Congressional Fellow
Doctoral student to study public policy in nation's capital
12:32 p.m., May 25, 2011--As a scientist, Laura Povlich believes in the need for scientific innovation. As an individual, she understands that the government plays a large role in the development of new technologies.
Povlich, a doctoral student conducting research at the University of Delaware, was recently named the 2011 Congressional Fellow for the Materials Research Society (MRS) and the Optical Society of America. Beginning Aug. 1, she will serve a one-year term as a special legislative assistant to a member of Congress or a congressional committee in Washington, D.C.
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Her role is to study public policy and raise awareness of the important relationship between government and the nation’s scientists and engineers in advancing scientific innovation.
Povlich will assist in congressional hearings and debates, conduct legislative work and prepare speeches, among other things. An orientation program through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will enhance her understanding of science and public policy issues.
“I’m interested in exploring the government’s role in ensuring public safety while also encouraging scientific innovation, specifically as it relates to uncertain or risky technologies,” explained Povlich, whose research involves developing novel conducting polymers to interface neural prosthetic devices with nervous tissue.
A visiting scholar from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Povlich moved to UD in 2009 to complete her doctoral research under adviser David C. Martin, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. According to Martin, her self-motivation, leadership skills and research interests make her the perfect fellowship candidate.
“Laura is a clear leader,” said Martin, adding that Povlich was actively involved with the MRS student chapter at UD and was the founding vice president of the American Chemical Society POLY campus chapter at the University of Michigan.
Povlich said her interest in science policy stems from the Science, Ethics and Public Policy (SEPP) program at UD and “Science Outside the Lab,” a Washington, D.C., program hosted by the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes of Arizona State University. After attending seminars through SEPP and auditing a class at UD called The Ethics of Nanoscience, she became aware of the thought processes and potential policies involved in the development of new technologies.
“It's difficult to make the transition from academic research to policy without outside assistance, and the congressional fellowships provide a convenient pathway for anyone with a Ph.D. in science or engineering,” added Povlich.
Povlich will earn her doctoral degree in Macromolecular Science and Engineering as a Rackham Merit Fellow and an NIDCR Tissue Engineering and Regeneration Training Grant recipient at the University of Michigan. She plans to pursue a career in science policy focusing on education, health care, science and the funding of developing technologies.
Article by Annie Marshall