WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 25, 2024) – We are thrilled to welcome our URA-Fermilab Undergraduate Women in STEM program interns to the nation’s capital for the URA Science Policy Day! These outstanding young women, majoring in physics and engineering, are taking significant steps towards advancing Fermilab’s science mission with their research work and bridging the gap between scientific research and science policy.
Our interns arrived at Fermilab on May 28, 2024. During their summer internship, they will spend 10 weeks performing hands-on mission-driven research, under the leadership and supervision of Fermilab’s supervisors, mentors, and staff.
On June 25, 2024, our interns had the unique opportunity to visit and engage with key offices and leaders in science policy:
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): they engaged with leaders who shape the nation’s science and technology agenda. Special thanks to Melissa A. Edwards, PhD, Holly Hajare, Jack Lyon, and Kei Koizumi for kindly sharing their experiences and perspectives.
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science: the interns learned about how this office drives scientific innovation and research for energy security. A heartfelt thank you to Victoria DiStefano, PhD, and Josh Shiode for providing a comprehensive overview of the office’s mission and the research portfolio at National Laboratories.
Capitol Hill: experiencing the heart of legislative processes, our interns understood the importance of advocacy in shaping science policy. Thank you to Leland Cogliani of Lewis-Burke Associates LLC for organizing an invaluable meeting agenda with Valeria M. at Rep. Delia Ramirez’s (D-IL) office, and Alyse Huffman, P.E., and Sarah Kessel from the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources.
We are incredibly proud of our interns for their commitment, intellect, curiosity, and passion for science and engineering. This experience not only broadens their horizons but also empowers them to be the future leaders in science and technology. Let’s celebrate their journey and achievements and look forward to the amazing contributions and positive impact they will make in the STEM world!