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About the Fellowships: Host
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. Please note that these fellowships
are contingent upon obtaining a Top Secret (TS) with
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
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 Office of
the Director of National Intelligence
The National Counterproliferation Center (NCPC) within
the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
(ODNI) is responsible for directing and coordinating
the strategic efforts of the United States’ Intelligence
Community (IC) to prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass
Destruction (WMD). AAAS Fellows will work with NCPC
staff to (1) develop counterproliferation strategies
and implementation plans, (2) develop and implement
counterproliferation policies in coordination with partners
across the US Government, (3) assist with establishment
of outreach programs improving liaison between the IC
and the open scientific community, and (4) participate
in review and evaluation of IC counterproliferation
programs.
Fellows with technical expertise and/or science policy
experience are sought for these exciting and challenging
positions within NCPC. Fellows will learn to apply their
technical knowledge and critical thinking skills against
exceptionally challenging problems with national security
implications. Successful Fellows will require outstanding
communication and organizational skills in addition
to their technical acumen. Fellows will work in a highly
interactive environment and will work with colleagues
from nearly all parts of the US Government to help craft
strategies and policies that will guide US efforts in
counterproliferation.
Please note that these fellowships are contingent upon
obtaining a Top Secret (TS) with Sensitive Compartmented
Information (SCI) clearance.
Web site: www.dni.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.
- Combating Terrorism
Technology Support Office (CTTSO)
CTTSO operates as a research and development program
office of about 100 people under the Assistant Secretary
of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity
Conflict. In 1999 CTTSO was assigned program management
oversight for the Technical Support Working Group
(TSWG). TSWG with a research budget in excess of $100M
per year manages about 400 contracts with academia,
small business, large businesses, government laboratories
and foreign partner nations. The work focuses on delivered
offensive, defensive and investigative technical combating
terrorism capabilities for the military, police, fire
service and other public safety professions. Since
then three additional program elements have been added
that further expand the combating terrorism response
capabilities of the CTTSO:
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Low-Intensity Conflict
(EOD/LIC)
- Irregular Warfare Support (IWS)
- Human, Behavioral, Social, and Cultural Modeling
Fellows will be assigned to the CTTSO Science Advisor
and act as technical advisors to CTTSO program managers.
Projects cover a wide range of the chemical, biological,
behavioral and engineering disciplines. Fellows will
be exposed to the entire project life cycle including
identification of requirements, solicitations of proposals,
technical reviews, contract award and execution, and
final delivery to user agencies. Through this process,
fellows will interface with user agencies, numerous
federal agencies as well as state and local agencies,
international partners, and the legislative branch.
Domestic travel (up to 10%) is required and foreign
travel is likely.
- 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 strengthens
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 (FIC)
The Fogarty International Center, the international component of the NIH, addresses global health challenges through innovative and collaborative research and training programs and supports and advances the NIH mission through international partnerships. In 35 years support for international biomedical and behavioral research and research training by the Fogarty International Center has grown from modest roots laid down at the outset and a first year budget of $500,000-to a globe-encircling $64 million research, training, and capacity-building enterprise extending to over 100 countries and involving some 5,000 scientists in the U.S. and abroad.
Web site: http://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 have been placed in the Office of
Scientific and Technical Affairs (OSTA) in the Market
Access and Bilateral Issues Division (MABID) in the
New Technologies and Production Methods or Plant Branch
and in the Office of Capacity Building and Development.
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. Potential placements have included working
in the Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade
(EGAT) in the Office of Environment and Science Policy-Global
Climate Change Team or International Research and Biotechnology
Team, the Office of Agriculture, the Office of Natural
Resources Management-Biodiversity and Forestry Team,
or in the Bureau for Global Health (GH) in the Office
of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition.
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. Army
Corps of Engineers' Institute for Water Resources
The Institute for Water Resources (IWR) provides
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' with forward-looking
insights and analysis of emerging national water resources
issues, as well as the capabilities to anticipate changes
in water resources conditions. Fellows at IWR may work
on water resource policy issues such as analyzing the
linkages between water resources development and water
resources problems (e.g. drought, floods) and the economies
of developing nations. Individuals with a systems engineering,
economics or water resources background are especially
encouraged to apply.
Web site: www.iwr.usace.army.mil
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. Most recently,
the AAAS Fellow has worked with the Program
of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species (PREISM),
which conducts intramural research and funds extramural
research to support the economic decisionmaking on
issues related to invasive species of agricultural
significance or other pests that fall under USDA programs.
Program themes include international dimensions of
invasive species prevention and management; development
and application of methods to analyze important invasive
species issues; and analysis of economic, institutional,
and behavioral factors affecting decisions to prevent
or manage invasive species.
- 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.
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) analyzes relationships between the economy, environmental health, and environmental pollution control.
