Capitol Hill Fellows  

Erma Anderson
A mathematics teacher from Needmore, Pennsylvania
1990-1991 Fellow, Office of Senator Arlen Specter, (PA)
E-mail: ermaa@aol.com

Geri Anderson-Nielsen
A mathematics teacher from Washington, DC
1992-1993 Fellow, Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee
E-mail: gerirose@aol.com
Anderson-Nielsen noted, "During my year as a fellow for the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee chaired by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, I was asked to research the role of the federal government in supporting the use of technology in schools. Eventually this led to my being the staff person assigned to work on SB 1040 - Technology for Education Act introduced in June of 1993.  Although the bill itself never became law, the section on establishing an Office of Technology was included in Goals 2000 along with grant programs to support schools in entering the age of Information Technologies.  Most of the remaining parts of SB 1040 were incorporated into the 1993 Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act." Anderson-Nielsen returned to her position at the Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC when she completed her Fellowship.

Al Bird
A secondary science teacher from Charleston, Massachusetts
2004-2005 Fellow, the office of Senator Daniel Akaka (HI)
E-mail: abird@theworld.com
In the office of Senator Akaka, Al was asked to participate in many different activities. He functioned as a member of this congressional office's staff, and was included in all activities the same as any other staff person in the office. He was a member of the education team, and was expected to become informed on all education issues that might be of interest to the office and/or to the Senator and to make recommendations about them (through the Legislative Director) if and when asked. Al worked on an issue that was expected to lead to legislation, and helped develop the piece. He attended briefings, developed white papers to inform the Senator on issues, wrote summaries for the Senator and senior staff, and participated in any other activity needed at the time.

When asked about the most difficult and most rewarding aspects of his Fellowship, Al responded: "I have now started to realize how all the Acts/Bills/Legislation, etc. tie into the something real. I have been working with Westlaw [an online research tool for legal the community] reading/learning about the sections dealing with education and have learned about the United States Code. It is interesting to at least see a little of how this all occurs and results in something that might effect something (there is still a lot of confusion about this on my part). I am scheduled for three different training sessions on legal research and legislation development issues during the next few weeks. I hope these will remove even more of the haze from in front of my eyes."
 

Robert Blakely
A secondary science teacher from Lincoln Park, Michigan
2000-2001, Office of Senator Patty Murray (D/WA)
E-mail:  bear48146@hotmail.com 
As an education consultant assigned to Senator Patty Murray's office, Bob was engaged in a diverse number of activities as an Einstein Fellow.  During the presidential campaign between Al Gore and George Bush, he was asked to construct a comparison between the two candidates on educational issues such as vouchers, funding, class size, accountability, and technology.  He produced two studies-one based on issues (comparing the stand of each candidate) and a second that was a side-by-side comparison with projections of policy impact and legislative input.  The second major project Bob undertook was the development of a resource covering all facets of teacher quality.  Additionally, he helped prepare and edit speeches for the Senator, attended committee meetings, and helped with constituent correspondence.  He felt that he became a functional part of the staff in the Murray office, helping with research for other projects like pipeline safety, the Violence Against Women Act, and natural resources.

Steve Boyarsky 
A science teacher from Medford, Oregon
1991-1992 Fellow, House Education and Labor Committee
E-mail: boyarskys@charter.net  
Boyarsky began his Fellowship helping the staff of the committee manage the Neighborhood Schools Improvement Act for the Chair of the committee, Representative Dale Kildee (D-MI).  Boyarsky says, "I became a third member of the team, initially serving as an assistant for them and then taking the lead in the areas of content standards and school delivery standards."  He says, "I became the eyes and ears of the staff," attending meetings, briefings and conferences. And, later, "Following my contributions to the committee report on H.R. 4323 I was asked to do some background work in framing the issues for potential legislation of technology in education." Boyarsky says, "Professionally [the Fellowship] fulfilled all my expectations and more.  I . . . realize the importance of policy decisions, leadership and funding to proper functioning of schools.  I have an understanding of the process of legislation . . . . I plan to be more involved in the political process within Oregon."

Bill Brent
A science teacher from Boonville, Missouri
1992-1993 Fellow, Office of Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR)
E-mail: bbrent@stephens.edu
Brent noted he received five offers of places to serve his fellowship, but settled on Senator Hatfield's staff because "I definitely wanted to be in an office of a Senator with significant influence in [education issues.]"  Brent spent most of his time working on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  He drafted amendments including one that protected the math-science priority in the Eisenhower program and establishing the Elementary Math and Science Equipment Act. Brent reports, "I feel that I did make some contributions to the development of legislation, and I know that the program contributed to my growth as an individual."

