAS Fellowship at the Fogarty International Center
is also known as the Sheldon M. Wolff, MD, Fellowship
on International Health. Dr. Wolff was a world leader
in infectious disease research. He was a strong supporter
of research and training collaborations with partners
in developing countries and was among the first to recognize
the global impact of HIV/AIDS.
Web site: www.fic.nih.gov
AAAS Fellows at the Foreign
Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) works to build new markets and
improve the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in the
global marketplace and enhance agricultural productivity
in developing nations through market development programs,
international trade agreements and negotiations, the
collection/analysis of statistics and market information,
and through international cooperation.
FAS administers USDA's export credit guarantee and food
aid programs, and helps increase income and food availability
in developing nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally-led
economic growth. FAS manages technical assistance and
training to foster economic development and food security
(including crop forecasting) in developing nations.
It links U.S. and foreign scientists for research collaboration
and technology exchanges. It promotes agribusiness development,
including harmonization of transportation and product
standards, and helps to establish partnerships between
U.S. and overseas businesses.
Diplomacy Fellows may work on a broad range of subjects,
for example, managing the development of U.S. policy
and position papers on food, agriculture, rural development,
environmental, natural resource and water issues under
consideration by international organizations (e.g.,
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development, or the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation
on Agriculture). Trade policy development, and efforts
to resolve differences with other nations and promote
science-based decision making, particularly relating
to animal and plant health and safety might also offer
options for Fellows.
Fellows might lead liaison efforts with USAID, the Department
of State, multilateral development banks, U.S. universities,
or other U.S. and international organizations to facilitate
cooperation on international food, science, and technology
issues. A rapidly expanding area is biotechnology policy
and research collaboration. Fellows might help promote
understanding and cooperation among organizations and
countries on this evolving science. Similarly, the environment,
water issues, and sustainable development represent
areas with potential opportunities for Fellows.
Web site: www.fas.usda.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S.
Agency for International Development
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
with field missions in Africa, Asia, the Near East,
Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, manages
U.S. bilateral assistance to developing countries. USAID
seeks to promote broadly-based sustainable development.
In addition to supporting the activities of USAID missions,
Washington-based staff are responsible for the administration
of science and technology efforts of worldwide applicability,
for the management of specialized regional and multi-regional
projects, and for policy and program coordination. Diplomacy
Fellows will work in technical offices at USAID in Washington,
DC. The fellowship involves overseas travel to work
for limited periods in the field.
Typically, the technical staff with whom Fellows work
are involved in the planning, review, monitoring or
evaluation of development assistance programs. Fellows
have an opportunity to advise and be involved in virtually
all aspects of this process and should expect to bring
their scientific training to bear broadly on development
issues and activities.
Fellows' assignments relate to sustainable development,
with an emphasis on economic growth, the environment,
health, population, democratization, humanitarian assistance
and education.
Web site: www.usaid.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S.
Department of State
AAAS Fellows at the State Department will serve in one
of the Department's functional or regional bureaus that
have responsibility for defining and implementing the
foreign policies of the United States. Opportunities
vary widely across a broad range of subjects and areas,
depending on the office in which the Fellow chooses
to work.
Fellows will gain insight into the role of science and
technology in the overall development and execution
of U.S. policy, and will interact with many other agencies
of the U.S. government, as well as representatives of
other countries. Fellows may be involved in coordinating
positions with other U.S. government agencies concerning
the negotiation of multilateral treaties, or may join
a team negotiating an international agreement. They
may respond to queries or suggestions from U.S. embassies
abroad and foreign embassies in the U.S., as well as
from Congress and the White House.
Fellows may serve in the office of the Science and Technology
Adviser to the Secretary of State, which leads a broad
effort to increase S&T capacities in the State Department
to deal with the increasingly technical nature of foreign
policy issues. Other placements are within the Bureau
of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs; the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor;
the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs; the four
bureaus which report to the Under Secretary for Arms
Control and International Security Affairs; and the
six regional bureaus, which include the Bureau of African
Affairs, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs,
the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the Bureau
of Near Eastern Affairs, the Bureau of South Asian Affairs,
and the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Web site: www.state.gov
AAAS Fellowships at the National
Oceanic Atmospheric Association
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes
in the Earth’s environment and conserve and manage
coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s
economic, social, and environmental needs. NOAA has
a commitment to scientific excellence and looks to the
AAAS Fellows program to infuse the agency with new perspectives
and approaches to bringing science to the interface
of management and policy. AAAS Fellows hosted within
NOAA could expect to work at the science/policy interface
in any of a broad range of contemporary issues including
global climate change, living marine resource stewardship,
integrated ocean monitoring, and ocean and coastal management.
