| Abstract Scope |
In September 2025, I embarked on a year-long sabbatical from my faculty position to become an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the Air Force’s Operational Energy office. These fellowships are highly sought after and provide hands-on federal policy-making experience to scientists and engineers. My age and experience set me apart from the other fellows, and it was a good time to use my experiences across the national laboratories, industry, and academia to influence policy at a higher level. Even though my fellowship year began with the longest government shutdown in history, I quickly discovered how central materials and welding and joining were to nearly all the policy issues that I encountered. I found materials, joining, and workforce issues, particularly involving the lack of welding professionals across the defense industrial base was a constant theme in staff meetings, congressional hearings, and think tank discussions. There were, however, few experienced and honest brokers available to help the senior civil servants, political appointees, staffers, and elected officials identify policy mechanisms that would address these shortages or help rebuild the domestic manufacturing base. Engaging experts and knowledgeable advocates in policy discussions is critically needed to overcome the paralysis that is afflicting policy makers and to avoid implementing poorly conceived initiatives that are doomed to fail. Welding and joining professionals need to take their place at the table and contribute to the conversation in meaningful ways. Professional organizations can fill some of these roles but are not effectively engaging the different branches of government or the public in a strategic and approachable manner. Well-placed and effective advocacy that is rooted in intellectual expertise can be effective in informing decision makers and ensuring that sound decisions with the long-term interests of the country are made. |