Patrick Canan
A high school science teacher from Corvallis, Oregon
1992-1993 Fellow, Office of Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR)
E-mail: cananp@onid.orst.edu    
"I [was] involved in the education-related legislative initiatives of the Senator, particularly those relating to math and science.  The specific legislative areas in which I worked were preparing for resubmission two bills from the 102nd Congress, the Elementary Science Equipment Act and the Educational Flexibility Act. . . . I prepared amendments for the Labor committee on Goals 2000 and have rewritten some as amendments to be introduced when the bill comes to the floor.  Finally, I incorporated several of Senator Hatfield's initiatives in math/science education in reauthorization legislation for Eisenhower, including a pilot program, Science Start, that will provide training in sciences to Head Start Teachers." "... in Oregon I'll be able to give valuable advice to my professional organizations as to how they can be effective advocates for education... My students will ... hear civics mixed in with lessons on physics."

James Cherry
A high school chemistry teacher from Marlborough, CT
2003-2004 Fellow, Office of Senator Norm Coleman
E-mail: jamesdcherry@comcast.net
Jim Cherry served his fellowship in Senator Norm Coleman's office. While there, Jim met with groups from Minnesota, wrote talking points for speeches and met with lobbyists on a wide range of issues. Some of the issues Jim worked on were gun issues, school lunch programs, environmental concerns, child obesity, housing, and veteran issues. He also attended hearings and meetings with the National Rifle Association and the Corps of Engineers. He also wrote an op/ed piece on AIDS in Africa. Jim says, "the fellowship is an opportunity like no other."

Diane Cherkerzian
An elementary teacher from Brookline, Massachusetts
2004-2005 Fellow, the office of Senator Maria Cantwell (WA), and the Department of Energy
E-mail: cherkerzian@hotmail.com
 

Frances Coleman
A secondary science teacher from Ackerman, Mississippi
2000-2001 Fellow, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
E-mail:  fcoleman@telepak.net 
One of Frances' duties included reviewing the ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) as it was written by the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee (H.E.L.P. Committee) and advising the authors on some of the wording-particularly in Title II, where several of her suggestions were incorporated into the final bill as passed by the Committee.  She wrote several sections of the Committee Report of the ESEA bill.  Additionally, she arranged for a group of technologically savvy Mississippi students to come to Washington D.C. in order to brief Congressional staff members on the use of technology in education.

Gregory Coppa
A science teacher from Wickford, Rhode Island
1996 Fellow, Office of Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
E-mail: ride0278@ride.ri.net    
Greg Coppa worked in the office of Rep. Zoe Lofgren.  During his eight-month placement he assisted the Congresswoman by attending House and Senate hearings on many issues, including educational technology and internet copyright law.  An important assignment was to conduct research on the copyright law's effect on internet providers.

Rob Culbertson
A secondary science teacher from Richmond, Virginia
2004-2005 Fellow, the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT)
E-mail: culby@cox.net
Rob had the good fortune to work on Capitol Hill in the office of Senator Joe Lieberman. As a member of the Senator's staff, he tracked down and reviewed seemingly boundless volumes of information; prepared memos and talking points for the Senator; and met with lobbyists, constituents, and student groups from Connecticut. Rob worked closely with other Congressional offices, educational non-profit organizations, universities, and the Senate Legislative Counsel's Office to draft and garner support for several pieces of education-related legislation. He had a hand in assembling a floor debate book to prepare the Senator for amendments and other issues pertinent to the Senate's Intelligence Reform Bill, and was on the Senate Floor during its debate.

When asked about his Fellowship experience, Rob responded: "I have often thought of my Einstein Fellowship experience on Capitol Hill as a year of cultural exchange. I was enthralled by my surroundings, the activity, and especially the intelligent and dedicated people with whom I worked. In return, I was able to provide practical skills, ideas, and analysis that were valued by the Senator and his staff."