- Climate
Program Office
NOAA's Climate Program Office manages climate activities
across NOAA, including many of NOAA's climate-related
contributions to the US Climate Change Science Program.
NOAA's mission goal in this area is to understand
climate variability and change and enhance society's
ability to plan and respond.
The AAAS fellow will become part of the Climate
Assessments and Services Division and devote most
of their attention to issues related to the impacts
of climate change and methods for adaptation. Responsibilities
could include the production of material for a set
of submissions from the US government to the Subsidiary
Body on Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA)
of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- NOAA Fisheries
– Office of Science & Technology
NOAA Fisheries Service’s mission is “Stewardship
of living marine resources for the benefit of the
nation through their science-based conservation and
management and promotion of the health of their environment.”
The Office of Science and Technology provides the
scientific foundation for management and policy
in support of this mission. The AAAS Fellow will
be an integral member of our team, working on domestic
and international policy issues and across a range
of scientific disciplines, including physical and
biological oceanography, economics and social science,
fisheries science and marine ecology.
Web site: www.noaa.gov
AAAS Fellows at the National Science
Foundation
The National Science Foundation's (NSF) broad mandate
authorizes it to engage in a wide range of activities
relating to research and education in science, engineering
and technology. Fellows will be placed in offices within
NSF that will expose them to the agency's role in the
policy process. While the fellowships are primarily
a learning experience, NSF values the technical expertise
provided by the Fellows.
Fellows may work on programs that foster an interchange
of scientific information; support the development and
use of scientific methods and technologies; evaluate
the status and needs of the various disciplines of science
and fields of engineering; collect, interpret and analyze
data; analyze federal funding for basic and applied
research; initiate and support activities relating to
international cooperation and national security; and
recommend national policies for the promotion of basic
research and education in the sciences and engineering.
In the past, Fellows have been involved in the development
of new funding programs (e.g., Cognitive Neuroscience,
Public Understanding of Research); efforts to increase
the participation of women, underrepresented minorities
and persons with disabilities in science and technology;
and communication of the Foundation's programs, policies
and activities to Congress, state and local governments,
other federal agencies, the research and education communities,
and the general public.
Fellows may choose to work in any one of several offices
within NSF. Below are summaries of agencies and offices
where past Fellows have served.
- The Office of
the Director (OD) houses the Foundation's
top leadership, and oversees all Foundation activities
from the development of policy priorities to the establishment
of administrative and management guidelines, including
long-range planning.
- The Office of International Science and Engineering
(OISE) promotes the development of an integrated,
Foundation-wide international strategy, and manages
international programs that are innovative, catalytic,
and responsive to a broad range of NSF interests.
- The Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
(OLPA) communicates information about the
activities, programs, research results and policies
of the National Science Foundation.
- The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) manages
and initiates National Science Foundation funding
for basic research and its operational support
in the Arctic and the Antarctic.
- The Directorate
for Biological Sciences (BIO) provides support
for research to advance understanding of the underlying
principles and mechanisms governing life.
- The Division of Integrative Organismal Biology
(IOB) supports research aimed at integrative
understanding of organisms as units of biological
organization, with particular emphasis on their
development, form, function, and evolution.
- The Directorate
for Computer and Information Sciences & Engineering
(CISE) supports investigator initiated research
in all areas of computer and information science and
engineering, helps develop and maintain cutting-edge
national computing and information infrastructure
for research and education generally, and contributes
to the education and training of the next generation
of computer scientists and engineers.
- The Directorate
for Education and Human Resources (EHR) mission
is to achieve excellence in U.S. science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at all
levels and in all settings (both formal and informal)
in order to support the development of a diverse and
well-prepared workforce of scientists, technicians,
engineers, mathematicians and educators and a well-informed
citizenry that have access to the ideas and tools
of science and engineering.
