U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC
This summer, I worked as an intern for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. My interest in the Committee stems from my lifelong passion for space. This passion has shaped much of my life thus far, determining many of my academic and extracurricular decisions. In high school, I decided to transfer to Phillips Exeter Academy and immersed myself in every aspect of the Astronomy program, leading me to receive the school’s MacKenty Prize. My fascination with the privatization of space travel led me to Williams College and to major in both Astronomy and Economics. This education has allowed me to pursue opportunities such as a research expedition to study the Great American Eclipse, work in Toulouse on a prototype astronomical device, and be hired by the college’s observatory and planetarium as a TA. From these experiences in and out of the classroom, my commitment to a career in aerospace deepened.
In applying to summer positions, I considered the necessary skills for my desired career and the important role that government plays in all space-related activities. This Committee in particular, given that it is responsible for the creation of NASA, developing national space policy, and the exploration and use of outer space, seemed like a perfect fit. From this experience, I hoped to learn about the intersection of the government and the aerospace industry, connect with industry leaders and policymakers, and gain skills critical to a career in aerospace.
The work I conducted varied greatly over my two months serving the Committee. Whereas personal Congressional offices deal largely with constituent issues, committees like mine are more concerned with creating policy and legislation. This allowed me to have a range of experiences and responsibilities that are uncommon of a traditional Congressional internship. Due to my interest and background in space, much of my efforts were devoted to conducting research for upcoming hearings or legislation. This was often thrilling work, involving frequent communication with NASA, participating in closed-door stakeholder meetings, and attending a wide range of exciting events. Working for the Committee granted me a surprising level of access which, in turn, allowed me to develop an understanding of the operations of the Federal Government, how space policy is created and implemented, and the changing landscape of the aerospace industry. Though there were too many notable moments along the way to share them all with you here, I would like to share a few especially memorable ones.
One highlight of my experience this summer was the ability to significantly contribute to the creation of H.R. 6226, the American Space Situational Awareness and Framework for Entity Management Act. This proactive, bipartisan legislation served to create a comprehensive, effective, and collaborative approach to space situational awareness and space traffic management. Our goal in creating this legislation was to promote a safe space environment, promote responsibility and accountability, and demonstrate continued American leadership in space. Representing the culmination of several weeks of work, I provided an understanding of stakeholder opinions and contributed to the language of the legislation. I was proud to see the bill pass a vote in the Committee and move to the House floor for debate. I will continue to follow the bill as it, hopefully, continues through the legislative process.
Another such highlight was my role in representing the Committee in various capacities. In addition to frequent meetings with groups such as NASA and the National Academy of Sciences, I also represented the Committee at various other events. These included hearings, panels, lectures, social events, galas, and even the premier of the film “Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow.” These events took place in exciting venues such as the National Air and Space Museum, the Capitol Rotunda, and the historic Willard Hotel. I was also asked to speak on behalf of the Committee, most notably in the form of a speech and Q&A session to a few hundred people. These unusual experiences were part of what made this internship such a formative and productive experience.
The final highlight is the relationships that I was able to form over the course of this internship. On several occasions, I met individually with industry executives, space consultants, non-profit managers, and representatives from government agencies. Not only have I learned a great deal from these meetings, but also many of these people have become friends and important connections. Through these meetings, I was best able to demonstrate my knowledge of space and ability to communicate, both of which I owe to my education at Williams. My contributions to the Committee caught the attention of the Staff Director of the Space Subcommittee, Dr. Mike Mineiro. Having spent his career creating space policy, he has become a mentor and has already created many opportunities. Perhaps most striking and unexpected is the personal relationship that I have formed with the Chairman of the Committee, Congressman Lamar Smith. After hearing about my efforts, he requested a one-on-one meeting where we discussed my background and career goals. Shortly before the end of my internship, I was lucky enough to meet with him alone for a half-hour for another discussion. Before leaving, he offered me his annotations on a book we both enjoy and a draft of his soon-to-be published memoirs. His generosity of time and spirit meant a great deal, and this personal relationship emerged as a highlight of this internship.
I have emerged from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with several important takeaways. The first was perspective and experience that will prove valuable both for my thesis and career. I also developed a network across various fields and organizations. I have also gotten tangible tools for my future career, such as letters of recommendation from my Chairman and staff director and a deliverable. Perhaps most importantly, I was offered a position at a space consulting company, Andart Global, during this upcoming winter study period. This opportunity is an exciting next step towards my career in aerospace. Therefore, as much as I loved this summer experience, I believe that there are even more exciting things to come.
There are many people that I would like to thank for making this opportunity possible. Receiving the ASIP grant was crucial to my success this summer, so I’d like to thank Dawn Dellea and the entire ’68 Center for Career Exploration team. I’d also like to thank Dr. James D. Marver ’72 whose Public Policy Analysis and Research Fund allowed me to take advantage of this opportunity. I’d like to thank Mike Mineiro and the rest of the Committee staff for offering me the position and helping to make it such a fulfilling experience. Dr. Pasachoff, my professor and former employer, has provided tremendous guidance and support throughout my Williams career, for which I am grateful. Finally, I’d like to thank my family for their constant support throughout this experience and countless others. Thanks to my time with the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am more motivated and capable to embark on a career in aerospace.