Mark Davids
A high school science teacher from Grosse Pointe, Michigan
2002-2003 Fellow, office of Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
E-mail:  mark.davids@gpschools.org
Mark Davids worked on key issues related to education, science and
technology as well as workforce development, the environment, and defense. He met with constituents and representatives from Federal agencies including the State Department, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. He drafted the first version of the $1.4 billion Genomes to Life bill. He also wrote the introduction to the bill which was later read on the Senate floor. Mark also assisted in writing speeches and briefing materials for the Senator including questions regarding the Columbia shuttle investigation. He says, "I have shared train rides between the Capitol and the Senate building with various senators and I still get a rush each time."

Amy Elverum

Mickie Flores
A science teacher from Potsdam, New York
2004-2005 Fellow, the office of Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
E-mail: flores@cybertrail.net
In the office of Senator Richard J. Durbin, Mickie's role seemed all encompassing; she functioned in every capacity concerning Education. She met with constituents, answered phone calls and emails regarding education issues, and attended many meetings, forums, and briefings. She participated in a conference call concerning child nutrition and school lunch and she wrote talking points for the senator, letters to other members of congress as well as the secretary of defense. Within the first month of her Fellowship, Mickie had already written and submitted two floor statements for the Senator, which meant that her work is now incorporated in the Congressional record.

Mickie says, "The hardest part of this experience is landing on another planet with unfamiliar terrain. I have had an insider tour of the Capitol and the Senate floor with multiple directives on how to obtain a pass, where to walk (behind the rail), and how to not sit in a chair with arms (those are reserved for Senators). My mind boggles at the thought of being armed with charts and graphs that I have generated, delivering them to the Cloak room, transferring them to the Senator, and having my work broadcast more widely than ever before. This imagined scene alters my rate of breathing.

"The most rewarding is knowing my twenty years of experience afford me something of great value to share and now I have the opportunity to do that sharing. I remember the face in the third row of a classroom; I know the hopes and needs associated with that face.

"It is with great pleasure that I report my solitary rediscovery of the nonpublic elevator that takes one to the basement. Utilizing my Senate badge, I boarded the subway traveling toward the Capitol and puzzled my way underground from the Senate side to the furthest House side and attended a forum on "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities." I obtained materials to send to my "home" school and increased my own knowledge base. And as I boarded the secret subway, first car, sole passenger traveling at amusement park speed, I found myself grinning widely and suppressing a loud "Woo-hoo!!""
 

Elizabeth (Betty) Gasque
A mathematics teacher from Pawleys Island, South Carolina
1991-1992 Fellow, Office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)

Jennifer Grogg
A high school science teacher from Normal, Illinois
1994-1995 Fellow, Office of Senator Robert Kerrey (D-NE)
E-mail: jgrogg@ilstu.edu

Paula Hendry
A secondary science teacher from Arnold, Maryland
1999-2000 Fellow, Office of Representative Sherwood Boehlert (R-23rd/NY)
E-mail:  2hendry@comcast.net  
Paula Hendry worked in the office of Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) on education issues and outreach.  She followed education legislation in committee and on the floor for the Congressman.  In order to fulfill this responsibility, she attended forums that focused on education issues in addition to answering constituent mail, which required her to research a wide variety of issues.  Hendry also communicated with school districts in the Congressional district both by phone and in person.  She listened to their input on federal programs and proposed legislation and was involved in helping them to find federal money and private grants. Hendry states, "By helping to make . . . [Boehlert] and his staff more aware of the important [education] issues and by helping to create wider and stronger ties to schools in his district, I feel that I had a significant impact."

Robert Hickey
A high school physics teacher from Lexington, MA
2003-2004 Fellow, Office of Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT)
E-mail: robertch@rcn.com
Robert Hickey was involved with two long-term projects. The first involved developing legislation for the Higher Education Act. Specifically he wrote a proposal to create forty new teacher development institutes throughout the country over the next five years and establish a grant program to entice higher education institutions to design programs that increase minority graduation rates. His second project involved drafting a "Boomer Corps" bill. This bill would give monetary and educational assistance to retirees who perform some type of community service. The service could be helping the elderly or teaching/tutoring K-12 students in science and math. Bob's work paid off. His bill, S. 2538, was introduced on the Senate floor on June 17, 2004. The floor statement that Bob wrote to introduce the bill was recorded in the Congressional Record the same day. He says, "I feel very fortunate that I was given the opportunity to play such a vital role in the education-related issues of Senator Lieberman's office."