- National Center for Environmental Innovation
(NCEI)
promotes new ways to achieve better environmental results by focusing on creating a results-oriented regulatory system, promoting environmental stewardship across society, and building capacity for innovative problem solving.
- Office of Environmental Policy Innovation
(OEPI) partners with communities, states, tribes, industry, and other agencies as it works to integrate innovation into all areas of EPA. OEPI provides a gateway for new approaches at EPA and serves to evaluate innovative concepts, encourage the adoption of lessons learned, spearhead customer service efforts, and promote continuous improvement across the Agency.
- 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 (ORIA) develops protection criteria, standards, and policies to protect the public and the environment from the risks of radiation and indoor air pollution. ORIA also directs an environmental radiation monitoring program, responds to radiological emergencies, and evaluates and assesses the overall risk and impact of radiation and indoor air pollution.
- Office of Policy Analysis and Review (OPAR) analysts undertake diverse activities to ensure that OAR policies are consistent, effective in protecting health and the environment, and economically efficient. OPAR is structured to be flexible, with the capability of responding quickly and efficiently to the priorities of the Agency and especially the Assistant Administrator of OAR.
- Office of Atmospheric Programs (OAP) programs protect the ozone layer, address climate change, and improve regional air quality through market based programs such as the Acid Rain Program and public/private partnership programs such as ENERGY STAR.
- Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ)’s mission is to reconcile the transportation sector with the environment by advancing clean fuels and technology, and working to promote more liveable communities. OTAQ is responsible for carrying out laws to control air pollution from motor vehicles, engines, and their fuels.
- 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 (OSCP) provides coordination, leadership, peer review, and synthesis of science and science policy within the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS). OSCP aims to assure sound scientific decisions are made regarding safe pesticide and chemical management through the leadership of the Scientific Advisory Panel as well as coordinating emerging exposure and hazard assessment topics such as endocrine disruptors and biotechnology.
- Design for the Environment Branch (DfE) works in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders to reduce risk to people and the environment by preventing pollution. DfE focuses on industries that combine the potential for chemical risk reduction and improvements in energy efficiency with a strong motivation to make lasting, positive changes using traditional and alternative technologies, materials, and processes.
- Pollution Prevention Division (P2) is reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream.
- Economics, Exposure and Technology Division (EETD) conducts economic analyses as part of OPPT’s decision making process, for example, during strategic planning or priority setting, development of voluntary actions and regulations, and the measurement of results. Economic analyses include market studies, financial feasibility studies, and industry sector studies.
- Risk Assessment Division (RAD) conducts ecological risk assessments to determine what risks are posed by a pesticide and whether changes to the use or proposed use are necessary to protect the environment.
- Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) works on a wide range of pesticide issues including evaluating potential new pesticides and uses, providing for special local needs and emergency situations, reviewing safety of older pesticides, registering pesticide producing establishments, and enforcing pesticide requirements.
- 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) provides guidance and risk assessments aimed at protecting human health and the environment. This guidance presents critical analyses and summaries of scientific consensus, vetted through a rigorous peer review process, on the risks of pollutants to human health and the natural environment.
- National Center for Environmental Research (NCER) runs competitions for STAR grants, graduate and undergraduate fellowships, research contracts under the Small Business Innovative Research Program, and other extramural research assistance programs.
- National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) develops and delivers reliable, responsive expertise and products based on scientific research and evaluations of technology that are used to prevent, prepare for, and recover from public health and environmental emergencies arising from terrorist threats and incidents.
- Office of Science Advisor (OSA) provides leadership in cross-Agency science and science policy development and implementation to ensure the best possible use of science at the Agency.
- Office of Science Policy (OSP) integrates and communicates scientific information generated by or for ORD's laboratories and centers, as well as ORD's expert advice on the use of scientific information. EPA and the scientific community at large use this information to ensure that EPA's decisions and environmental policies are informed by sound science.
- 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). Fellows have served at the following office:
- Technology Innovation Program (TIP) advocates more effective, less costly approaches by government and industry to assess and clean up contaminated waste sites, soil, and groundwater. TIP provides robust technology and market information and works to remove policy and institutional impediments related to the deployment of these technologies.
- 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 (AIEO) coordinates the Agency-wide effort to strengthen public health and environmental protection in Indian country, with a special emphasis on helping tribes administer their own environmental programs.
- Office of Science and Technology (OST) applies and sponsors water research helps other EPA programs, states and tribes to protect their drinking water supplies and minimize the effects of pollutants on fish, wildlife, and the aquatic environment. Federal, state, tribal and local governments use this information to set limits on pollutants that may be discharged into rivers, lakes, and streams.
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) promotes a watershed approach to manage, protect, and restore the water resources and aquatic ecosystems of our marine and fresh waters.
- Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water (OGWDW) ensures safe drinking water and protects ground water by overseeing the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which is the national law safeguarding tap water in America.