- The Division of Elementary, Secondary &
Informal Education (ESIE) supports the National
Science Foundation's mission of providing leadership
and promoting development of the infrastructure
and resources needed to improve preK-12 STEM education
throughout the United States.
- The Division of Graduate Education (DGE)
leads the National Science Foundation's efforts
to attract the most talented US students into
graduate studies, and to support them in their
quest to become the leading scientists and engineers
of the future.
- The Directorate
for Engineering (ENG)
- The Division of Engineering Education &
Centers (EEC) encourages the integration of
engineering research and education to accelerate
technological and educational innovation and improve
the quality and diversity of engineering graduates
entering the technical workforce.
- The Directorate
for Geosciences (GEO) mission is to support
research in the atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences.
GEO addresses the nation's need to understand, predict,
and respond to environmental events and changes to
use Earth's resources wisely.
- Directorate
for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)
- The Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
mission is to help ensure the scientific excellence
of the U.S. astronomical community by supporting
forefront research in ground-based astronomy and
the development of new instrumentation and key
facilities.
- The Directorate
for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)
supports the research that underlies such findings,
as well as other research that builds fundamental
knowledge of human behavior, interaction, and social
and economic systems, organizations and institutions.
- The Division of Behavioral and Cognitive
Sciences (BCS) supports research to develop
and advance scientific knowledge on human cognition,
language, social behavior and culture, as well
as research on the interactions between human
societies and the physical environment.
Web site: www.nsf.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Department
of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership
on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related
issues based on sound public policy, the best available
science, and efficient management. USDA is made up of
seventeen agencies and twelve departmental offices.
The seventeen agencies are responsible for carrying
out USDA’s mission, which is broken down into seven
areas: Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; Food,
Nutrition and Consumer Services; Food Safety; Marketing
and Regulatory Programs; Natural Resources and Environment;
Research, Education and Economics; and Rural Development.
Fellows work on a variety of issues at USDA and specific
assignments will vary by placement, but could include
work on domestic and international aspects of food safety
and food security; providing guidance and technical
assistance throughout the risk analysis process including
during the risk assessment, risk communication, economic
analysis and regulatory processes; analyzing proposed
USDA regulations; and coordination of risk assessment
work across the Agency as well as with other agencies.
Fellows may choose to work in any one of several agencies
within USDA. Below are summaries of agencies and offices
where past Fellows have served.
- The Agricultural
Research Service (ARS) is USDA's principal
in-house research agency and works to ensure that
Americans have reliable, adequate supplies of high-quality
food and other agricultural products. ARS accomplishes
its goals through scientific discoveries that help
solve problems in crop and livestock production and
protection, human nutrition, and the interaction of
agriculture and the environment.
- The Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
provides leadership in ensuring the health and care
of animals and plants and is responsible for protecting
and promoting U.S. agricultural health, administering
the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife
damage management activities. The agency improves
agricultural productivity and competitiveness and
contributes to the national economy and the public
health.
- Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS)
protects America's agricultural and natural resources
by ensuring the safe development of genetically
engineered organisms using a science-based regulatory
framework.
- Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
safeguards agriculture and natural resources from
the risks associated with the entry, establishment,
or spread of animal and plant pests and noxious
weeds to ensure an abundant, high-quality, and
varied food supply.
- Veterinary Services (VS) protects and
improves the health, quality, and marketability
of our nation's animals, animal products and veterinary
biologics by preventing, controlling and/or eliminating
animal diseases, and monitoring and promoting
animal health and productivity.
- The Economic
Research Service (ERS) is USDA's principal
social science research agency. ERS provides economic
research and information to inform public and private
decision making on economic and policy issues related
to agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural
America. ERS communicates research results and socioeconomic
indicators via briefings, analyses for policymakers
and their staffs, market analysis updates, and major
reports. ERS research provides not only facts, but
also expert economic analysis of many critical issues
facing farmers, agribusiness, consumers, and policymakers.
ERS expertise helps these stakeholders conduct business,
formulate policy, or just learn about agriculture,
food, natural resources, and rural America.
