AVS and AIP choose new joint Congressional Science Fellow

May 11, 2010 — The AVS: Science & Technology of Materials, Interfaces, and Processing (AVS) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) are pleased to announce selection of their jointly-sponsored Congressional Science Fellow for 2010-11 — Christopher Spitzer, Ph.D. Spitzer’s background combines research in engineering and physics and participation in policy groups with academic training in science policy and time as a science reporter.Chris Spitzer recently received his PhD in physics from the University of Washington in Seattle, and is currently a postdoc at Washington University in St Louis. Though his PhD focus was in particle theory, he has a background in experimental gravity and astrophysics, as well as in engineering. Following his undergraduate work at Berkeley, Chris worked as part of George Smoot’s experimental cosmology group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — this so his engineering and physics knowledge and interests were combined.

Spitzer also has a long-standing interest in the interface of science and policy, and this past summer he refined his science communication skills as a AAAS Mass Media Fellow. While pursuing his PhD, Chris also completed coursework in energy technology and science policy at the Evans School of Public Affairs. These courses both involved analyzing disparate fields, with the aim of placing them in a broader context. Chris is looking forward to his bringing his enthusiasm for science to DC as the AIP-AVS Congressional Fellow.

AVS recently partnered with AIP to co-sponsor a Congressional Science Fellow and help expand AIP’s Congressional Science Fellow program from one fellow to two. Spitzer will follow in the footsteps of former Congressional Fellows who have made major contributions to the legislative process, researching hearings and drafting major portions of legislation that covered topics including energy, environment, homeland security, education and the workforce, and technology transfer.

Christopher’s policy interest, communication skills, and excellent scientific credentials make him well prepared to serve as the AIP-AVS 2010-11 Congressional Science Fellow

The Fellowship program enables qualified, highly-motivated scientists to actively participate in the federal government’s policymaking process. Fellows gain insight into the workings of government, learn how to contribute their voices and knowledge to the policymaking process, and perform a public service by providing skilled support to help inform policy decisions. Applications are due January 15 of each year. Application instructions can be found at: http://aip.org/gov/fellowships/cf.html .