I am so proud of my cousin brother.  The Materials Research Society (MRS) and Optical Society of America (OSA) have selected my cousin Amit Mistry as the 2008-2009 MRS/OSA Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow.

Congressional fellows provide technical knowhow and a different perspective to governmental decision-making processes while they gain unique public policy experience and discover new ways to facilitate science-government interactions.

Here are some quotes from my cousin on the program. (full artice)

“Now more than ever, scientists need to think beyond laboratory research. We need to be engaged in science policy.”

“Oftentimes scientists and policymakers don’t exactly speak the same language. My education at Rice gave me a solid understanding of cutting-edge technologies, like nanobiotechnology and tissue engineering, and taught me how to effectively communicate scientific works to various audiences. I envision using these skills to promote the significance of scientific findings so that policymakers and the public understand the pathways toward truly innovative research.”

I remember visiting Amit in New Orleans for Mardi Gras when he was teaching at a school with Teach for America.  “Teaching in Louisiana was an incredible experience through which I became committed to improving science education,” Amit said. “Too many students are afraid of science and math. My mission is to make these subjects interesting and fun. I want to engage students and show them how these subjects are applied and have real value to society.”

In the past, Amit has also been involved in science issues as a volunteer with Engineers Without Borders, a Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Engineering, a teaching assistant in Rice Beyond Traditional Borders program and a volunteer with Asha for Education, a nonprofit committed to improving education in India.

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