Kathryn Hilts
A secondary science teacher from Charleston, West Virginia
1999-2000 Fellow, Office of Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV)
E-mail:  khilts@msn.com
Kathryn Hilts spent her second year as an Einstein Fellow in the office of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV).  She worked with the Senator's Legislative Division, particularly on education issues as well as some science and technology concerns.  In addition, Hilts examined ways to improve the number of teachers seeking National Board Certification in rural states and was involved in programs to increase safe schools and healthy communities.

Ann Ifekwunigwe
A elementary school teacher from Los Angles, California
1999 Fellow, Office of Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) 
E-mail: writetoann@hotmail.com
Ifekwunigwe worked closely with Greg Williamson, Senator Murray's Legislative Assistant in charge of education issues.  Ann found it difficult to describe a "typical" day in this office, since things changed so quickly in the Senate. This rapid change of pace made it extremely important to be flexible and readily adaptable to whatever role she was asked to assume. Ifekwunigwe represented the Senator's office at a variety of different meetings, functions, and special events.  She has met with many different constituents from Washington state who shared concerns about local education issues. She  attended commission meetings and forums where experts in the field shared current research findings.  She found these meetings to be very valuable, since some of the findings presented were eventually incorporated into the Senator's legislation.  Ifekwunigwe drafted speeches, statements, and sections of legislation for the Senator.  She also conducted research about specific issues, and written summaries and side by side analyses of education legislation.  On several occasions, when the Senator met with her education team, Ifekwunigwe had the opportunity to contribute "my real world" classroom experience and perspective to the discussion.  During the Class Size Reduction debate she was granted permission to be on the Senate Floor where she remained for the duration of the debate, until the final vote.  Following the vote, she accompanied the Senator to a press conference with Senators Kennedy, Harkin, and Kerry. Sometimes her duties involved legwork--picking up bills from Legislative Council; finding archived legislation in the document room, dropping off paperwork at colleagues' offices, circulating letters for signatures, making copies in the printing room, collecting supplies from the stationery room, but Ifekwunigwe says, "I enjoyed all aspects of my job... I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Senator Murray. Her commitment to improving education for children is genuine, and extremely admirable."

Deborah Koolbeck
A secondary physics and astronomy teacher from Chicago, IL, 2005-2006 Office of Representative Rush Holt (NJ)
E-mail: koolbeck01@hotmail.com  

John A. Kounas
A secondary science teacher from Sloan, Iowa
2000-2001, Office of Senator Charles E. Grassley (R/IA)
E-mail:  jkounas@hotmail.com  
While in Senator Grassley's office, John was asked to read over and prepare information summaries for a series of education reports for the legislative educational aid.  He also prepared information summaries for two topic items regarding funding proposals in S.1.  The first summary detailed the value and impact of the National Writing Project for teachers and students in the State of Iowa and the nation.  The second provided information related to Talented and Gifted Programs regarding their impact and relevance in offering educational challenges for students that are intellectually gifted.  John also worked diligently on various education and non/education issues that directly involved the people of Iowa and its students.   John states, " My Fellowship was one of those rare opportunities in life that come along, one that has provided so much in such a short time that when you start to ‘take them out,' to list and think about all the many different things you've done, you find it difficult to ‘put them back' -- there just isn't enough room." 

Michael Lach
A secondary science teacher from Chicago, Illinois
1999-2000 Fellow, Office of Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-3rd/MI)
E-mail:  mlach@cps.k12.il.us 
Lach spent his Fellowship working in the office of Congressman Vernon Ehlers, a Republican from the 3rd district of Michigan.  Representative Ehlers, who wrote Unlocking Our Future:  Towards A National Science Policy, has held hearings and drafted legislation to address the issues of science teaching and learning.  Lach coordinated the Congressman's efforts by collecting information and best practices, holding and attending meetings, working with the staff of both the House Science and House Education and the Workforce Committees, and encouraging other groups to raise awareness of science education issues. He reports that, "Working as a Fellow in Congressman Ehler's office was a wonderful experience.  While moving from a classroom to a Congressional office is sure to be an exciting year, I felt my particular placement was particularly fortuitous.  In Congressman Ehler's office, I was given significant tasks and great responsibility, and was also encouraged to learn as much as I could about the political process and life on Capitol Hill."

