Alan A. Arnold, a 2008 graduate of Wayne State University, has been awarded an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. The appointment includes a placement at the National Science Foundation in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, Division of Human Resource Development.
Arnold, a Flint resident, is among 266 highly trained scientists and engineers who will spend a year serving professionally in federal agencies and congressional offices. The fellowships are operated as part of the AAAS mandate to advance science and serve society.
"We are excited to welcome another new class - the 44th - of fellows who are passionate about connecting science and technology with public policy," said Cynthia Robinson, director of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program. "The complex challenges facing society call for civic engagement of scientists and engineers, now perhaps more than ever."
Since the program's inception in 1973, more than 3,300 fellows have supported congressional offices, executive branch agencies and departments, and the judicial branch. After the fellowship, some fellows return to their previous positions or institutions. Others remain in policy, working at the federal, state, regional or international levels. Many pursue new careers in industry and with nonprofit organizations.
"The fellowship is an opportunity to understand the policy that shapes our nation," Arnold said. "We all know that education is the key. I hope this fellowship will provide me with the keys to help others in the future. I am extremely excited to give back."
Arnold, 35, received a Ph.D. from Wayne State's School of Medicine in cancer biology and also holds an A.S. degree in science and B.S. in biotechnology from Ferris State University. During his graduate studies at Wayne State, he was a graduate student representative and graduate research assistant.
For more information on AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, visit aaas.org/stpf.