ASHRAE/USGBC Washington Fellowship

As lawmakers look to buildings as a critical piece of their effort to reduce energy use and address climate change, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) are sponsoring a joint one-year Fellowship Program known as the ASHRAE/USGBC Washington Fellowship. This program will enable a selected ASHRAE or USGBC member to devote a year working within the federal government providing technical advice to policy makers in either Congress, a Federal Agency (e.g., DOE, DHS, GSA, EPA), or the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

This Fellowship is geared to establish and nurture critical links between federal decision-makers and engineering and technical professionals to support public policy that benefits the well-being of the nation and the planet. The Fellowship is designed to:

• educate scientists and engineers on the intricacies of federal policymaking;
• provide scientific expertise and analysis to support decision-makers confronting increasingly complex scientific and technical issues;
• foster positive exchange between scientists and policymakers;
• empower scientists and engineers to conduct policy-relevant research that addresses challenges facing society;
• and increase the involvement and visibility of scientists and engineers in the public policy realm.

Federal Government Fellowships provide a valuable public service to the nation while at the same time providing engineers and scientists with a unique opportunity to participate directly in the policy making process. This is an exciting, rewarding, and educational period in 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 the organization.

Placement will be based on the needs of the offices and the skills of the applicant. Fellowship candidates should possess a PhD or other terminal degree in an engineering, building science or scientific discipline. Fellowships are a one-year opportunity (September to August). An orientation will be provided through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). A stipend of $50,000 will be provided. Deadline for applications is May 1, 2008.

ASHRAE or USGBC members interested in applying for the Fellowship should contact Doug Read, ASHRAE Program Director of Government Affairs, (202) 833-1830, dread@ashrae.org.