- The Food
Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public
health agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture
responsible for protecting consumers from foodborne
illness and ensuring that the nation's commercial
supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe,
wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.
- The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS)
provides scientific analysis, advice, data, and
recommendations regarding matters involving public
health and science that are of concern to FSIS.
OPHS is comprised of an interdisciplinary staff
of scientists and technical experts that work
closely with policy and provide the scientific
basis for food safety decisions. Within OPHS is
the Risk Assessment Division (RAD). RAD is a multi-disciplinary
group of public health scientists and technical
professionals dedicated to developing quantitative
risk assessments and decision-support models to
guide food safety policies related to meat, poultry
and egg products. RAD staff are motivated by the
application of science to real world national
and international public health issues. This team
takes professional pride in it role to improve
public health through safer food because of its
role in USDA. RAD is integral to the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s food safety decision-making
process and is responsible for guiding issues
related to the safety of domestically produced
and imported foods, predicting the public health
impact of emerging infectious diseases transmitted
though the food supply, and developing creative
solutions to on-going food safety concerns.
Web site: www.usda.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Department
of Energy
The Department of Energy's (DOE) overarching mission
is to advance the national, economic, and energy security
of the United States; to promote scientific and technological
innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure
the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons
complex. The Department has four strategic goals - in
the areas of defense, energy, science, and environment
- toward achieving the mission.
AAAS Fellows serve in DOE's Office of Science.
The Office of Science manages fundamental research programs
in basic energy sciences, biological and environmental
sciences, and computational science. The Office of Science
manages this research portfolio through six interdisciplinary
program offices: Advanced Scientific Computing Research,
Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental
Research, Fusion Energy Sciences, High Energy Physics
and Nuclear Physics. In addition, the Office of Science
sponsors a range of science education initiatives through
its Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists
program.
The DOE Office of Science is the single largest supporter
of basic research in the physical sciences in the United
States, providing more than 40 percent of total funding
for this vital area of national importance. It oversees
- and is the principal federal funding agency of - the
Nation's research programs in high-energy physics, nuclear
physics, and fusion energy sciences. In addition, the
Office of Science is the Federal Government's largest
single funder of materials and chemical sciences, and
it supports unique and vital parts of U.S. research
in climate change, geophysics, genomics, life sciences,
and science education.
Fellows may choose to work in any one of several offices
within DOE's Office of Science. Below are summaries
of offices where past Fellows have served.
- The Office of the Director.
- The Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program
mission is to foster and support fundamental research
to expand the scientific foundations for new and
improved energy technologies and for understanding
and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy
use. The portfolio supports work in the natural
sciences, emphasizing fundamental research in materials
sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and aspects of
biosciences.
- The Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
program is responsible for advancing environmental
and biomedical knowledge that promotes national
security through improved energy production, development,
and use; international scientific leadership that
underpins our Nation's technological advances; and
research that improves the quality of life for all
Americans. BER supports these vital national missions
through competitive and peer-reviewed research at
national laboratories, universities, and private
institutions. In addition, BER develops and delivers
the knowledge needed to support the President's
National Energy Plan.
- The Office of Budget and Planning (BP)
manages the budget formulation, budget execution,
and strategic planning processes for the Office
of Science (SC) on behalf of the SC Director and
Principal Deputy Director. BP also ensures that
SC program funds are used in accordance with the
intent of the appropriation, financial management
restrictions are not violated, proper accounting
controls and practices are maintained, and adequate
performance measures are in place to evaluate SC
programs effectively.
Web site: www.energy.gov
and www.sc.doe.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is to protect human health and to safeguard the
natural environment - air, water and land - upon which
life depends. EPA leads the nation's environmental science,
research, education and assessment efforts by developing
and enforcing regulations; providing financial assistance
through research grants and graduate fellowships, and
supporting environmental education projects and services;
performing environmental research at EPA laboratories
located throughout the nation; and sponsoring voluntary
partnerships and programs.
EPA's interests and jurisdictions are wide ranging.
Fellows may seek a placement in any of the EPA offices
that are physically located in Washington, D.C. They
may propose or negotiate projects that address any environmentally
relevant issue that is within the jurisdiction of EPA.
