Seeking Federal Fellow applicants for OSTP and DHS

ASME is seeking applications for Federal Fellows to serve one year, starting in 2006, at the Office of Science and Technology Policy and at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Washington, D.C.

ASME's Federal Government Fellows Program enables selected ASME members to devote a year working in government providing engineering and technical advice to policy makers in Congress, federal agencies, and the White House. Federal Government Fellowships provide a valuable public service to the nation while at the same time giving engineers a unique opportunity to participate directly in the policy-making process.

Previous fellows have described their year in Washington as the most exciting, rewarding, and educational period of their professional careers. This enriching experience enables fellows to bring back to their employers an insider's perspective on government decision-making that can contribute significantly to the mission and vision of their organizations.

Applicants interested in serving as a Federal Fellow for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Executive Office of the President, must be established scientists or engineers with expertise in nanotechnology and critical infrastructure protection. Duties and responsibilities of this Federal Fellow position include articulating the policies of the administration, planning and coordinating interactions with federal and state agencies and representatives, and interacting with industry and Congress. Additional duties may include reviewing bills, preparing speeches and testimony, and writing and editing reports.

Applicants who are interested in the US Department of Homeland Security fellowship should be well versed in the area of risk analysis. Potential activities for the fellow could include providing technical assistance; creating and implementing preparedness plans; developing procedures and policies to guide US actions in the event of a terrorist attack; conducting training and exercises to ensure that first responders possess a necessary level of preparedness; and enhancing partnerships with state and local governments, private sector institutions and other organizations. Candidates who already possess or can easily obtain a security clearance are encouraged to apply.

Specific Federal Fellow duties and responsibilities depend upon the most pressing needs of the Office. As such, fellows can be called upon to work on a broad range of problems other than their initial specific assignments.

Applicants must possess solid technical credentials and excellent communications skills.

While a fellowship applicant must be a US citizen and an ASME member at the time of application, the following additional credentials will also be considered in the selection process: at least five years of professional experience, an advanced engineering degree, Professional Engineer registration and some public policy experience.

A stipend of $50,000 will be awarded for the year. In addition, fellows will also be reimbursed for up to $1,000 in moving expenses. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter stating the fellowship you are interested in, along with a list of references and a writing sample, to Kathryn Holmes at holmesk@asme.org.

To learn more about ASME's Federal Government Fellowship Program, visit the government relations Web site at www.asme.org/gric.

 

Report on STEM education and careers released

The General Accounting Office has released "Higher Education: Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Programs and Related Trends." This report presents information on the number of federal programs funded in fiscal year 2004 that either were designed to increase the number of students and graduates pursuing STEM degrees and occupations or improve educational programs in STEM fields. The report also examines what agencies thought of the effectiveness of these programs.

The STEM report also shows how the numbers, percentages and characteristics of students, graduates and employees in STEM fields have changed over the years. It lists the factors cited by educators and others as affecting students' decisions about pursing STEM degrees and occupations, and suggestions that have been made to encourage more participation.

The study found that the number of graduates in STEM disciplines increased by 8 percent from 1994-95 to 2002-03, while employment in those same disciplines increased by 23 percent over the same period. The report also found that males comprise the majority of STEM graduates, accounting for up to 76 percent of those receiving degrees in some disciplines. Additionally, the report found that the number of international students earning masters or doctoral degrees in the United States has declined dramatically.

The full report may be read at www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-06-114.

 

K-12 STEM Coalition begins dialogue with OMB on the fiscal 2007 Math and Science Partnership funding levels

The K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Coalition, of which ASME is a member, recently sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Joshua Bolten, expressing support for increased funding levels for the Math and Science Partnerships (MSP) programs at both the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education in the president's fiscal year 2007 budget.

"Specifically, we believe that it is necessary to designate at least $400 million for the Department of Education MSP program and $200 million for the National Science Foundation MSP program in fiscal year 2007 to address the critical challenge our nation is facing in the science and math education fields," the letter stated.

While Congress has yet to pass its final fiscal year 2006 budget, the Bush Administration is slated to release its fiscal 2007 budget request in early February 2006. Several members of Congress encouraged the coalition to voice its support for the MSP programs directly to the White House Office of Management and Budget during its consideration of the fiscal 2007 budget. The full text of the letter can be found at: www.asme.org/gric/ps/2005/ps05-21.pdf.

Melissa Murray is responsible for public policy-related education issues. She can be reached by e-mail at murraym@asme.org.

— Kathryn Holmes
Director, ASME Government Relations

 

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