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Sarah Monk
University of Maryland-College Park
AIP Mather Policy Intern
American Institute of Physics
Final presentation
This presentation is a look at the unique experience of a Mather Policy Intern working for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The position of Mather Policy Intern has a definite learning curve, and differs from many other physics internships in that it is not explicitly focused on physics, but how physics (and other sciences) are interpreted by and used to benefit the American People. From researching new technologies, to analyzing the possible socioeconomic impact of new policies, to drafting the words a Member of Congress will speak to get their message across, the Science Committee staff is integral to the progression of science in this country. A Science Committee intern must be prepared to contribute in versatile and useful ways. This presentation will serve a dual purpose, both as a look into the experiences of an AIP Mather Policy Intern over the summer, and a guide to help prepare future Mather Policy Interns for their summer with the Committee.
I am a recent Physics graduate of The University of Maryland, College. I’ve been involved with the Society of Physics Students since 2012, serving for 2 years as an officer before transferring to UMD and being elected Secretary, followed by President of the UMD SPS Chapter, and Associate Zone Councilor for Zone 4. I also held the role of President of The American Nuclear Society during my final year at UMD and have been active with the Women in Physics chapter. It’s been my pleasure to also serve for the past year as a Network Fellow with the Access Network, a network of graduate and undergraduate students across the country working towards a vision of a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible STEM community.
While at UMD I conducted research on the LZ Dark Matter Detector Collaboration since Fall 2015 as well as trained under the Maryland University Training Reactor program, but since have found that my passion lies in policy and determining how the work we do in physics affects people’s lives. My hope is to enter a career in science policy, helping make science accessible to and beneficial to all. When not in school I love to cook, bake, and try new foods; read as much as possible; attend live music shows; and do lots of crafts.