OSA and SPIE offer Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship Program to Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral level degree holder with an invaluable opportunity of public policy learning. Fellows will gain a perspective that enhances their industrial, academic or government careers and the optics community’s ability to more effectively communicate with Congress. The Fellowship is an ideal way to spend an academic sabbatical or leave of absence from a company. A stipend of $72,000 amount will be given to the deserving candidates.
The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional association in optics and photonics, home to accomplished science, engineering, and business leaders from all over the world.
Eligibility:
- Prospective Fellows must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral level degree by program orientation (September 1, 2017)
- Significant familiarity with optical engineering or science disciplines; a working understanding of the optical engineering and science communities; and demonstrated interest in the United States public policy process
- Although prior experience in public policy is not necessary, a demonstrable interest in applying science and engineering to the solution of United States policy issues is required
- Federal employees are not eligible. US citizenship is not required, however, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States
- Applicants should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and possess the flexibility to tackle a variety of work
How to Apply:
For applying the fellowship, the candidates must submit the following documents:
- A resume, no longer than two pages, providing information about educational background, professional employment, community and professional activities, public policy and legislative experience and committee and advisory group appointments plus one additional page for professional publications and presentations. Resumes should be tailored to address the qualifications described above.
- A statement of up to 1,000 words addressing the applicant’s interest in the fellowship, career goals, contributions the applicant believes he or she can make as an OSA/SPIE Fellow to the legislative process and what the applicant wants to learn from the experience.
- Three signed letters of reference sent directly tobdillingham-at-osa.org, specifically addressing the applicant’s qualifications for the fellowship as described above. Letters of reference should be emailed directly to bdillingham-at-osa.org by the reference and must be in PDF format, on official letterhead and include an electronic or scanned signature. Letters of reference should not be sent by the candidate themselves.
Submitting Details:
Application Materials Should be Mailed or Emailed to:
Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship Program
c/o Brandy Dillingham
The Optical Society
2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
Office: +1 202.416.1409
Email: bdillingham-at-osa.org
Financial Aid and Award Money:
- A stipend of $72,000 is provided by OSA and SPIE, and additional support from other sources, such as a present employer, is permitted.
- The Societies also provide an allowance for health insurance, travel, and relocation expenses to the Washington, D.C. area.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline for the 2017-2018 Arthur H. Guenther Congressional Fellowship is January 6, 2017.
Link for More Information:
http://www.osa.org/en-us/about_osa/public_policy/congressional_fellowships/guenther/