Luke Laurie

Arthur Lebofsky
A science teacher from NewCity, New York
1990-1991 Fellow, Office of Senator Jeff Bingaman, (D-NM)
E-mail: artsgnus@yahoo.com  
Lebofsky worked closely with Ray Rameriz, Senator Bingaman's legislative assistant, drafting legislation related to the America 2000 effort being pushed by President Bush and Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander.  Lebofsky said, "Ray and I geared up to move our two bills and create more legislation.  We spent more time creating briefing books of information, possible speeches, talking points and data for Jeff". . . . [who] read the material, but used his own unique analytical style to determine what portions of the material, if any, he would use."  Lebofsky also traveled to New Mexico for the Senator, visiting two dozen school districts, meeting in-state staff and helping Rameriz activate an association concerned with Hispanic issues. Returning to New York after his fellowship, Lebofsky has been active in statewide science education activities, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Science Teachers Association, and has gained "major funding and support for science education for females and minorities.  Our successes in two years now have a district that is one third minority graduating a senior class where 90% have at least four years of science experience." 

Bonnie Leitch
A high school mathematics teacher from New Braunfels, Texas
1993-94 Fellow, Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee
E-mail: bleitch@earthlink.net  

Della McCaughan 
A science teacher from Biloxi, Mississippi
1991-1992 Fellow, Office of Senator Thad Cochran (MS)

Kathleen McGarvey (Clark)
A high school mathematics teacher from Columbus, Mississippi

Margaret Merrill
An elementary teacher from Dayton, Maine, 2005-2006 Office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT)
E-mail: mlmerrill1@comcast.net

Donna Osborn
A science teacher from West Lafayette, Indiana
1999-2000 Fellow, Office of Representative Peter J. Visclosky (D-1st/IN)
E-mail: dmo@bilbo.bio.purdue.edu
Donna Osborn served on Congressman Peter Visclosky's staff, which gave Donna the opportunity to learn and work in many areas.  All education issues - elementary, secondary, and higher education - and children's issues were given to her.  She did research and answered constituent mail on these topics.  When constituents or lobbyists wanted to meet with a staff person or the Congressman, she was a part of the meeting.  As news was made in these areas, she was expected to prepare a memo to brief the Congressman.  As the Congressman traveled to the district for speeches, meetings, or town forums, Donna prepared information on education and children's bills which are now laws, bills which he introduced or cosponsored, and bills which would be discussed in the future. On top of the day-to-day work that Donna did in the office, she had several projects.  First, she organized and planned a grants workshop for all of the schools in Visclosky's district in Indiana.  Several Einstein Fellows and other individuals from Washington presented information regarding several topics, including federal agencies and grant funds which they provided for education.  Second, since she was concerned about missing and exploited children and Congressman Visclosky was a member of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, the office began to place missing children's pictures on the envelopes used for constituent mail.  Finally, she organized a missing child alert program in Visclosky's district in Indiana.  The emergency child abduction alert plan asked radio and television stations to provide quick, police-generated reports on abducted children as a public service. When asked if her experience as a Fellow affected her professionally, Donna stated, "I have learned about education at the national level in a way that is not possible for many.  I saw the work that NEA and NCTM do at a national level and understand the importance of their work.  I also learned a great deal about DOE and the excellent work that they do for education.  I had the opportunity to meet the leaders in education in our country.  I do admire them."

Althea Pearlman
A mathematics teacher from Boulder, Colorado
1991-1992 Fellow, Office of Representative Howard Wolpe (MI)
E-mail: apearlman99@hotmail.com 
Pearlman says that ". . . in the personal office of Representative Howard Wolpe,  a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee and Chair of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, I was able to continue to follow science education.  For example, when I spotted a proposal to reinstate funding cut by the Department of Education for Women's Equity in Mathematics Education, I could make certain that my Congressman would cosponsor the pending legislation.  I became my office's liaison to the Quality Education for Minorities monthly brown bag lunch meetings." Returning to her Colorado school Pearlman wrote, "I am enormously grateful for this experience. . . [but] now I have ambivalent feelings . . .Sad to have left when I had developed the interest and skills needed to be an active and effective staff person. . . . Hopeful for opportunities to stay involved in the reform of science and mathematics education. . . . But. . . happy to go home to Boulder, Colorado, a pleasant place to live and to teach mathematics to young people."

