Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class: 2003
A lot of attention has been given to clean energy technologies in the past few years, especially in our nation's capitol. But how do politicians, most of whom lack scientific technical expertise, vote on such issues?
That's where MSOE graduate Dr. Adam Christensen '03 ME enters the picture. As one of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) Congressional Fellows, he spent 2010 in Washington D.C. lending his engineering expertise to help inform lawmakers.
Christensen, who's long been interested in clean energy, wanted to learn how to meld science with politics. "I was offered a position with Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. I worked a lot on electric utility regulatory issues, biofuels issues, science education and electric vehicles, to name a few." Christensen was able to work directly with members of Congress on clean-energy issues and meet with visitors who were associated with his issue areas.
Christensen found that many of the skills he learned at MSOE served him well in Washington. "Logic, data collection and analysis are all traits that were highlighted in my course work at MSOE. This foundation has been very helpful for me in my fellowship, but it also served me well for graduate school." Christensen advices MSOE students to get involved in summer research opportunities. "These are valuable programs that help broaden the definition of what engineering is and can be."