For a sample of possible projects (not inclusive) click
here.
Fellows may choose to work in any one of several offices
within EPA. In a given year, the potential to be placed
in a particular office depends upon current and emerging
needs, compatibility between the goals of the applicant
and the potential host office, and availability of resources
to support a Fellow. Below are summaries of some offices
where past Fellows have served.
- The Office
of the Administrator (OA) provides executive
and logistical support for the EPA Administrator and
support and overall supervision for the Agency programs
and activities. Fellows have served at the following
offices within the OA:
- Office
of Children's Health Protection (OCHP) conducts
and oversees a wide variety of activities pertaining
to the protection of childrens’ health.
- Office
of Policy, Economics, and Innovation (OPEI)
strives to continuously improve environmental
protection systems by: 1) Testing innovative ideas
that promise better environmental and public health
protection than existing policies.; 2) Evaluating
innovations to determine their potential for broader
application.; and 3) Encouraging adoption of successful
innovations so their value can be realized on
a broader scale. Fellows have served within the
office's Evaluation Support Division as well as
in the following centers:
- National Center for Environmental Economics
(NCEE)
- National Center for Environmental Innovation
(NCEI)
- Office of Environmental Policy Innovation
(OEPI)
- The Office
of Air and Radiation (OAR) develops national
programs, technical policies, and regulations for
controlling air pollution and radiation exposure.
OAR is concerned with energy conservation and pollution
prevention, indoor and outdoor air quality, industrial
air pollution, pollution from vehicles and engines,
radon, acid rain, stratospheric ozone depletion, and
radiation protection. Fellows have served in these
offices:
- Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
- Office of Policy Analysis and Review
- Office of Atmospheric Programs
- Office of Transportation and Air Quality
- The Office
of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPT)
develops national strategies for toxic substance control
and promotes pollution prevention and the public's
right to know about chemical risks. Dealing with emerging
issues like endocrine disruptors and lead poisoning
prevention are top priorities. Fellows have served
in several OPPT offices, including:
- Office of Science Coordination and Policy
- Design for the Environment Branch
- Pollution Prevention Division
- Exposure Assessment Branch
- Risk Assessment Division
- The Office
of Research and Development (ORD) is responsible
for the research and development needs of the Agency's
operating programs and the conduct of an integrated
research and development program for the Agency. Fellows
have served at the following offices within ORD:
- National Center for Environmental Assessment
(NCEA)
- National Center for Environmental Research (NCER)
- National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC)
- Office of Science Advisor
- Office of Science Policy
- The Office
of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)
provides policy, guidance, and direction for the land
disposal of hazardous wastes, underground storage
tanks, solid waste management, encouragement of innovative
technologies, source reduction of wastes and the Superfund
Program. (NOTE: Fellows cannot currently serve
in certain positions that deal specifically and exclusively
with hazardous substance remediation, including Superfund-related
activities).
- The Office
of Water (OW) is responsible for the Agency's
water quality activities including development of
national programs, technical policies, and regulations
relating to drinking water, water quality, ground
water, pollution source standards, and the protection
of wetlands, marine, and estuarine areas. Some offices
where Fellows have recently served include:
- American Indian Environmental Office
- Office of Science and Technology
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
- Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water
Web site: www.epa.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Forest
Service
Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service
manages public lands in national forests and grasslands.
The agency has a large natural resources research organization
and also has programs assisting state, urban and private
forest managers. Its management and issues engender
high levels of public interest, concern and controversy.AAAS
Fellows will work with the Policy Analysis Team in the
Washington, DC, headquarters. The Policy Analysis Team
provides rapid synthesis, advice and guidance on a broad
range of topics affecting Forest Service policies and
programs.
Fellows with the PA Team will have an excellent opportunity
to work on high-priority, national, cross-cutting natural
resource issues through a variety of analytical and
synthesis studies. Available topics of study include
trends in forested private land ownerships and needs,
forest restoration, markets for ecosystem services,
streamlining National Environmental Policy Act analysis
and Endangered Species Act consultation, and organizational
studies of leadership traits and culture. Specific work
assignments will depend on the skills and interests
of the fellow.