William Philips 
A science teacher from Dover, Delaware
1990-1991 Fellow, Office of Representative Howard Wolpe (MI)
E-mail: SciEd@delanet.com
"... I was able to assist Rep. Howard Wolpe with educational issues and legislation.  As a legislative assistant in his office ALL educational issues were delegated to me -- even the work on an education exchange bill." "Benefits from my experiences on the Hill have opened many, many doors of opportunity which have benefited my students, fellow teachers and myself.  I'll enumerate a few: While in Washington I made contact with the Council for Basic Education.  Through them I received a grant  which enabled me to set up a series of field studies for Delaware teachers in Arizona, Montana, Alaska and Hawaii. I became a legislative consultant for the Delaware State Education Association.  My knowledge of politics has enabled me to lead a drive to educate the public on environmental esthetics. My performance as a legislative assistant was instrumental in helping me to receive a fellowship as an Antarctic Researcher through the NSF... I set up a website for students in Delaware to communicate with me while I was in Antarctica.  I continue to use the site for other field study programs."

Laurie Pines
A high school mathematics teacher from San Jose, California
2002-2003 Fellow, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Representative Bart Gordon (D-TN)
E-mail: lauriepines@yahoo.com

Steven Robinson
A high school science teacher from Eugene, OR, 2005-2006 Office of Senator Barack Obama (IL)
E-mail: stevejrob@gmail.com 

Dorothy Ringer Sumner
A Secondary science and math teacher from Houston, TX
2003-2004 Fellow, Office of Senator Michael D. Crapo
E-mail: dlringersumner@aldine.k12.tx.us

Daniel Schab
A high school math teacher from Lansing, MI
2003-2004 Fellow, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
E-mail: Dschab7226@aol.com

Lisa Schunk
A middle school science teacher from Minneapolis, MN 2005-2006 Senate HELP Committee, Senator Enzi (WY) chair, Education Staff
E-mail: lisaschunk@hotmail.com 

LaRon Smith 
A high school mathematics teacher from Twin Falls, Idaho
1994-1995 Fellow, Office of Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR)
E-mail: smithlaron@aol.com 

Linda Stroud 
A science teacher from Raleigh, North Carolina
1996 Fellow, President's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
E-mail: LMStroud@aol.com 
Linda Stroud worked on policy issues in a joint assignment in the Executive Office of the President's Office of Science and Technology Policy and in the office of Sen. Jeff Bingaman.  Stroud's focus was on issues affecting the National Science Standards, educational technology, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring Program.

Robert W. Taylor
A secondary science teacher from Delta Junction, Alaska
2000-2001, Office of Representative Sherwood Boehlert (R-23rd/NY)
E-mail: robtaylor@alaska.net 
Rob stated that as a Capitol Hill Fellow, the beginning of his Fellowship seemed to have four phases:  placement, scrambling to get on top of the issues, getting into the rhythm of the job, and lastly, the wrapping up of loose ends.  A large part of his first month in the office was spent scrambling to read the active files on education legislation and policy, not only to be aware of what was happening in Congress in both houses, but also to get a feel for his Congressman's perspective on education issues.  As his Fellowship progressed, he became actively involved in the office.  Rob made key contributions to the National Mathematics and Science Partnerships Act H.R. 1858.  He fought to ensure that science standards and eventually science testing would be part of ESEA legislation, that all subjects would be remembered in ESEA legislation, and that IDEA would be funded at the level that Congress promised.  He secured his Congressman's support for rural education measures, tax credits to partially cover classroom supplies, a plan to increase dormitory fire safety, funding for school construction, funding for gifted and talented students, the We the People program, and funding for the use of educational television in the classroom.  He also worked to support educational efforts at NSF, DOE, and ED-especially computerized access to programs and funding sources.

Stephanie Toney
A middle school science and mathematics teacher from Cary, North Carolina
2001-2002, Representative Rubén Hinojosa (D-15-TX)
E-mail:  smhtoney@nc.rr.com

