Placement Report to the IEEE-USA
Government Fellowship Committee

In my career I have noted, as have other engineers that many laws and regulations had major impacts on our professional lives. I have had a long-standing interest in learning the details of how these laws are made and how the concerns of those affected are taken into consideration. When I was offered the opportunity to become an IEEE Congressional Fellow, I accepted quickly. It seemed to be a perfect match to my interest and expertise.

I have been very fortunate in my assignment as a staff member for Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller, IV. Senator Rockefeller is on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Ranking Member on the Aviation Subcommittee. For the 107th Congress, he will be a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. These assignments reflect his interest in a wide variety of Science and Technology issues. As an indication of his commitment to S&T, the IEEE joined with other science and engineering societies in presenting him with the George E. Brown Science-Engineering-Technology Leadership Award in 2000.

The Senator’s strong interest is reflected in the wide variety of technology issues to be addressed by his staff. I expect to be involved in topics such as; frequency spectrum allocation, ultra-wideband technology, reduction of space launch costs, alternate fuels, electric vehicles, biometrics, aviation safety, academic R&D, and high technology impacts on the West Virginia economy. I believe that this list is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and productive year.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - United States of America