Individuals who possess a background and interest in
the social sciences, organizational development, economics,
natural resources policy, or a quantitative field are
encouraged to apply.
Web site: www.fs.fed.us
AAAS Fellows at the National Institutes
of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the world's
premier medical research organization, supporting over
37,000 research projects nationwide in diseases including
cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, arthritis, heart ailments
and AIDS. The NIH includes 27 separate health institutes
and centers.
The AAAS Fellowships at NIH were established to enhance
scientific and technical policy expertise in medical
research policy issues. Depending upon the issues and
opportunities addressed by NIH during the period of
the fellowship, participants may be involved in some
of the following activities: Collect and analyze scientific
and technical information pertinent to the preparation
of reports and other documents regarding a broad range
of NIH research policy and planning issues;
- Participate in the evaluation of scientific opportunities,
funding implications, and impact of federal policies
on the conduct of biomedical research;
- Initiate scholarly activities and coordinate analytic
approaches to evaluate and interpret the economic
impact and biomedical impact on public health and
society;
- Participate in activities that consider and advance
safeguards of research on human subjects;
- Coordinate and organize planning and policy activities
in response to congressional actions and recommendations
of external advisors and the NIH leadership;
- Promote policies and planning that enhance the interactions
among public and private research sectors with the
goal of fostering collaboration and improved efficiency
in the transfer of scientific knowledge and technologies
to benefit the health of the nation; and
- Advise on the development of policies to advance
and promote the public awareness of, and interest
in, biomedical research and health benefits to society.
Web site: http://www.nih.gov
AAAS Fellows at the USDA Food
Safety Inspection Service
The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is the
public health agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture
responsible for protecting consumers from foodborne
illness and ensuring that the nation's commercial supply
of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome,
and correctly labeled and packaged.
- The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) provides
scientific analysis, advice, data, and recommendations
regarding matters involving public health and science
that are of concern to FSIS. OPHS is comprised of
an interdisciplinary staff of scientists and technical
experts that work closely with policy and provide
the scientific basis for food safety decisions. Within
OPHS is the Risk Assessment Division (RAD). RAD is
a multi-disciplinary group of public health scientists
and technical professionals dedicated to developing
quantitative risk assessments and decision-support
models to guide food safety policies related to meat,
poultry and egg products. RAD staff are motivated
by the application of science to real world national
and international public health issues. This team
takes professional pride in it role to improve public
health through safer food because of its role in USDA.
RAD is integral to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
food safety decision-making process and is responsible
for guiding issues related to the safety of domestically
produced and imported foods, predicting the public
health impact of emerging infectious diseases transmitted
though the food supply, and developing creative solutions
to on-going food safety concerns.
Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/index.asp
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
is the United States government's principal agency for
protecting the health of all Americans and providing
essential human services, especially for those who are
least able to help themselves. HHS represents almost
a quarter of all federal outlays and it administers
more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined.
- Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations
The Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations
(OPEO) is responsible for developing operational plans,
analytical products, and developing and participating
in training and exercises to ensure the preparedness
of the Office, the Department, the Government and
the public to respond to domestic and international
public health and medical threats and emergencies.
This office:
- Manages the Secretary's Operations Center;
- Trains and manages the Incident Response Coordination
Team;
- Plans, implements, and evaluates Departmental
and interagency response exercises and the HHS
Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government
programs;
- Manages the continued planning for capabilities
to meet public health and medical response missions,
including development of Federal Medical Stations
and other mobile medical units;
- Works to integrate mass casualty preparedness
activities, through its surge capacity efforts,
across local, State and Federal levels;
- Coordinates preparedness grant activities across
the Department, in collaboration with the Department
of Homeland Security;
- Coordinates with the Centers for Disease Control
on public health preparedness issues and consults
with the HHS scientific community on the inclusion
of newly acquired countermeasures into response
plans.
- Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
Working with states and other partners, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides
a system of health surveillance to monitor and prevent
disease outbreaks (including bioterrorism), implement
disease prevention strategies, and maintain national
health statistics. CDC provides for immunization services,
workplace safety, and environmental disease prevention,
and also guards against international disease transmission,
with personnel stationed in more than 25 foreign countries.
Web site: www.hhs.gov/
|
|