LeRoy Wenstrom

Patrick White 
A mathematics teacher from Clark Fork, Idaho
1996 and 1997 Fellow, Office of Senator Jim Jeffords (R-VT)
E-mail: pwhite@ismtc.org  
In 1996 Pat White worked in the office of Senator Jim Jeffords and assisted the Senator on educational technology issues and was a staff representative to the Senate Educational Technology Working Group, which is developing policy on educational technology.  Senator Jeffords found White to be so helpful that he requested to have White's fellowship continue for another term.
In 1997 White continued his activities in Senator Jeffords' office and the Educational Technology Working Group.  In addition, he assisted in preparing the Vocational Educational Legislation that is up for reauthorization in 1998.  (White left Washington to accept the position of Science and Math Coordinator for the state of Idaho.) "I spent the first eight months of 1996 on Senator Jeffords' staff focusing on education technology and during that time became coordinator of the Senate Education Technology Working Group (SETWG), a bipartisan forum on technology applications to improve education, formed by Senator Jeffords and Senator Robert Kerrey (D-NE).  During my fellowship the Group worked to support discounted rates for schools and libraries to gain access to Internet resources through the Universal Service Provisions of the Telecommunications Act as well and to increase the funding for existing education technology legislation." "In 1997 I was asked to return as an Einstein Fellow for a period of five months and was placed on the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee which Senator Jeffords chairs.  I continued to act as coordinator of SETWG and worked with committee staff to write legislation reauthorizing vocational education." "My experiences as a fellow taught me that teachers can have significant impact on government policies that affect education.  Legislators and their staff members do listen to what teachers have to say, but far too few [educators] provide their governmental representatives with the important insights about the benefits or detriments of a particular education policy that can only come from experience in the classroom."

Brenda Wright

June Yamashita
A mathematics teacher from Honolulu, Hawaii
E-mail: june91361@yahoo.com
1990-1991 Fellow, Office of Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR)
When the 102nd Congress convened in January 1991, Yamashita was given the responsibility of taking over Senator Hatfield's education legislative agenda.  She prepared for the Senator drafts of education bills, floor statements and "Dear Colleague" letters, responded to phone inquiries on education matters, met with Oregon educators and students, conferred with federal agency liaisons, and drafted replies to a vast range of correspondence related to education.  At the completion of her fellowship in June, 1991, the Senator asked her to stay on until the end of the first session of the 102nd Congress (December 1991).

Department Of Energy Fellows
 

Wendy Beavis
A middle school science teacher from Fairbanks, Alaska
2000-2001, U.S. Department of Energy
E-mail:  wbeavis@northstar.k12.ak.us  
Wendy's duties as an Einstein Fellow were numerous and varied.  Two programs she was actively involved in were the Einstein Fellowship Program and the Undergraduate Research Participation Programs-ERULF, CCI, and PST.  She also worked on website design, beta testing, and trouble shooting.  She worked as a Science Judge and Moderator at regional and national Science Bowl competitions in addition to recruiting Fellows to help at the regionals and doing question validity testing.  Wendy attended numerous meetings, conferences, and share-a-thons across the country where she represented the DOE Office of Science, disseminated materials, presented, etc.  She was also actively involved in the Presidential Early Career Awards in Science and Engineering (PECASE).

Arlene Vidaurri Cain
A science teacher from Lake Charles, Louisiana
1996 Fellow, U.S. Department of Energy
E-mail: arlene.cain@cpsb.org  
Arlene Cain, a high school chemistry and physics teacher from Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana, worked on joint educational programs between DOE and the National Science Foundation.  Her assignments included developing laboratory science action items that support effective program management, monitoring science technology education issues, and working with the U.S. Global Climate Change Research Program.

Jess Todd Clark

Jennifer Coughlin
A secondary chemistry and physics teacher from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2005-2006, U.S. Department of Energy
E-mail: Coughlin@aps.edu

Jeffery Dilks

Peter Faletra
A secondary science teacher from Warren, New Hampshire
1999-2001, U.S. Department of Energy
E-mail:  peter.faletra@science.doe.gov
While working at the Department of Energy-Office of Science, Peter was instrumental in the creation and administration of a number of national science programs.  These programs offered laboratory fellowships at the Office of Science National Laboratories to undergraduates interested in science and technology careers.  He also worked with programs for students wishing to make teaching a career and junior faculty members at small colleges wishing to further their research experience.  Peter also spent time traveling to the various Office of Science laboratories to find out how to improve the programs.  When he was asked to describe what his workday was like he responded, "I work with a dynamic group of people whose overriding theme is providing new and interesting opportunities at one of our nation's greatest resources . . . the National Laboratories."

