Optica and MRS announce selection of 2024-25 Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow

20 August 2024

Optica and MRS announce selection of 2024-25 Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow

Shriya Pai named as the newest fellow bringing her scientific expertise to the US Congress while receiving a firsthand learning experience in policymaking

Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, and the Materials Research Society (MRS) are pleased to announce the selection of Shriya Pai as the 2024-2025 Optica/MRS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow. Congressional Fellows serve a one-year term in Washington, D.C., USA as special legislative assistants for a member of the U.S. Congress or for a congressional committee. Pai will begin her term as a fellow in September 2024.

The Congressional Fellowship is a unique opportunity for Ph.D. scientists and engineers to lend their technical and scientific backgrounds to federal policymaking. Fellows also gain firsthand experience in the policymaking process by participating in a variety of ways including conducting legislative or oversight work, assisting in congressional hearings and debates, preparing policy briefs and writing speeches.

"I am thrilled to be selected as this year's Optica/MRS Congressional Fellow," said Pai. "I am excited for the opportunity to apply my scientific background to crucial policy areas such as renewable energy, climate change, and education. I look forward to learning about the legislative process and contributing to the creation of equitable and evidence-based policy."

The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) provides training in science policy and communication as well as an orientation for new Fellows. After completing this training, Pai will meet with various U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and congressional committee staff before selecting which office or committee she wants to work in for her fellowship year.

Each year, following a formal application process, fellowship finalists are interviewed, and Congressional Fellows are selected by a committee comprised of volunteer members from Optica and MRS. For more information on the selection process and fellowship criteria, visit the Optica or MRS websites.

Optica/MRS Congressional Fellow:

Shriya Pai (she/her/hers) received her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her graduate research focused on quantum many-body physics, exploring low-temperature phases of matter with a high degree of quantum entanglement. Specifically, she studied novel particles with limited mobility, which hold the promise of being harnessed to create quantum computer hard drives.

As a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Shriya advised cross-functional client teams in sectors such as semiconductors, materials, and clean energy on strategic initiatives and implementation projects. At BCG, she also engaged in public sector consulting projects in education, public health, and climate policy. Her contributions included enhancing education data integration methods for a U.S. state to improve STEM education outcomes, supporting the development of a digital platform for targeted public health interventions, as well as crafting emissions abatement strategies for U.S. state climate programs aimed at building decarbonization. She is excited to learn about the legislative process firsthand and gain insight into the roles that scientists can play in policy development.

About the Materials Research Society

MRS is an organization of over 13,000 materials researchers from academia, industry and government worldwide, and a recognized leader in promoting the advancement of interdisciplinary materials research and technology to improve the quality of life. MRS members are students and professionals hailing from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering-the full spectrum of materials research. Headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania (USA), MRS membership now spans 90 countries, with approximately 45 percent of members residing outside the United States.

MRS serves and engages members across generations to advance their careers and promote materials research and innovation. The Society produces high-quality meetings and publications, assuring that members of all career stages can present and publish their most important and timely work to an international and interdisciplinary audience. MRS continues to expand its professional development portfolio, as well as promote diversity and inclusion in the scientific workforce, with career services for researchers worldwide. The Society advocates for the importance of scientific research and innovation to policymakers and the community. And the MRS Awards program honors those whose work has already had a major impact in the field, as well as those whose work shows great promise for future leadership.

For more information about the Materials Research Society visit mrs.org and follow @Materials_MRS.

About Optica

Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org

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