SWE - Spring 2009 - (Page 30)

fore, should be engaged in communicating with policymakers.” The organization proved the validity of that message at its 35th anniversary celebration in January, where 500 current and former fellows gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building cafe to applaud the fact that lawmakers and their staffs avidly seek their guidance in complex scientific issues that challenge the government. A total of 2,146 fellows have worked in congressional offices and executive branch agencies and departments over the program’s history. U.S. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, RMich., the first trained research physicist elected to Congress, told the group that the science and technology fellows help lawmakers in the essential task of understanding technical issues that affect laws and policies, according to an article on the AAAS Web site. A new administration brings new priorities If history isn’t enough to motivate scientists and engineers to learn more about public policy, the Obama administration’s efforts to expand science and technology’s role in government might do so. The Obama-Biden platform called for creating a newly appointed chief technology officer to ensure that the government has the most updated infrastructure and technology services available; doubling federal funding for basic research; reforming the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; investing $150 billion over 10 years in the next-generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, commercialization of plug-in hybrids, commercial-scale renewable energy, and transition to a new digital electricity grid; and improving the H-1B visa program to attract skilled talent from abroad to enhance U.S. competitiveness. Before Obama was sworn into office, he named Harvard physicist John Holdren, Ph.D., and marine biologist Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., to top science posts. Both are leading experts on climate change who have advocated aggressive government response to the problem. [Note: Dr. Lubchenco was featured on page 36 of the SWE 2008 conference issue, in the article, “Engineering’s Grand Challenges — What’s Your Pick?” as one of the panelists chosen by the National Academy of Engineering to articulate the Grand Challenges.] Joining Dr. Holdren on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy are Varmus, a former director of the National Institutes of Health, and Eric Lander, Ph.D., a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who is a specialist in human genome research. Dr. Lubchenco will lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees much of the government’s research on global warming. Obama also appointed Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu, Ph.D., as his energy secretary. Obama has said he plans to engage the country’s technology community “to harness technology and innovation to create jobs, enhance America’s competitiveness, and advance our national priorities,” according to an Associated Press report. “It’s time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America’s place as the world leader in science and technology,” he said. I Our optimism. It's built around you. We see the future of our planet through the milestones we've already achieved. Our team members are helping to reduce the environmental impact of our entire vehicle line. Toyota's Georgetown, KY plant has earned a Silver Level Certiﬁcate for "Green Building" environmental excellence. Can you build a better car company and improve the atmosphere of the world around you? With the right people, why not? At Toyota, our Engineers are part of a team that has contributed to creating a globally valued brand. A team proud to be associated with one of Fortune's most admired companies in America and the world. A company that has its priorities in the right place, a great respect for people and community and whose focus on continuous improvement has its horizons moving forward. toyotacollege.jobs Fueling A Greener Future toyota.com/about/whynot Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Toyota is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. 30 SWE SPRING 2009 http://www.toyota.com/about/whynot http://www.toyota.com/about/whynot

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SWE - Spring 2009

SWE - Spring 2009 Heritage Club Contents President's Note View from the Executive Suite Editor’s Page Honoring Women’s History Public Policy Update First Lady: The “Second-Hardest Job in America” Bringing Science and Engineering into Public Policy At the Intersection of Engineering and Public Policy From Research to Reality Coffee Table Dialogues Membership Information & Calendar A&B Winning Essays from the Lava Lounge Engineering World: Issues • Events • Technology • People Point of View: Your Role in Public Policy Career Toolbox: Communicating with Congress; Finding Your Voice Corporate Partnership Council Media Shelf: Women’s History Opportunity Index SWE Scrapbook: Dressed for Success

SWE - Spring 2009

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.