Web site: www.epa.gov
AAAS Fellows at the U.S. Forest
Service
Established in 1905, the U.S. Forest Service is an agency
in the Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service
manages public lands in national forests and grasslands
encompassing 193 million acres. The agency has a large
natural resources research organization and also has
programs assisting state, urban and private forest managers.
AAAS Fellows will work with the Policy Analysis Staff,
which is part of the R&D Deputy Area in the Washington,
DC, headquarters. The staff provides rapid synthesis,
advice, and guidance to Forest Service Chief, Associate
Chief, and R&D Deputy Chief on a broad range of
topics affecting Forest Service policies and programs.
Fellows with the Policy Analysis Staff will have an
excellent opportunity to work on high-priority natural
resource issues through a variety of synthesis studies.
Available topics of study include climate change, markets
for ecosystem services, ecological footprint, working
private forests, water issues, and connecting youth
with the outdoors. Specific work assignments will depend
on the skills and interests of the fellow.
Individuals who possess a background in the biological
and social sciences, natural resources policy, or any
quantitative field of study are encouraged to apply.
Web site: www.fs.fed.us
AAAS Fellows at the National Institutes
of Health
The National Institutes of Health is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation. Its mission is science in pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. As the world's premier medical research organization, the NIH includes 27 separate health institutes and centers, and supports over 37,000 research projects nationwide in diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, arthritis, heart ailments and AIDS.
For additional information about NIH, visit http://www.nih.gov
The AAAS Fellowships at NIH are established to enhance scientific and technical policy expertise in medical research policy issues, and 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;
- Advise on the development of policies to advance and promote the public awareness of, and interest in, biomedical research and health benefits to society;
For additional information about Policy Fellowship Programs at the NIH, visit http://ospp.od.nih.gov/
Placement for AAAS Fellows at the NIH in a particular office depends upon current and emerging needs, and the compatibility, goals, and available resources of sponsoring Institute/Center/Office. Past participating Institutes/Centers and Offices include:
- Office of the Director, NIH
The Office of the Director (OD) is the central office at NIH. The OD is responsible for setting policy for NIH and for planning, managing, and coordinating the programs and activities of all the NIH components. Although each institute within the NIH has a separate mission, the NIH Director plays an active role in shaping the agency's research agenda and outlook.
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR)
The OBSSR provides leadership and direction in the development, refinement, and implementation of a trans-NIH plan to increase the scope of support for behavioral and social sciences research. The office informs and advises the NIH director and other key officials of trends and developments that have significant bearing on the missions of the NIH, DHHS, and other federal agencies. Additionally, they serve as the principal NIH spokesperson on the importance of behavioral, and social research; lifestyle factors in the causation, treatment, and prevention of diseases; and advising and consulting on these topics with NIH scientists and others within and outside the federal government.
- Office of Extramural Research (OER)
The OER serves as the focal point for policies and guidelines for extramural research grants administration. This office has the primary responsibility for the development and implementation of NIH Grants Policy, monitoring of compliance with PHS policy on Humane Use and Care of Laboratory Animals, coordination of program guidelines, and development and maintenance of the information systems for grants administration. The OER also coordinates communications with the extramural communities, and is responsible for the development and implementation of the electronic system for conducting NIH grants business.
- Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives (OPASI)
The OPASI provides the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its constituent Institutes and Centers (ICs) with the methods and information necessary to manage their large and complex scientific portfolios, identifies – in concert with multiple other inputs – important areas of emerging scientific opportunities or rising public health challenges, and assists in the acceleration of investments in these areas, focusing on those involving multiple ICs.
- Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)
The ORWH serves as a focal point for women's health research funded by the NIH, and ensures that women are appropriately represented in biomedical and biobehavior research and studies supported by NIH. Working in partnership with the NIH institutes and centers, ORWH ensures that women's health research is part of the scientific framework at NIH and throughout the scientific community.
- Office of Science Policy, Office of Science Policy Analysis (OSPA)
The OSPA serves as the principal resource for science policy, analysis, and development at NIH on issues of significance to the agency and the medical research community. The OSPA addresses many cross-cutting science policy issues and drafts the agency approach and position on these issues. As the principal staff resource in the Office of the Director, NIH, OSPA identifies and reports on agency research opportunities and accomplishments; conducts economic analyses of key programs and policy issues anticipated to be relevant to emerging planning needs of NIH. Two of these key programs are the Public Private Partnership Program, and the NIH Nanotechnology Task Force.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Congress established NCI in 1937, and intensified its programs in 1971 after passage of new legislation called the National Cancer Act. As a result of this 1971 legislation, the NCI built a network that includes regional and community cancer centers, physicians who are cancer specialists, cooperative groups of clinical researchers, and volunteer and community outreach groups. The NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients. NCI als |
