I pursued a Ph.D. in science because I love problem-solving, diving deep into how and why things work, and using knowledge to serve a broader social good. Yet during grad school, while studying the basic science of materials to convert sunlight into fuels, I couldn’t help but feel that my day-to-day in the lab was distant from the social impact I wanted to have. I became increasingly aware that scientific and technological development happen within a social, political and economic context, and that to address big problems like climate change (my personal passion), we need smart people working on all of those aspects.

Out of the lab

Through a series of informational interviews while I was a grad student, I learned about the Optica Congressional Fellowships, which provide scientists with the opportunity to spend a year on Capitol Hill shaping federal government policymaking. I didn’t really know what science policy was or what a career path in it could look like, but it sounded like the perfect way to connect my technical background with my bigger-picture goals.

I was excited to be selected as the 2023-2024 Optica Congressional Fellow, and I moved to Washington, D.C., to join an incredible cohort of fellow scientists in the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program. I spent an amazing year on the energy and environmental policy team for Senator Chris Coons from Delaware, where I worked on topics such as reducing industrial emissions, advancing sustainable chemistry, addressing food waste, improving energy efficiency and many more.

A career path in clean-energy policy

The fellowship launched me into the world of clean energy policy, where having a scientific background gives me a unique perspective on how to solve today’s tough challenges. After my year on Capitol Hill, I did another fellowship at the US Department of Energy, where I was on the stakeholder engagement team in the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, a new office created to help bring emerging energy technologies from R&D to commercial scale.

I recently finished that fellowship and started a new position working on energy innovation policy at Clean Tomorrow, USA, a think tank that champions policy solutions to advance energy innovation and clean energy deployment to address emissions and protect the climate. I would not have gotten my current job without the network that I built during my congressional fellowship.

The road ahead

I’m not going to lie and say that it hasn’t been a tough year to work in or near the federal government. Many long-time civil-servant scientists working on everything from keeping our food safe to studying weather patterns have been forced from their government jobs. This administration has targeted higher education and academia and frozen funds for research grants and graduate students.

But from my perspective, this only emphasizes the impact that policy has on science and that science has on policy. Science does not happen in a vacuum. We scientists need to continue to explain how what we do impacts society, build public trust and advocate for the scientific enterprise.

As someone who went from the lab to DC, I learned a lot about the value of the connections you make and the people you interact with along the way. Through the fellowship, I have met some of the most dedicated, smart, passionate people.

My advice for anyone searching for their path: Follow your curiosity, be genuine with the people you meet and stay resilient during difficult times. You never know what doors will open!

Claire Cody is a senior innovation policy analyst with Clean Tomorrow, USA, and was a 2023-2024 Optica Congressional Fellow.

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Inspired to transition your scientific expertise to Capitol Hill? The Optica Congressional Fellowship is currently accepting applications. This is your opportunity to transition your scientific expertise to Capitol Hill, shape policy and accelerate your career. Bring your voice and your technical skills to the forefront of US science policy.

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