Kevin Hartmann

Kathryn Hilts
A secondary science teacher from Charleston, West Virginia
1998-1999 Fellow, DOE
E-mail: khilts@msn.com
Hilts spent her first year as an Einstein Fellow (1998-1999) working with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.  She worked with the Energy Research Undergraduate Laboratory Fellowships (ERULF) in coordination with the National Energy Laboratories and assisted in piloting a Community College Initiative.  She also worked with the National Science Bowl and served as a scientific judge at both the regional (Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia) and the national finals of the competition.  She served on a White House Taskforce on "Diversity for the 21st Century Workforce" and as a member of the steering committee of the collaborative efforts for the year 2000's National Summit on Science Initiative.  She helped coordinate the Faculty and Student Undergraduate Research Conference in Chicago where she also conducted a workshop on grant writing.

Kaye Kamp

Aaron Schuetz
A high school physics teacher from Roanoke, VA
2003-2004 Fellow, Department of Energy
E-mail: ajschuetz@yahoo.com

National Institutes of Health Fellows

Heidi Coleman
A secondary science teacher from Caldwell County, NC, 2005-2006 National Institutes of Health (NIH)
E-mail: hcoleman@jason.org 

Peggy Deichstetter
A high school biology teacher from Chicago, IL
2003-2004 Fellow, Office of Science Education, National Institutes of Health
E-mail: pdeichstetter@yahoo.com
Peggy Deichstetter While at NIH, Peggy traveled throughout the country presenting workshops to teachers on the Teaching Supplements developed by NIH. She also field tested and reviewed new supplements and polled teachers about how to improve the supplements at national teacher conventions. She also actively worked to align the supplements to State Science Standards. Peggy says, "The NIH Office of Science Education depends on independence and motivation. When told, 'There is a workshop I need you to do in New Jersey in April,' the office knows that I will be there and be prepared." She was also involved in all aspects of the development of new curriculum supplements.

George Dewey 
A science teacher from Fairfax, Virginia
1996 Fellow, Office of Science Education, National Institutes of Health
E-mail: george.dewey@fcps.edu

JoAnne Dombrowski (Mowczko) 
A high school science teacher from Yuma, Arizona
1997 Fellow, Office of Science Education, National Institutes of Health
E-mail: jmowczko@hotmail.com
JoAnne developed an on-line health curriculum targeted at minorities and women.  The program is being tested at Eastern High School (Washington, DC) and Wheaton High School (Montgomery County, MD) as well as at her Yuma, AZ school, Cibola High School.  A unique feature of the program is student use of the Internet to exchange laboratory information among the three pilot schools. She says, "The Fellowship was a wonderful opportunity for growth, an experience . . . never to be . . . forgotten.  I have stayed in association with the Office of Science Education of NIH by continuing with the curriculum work.  We will be piloting it in April with students and I will work on revisions in DC in July, 1998." 

Barbara Houtz
A secondary science teacher from State College, PA, 2005-2006 National Institutes of Health (NIH)
E-mail: bhoutz@mail.com 

Ruth Rand 
A chemistry and physics teacher from Albuquerque, New Mexico
1999 - 2000 Fellow, Office of Science Education, National Institutes of Health
E-mail: ruthrand@comcast.net  
Ruth Rand helped with curriculum development, one of which was to develop an online collaborative nutrition study.  This is a new way to teach nutrition to high school students.  Students would record and analyze nutrient intake; pool data online with participating students in their own school and cross schools; compare analysis of personal dietary intake with dietary components recommended for disease prevention and health maintenance. Rand also played a major role in the development of the NIH Health Science Virtual Mentor.  The goals of the NIH Virtual Mentor are to foster career success for students who are, or who may be, interested in health professions and to connect students with others interested in health careers She also helped to develop teacher training for the NIH Health Science Curriculum Supplements. Ruth is continuing this teacher training in her home state by coordinating a Distance Learning Workshop.  The workshop will be presented by NIH scientists who will broadcast live from Bernalillo, New Mexico to four other sites in the state.
 

NASA Fellows

Joel Albright
A high school mathematics teacher from Box Elder, South Dakota
1997 Fellow, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
E-mail: jalbright@rushmore.com

Liz Burton Burck
E-mail: burckl@triangle-coalition.org

Patricia Colbert-Cormier 
A high school science teacher from Lafayette, Louisiana
1998-1999 Fellow, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
E-mail: p53colbert@cox.net

Naveen Cunha
An elementary teacher from College Station, TX. 2004-2006 NASA Educator Astronaut Program
E-mail: ncunha86@yahoo.com