Mathematics for Public Service

Mathematics is our primary tool to model the world around us, and its practitioners can benefit society in a myriad of ways. Some choose to apply their expertise directly through technical work and research. For example, one could build sophisticated models to predict the effect of carbon dioxide emissions on global temperatures, interpret the decision-making process of artificial intelligence, or protect our national security at the National Security Agency. For others, mathematics education is the way. Is there a more noble pursuit than preparing the next generation to think and challenge the world head on? Today, I write about a third, less-trodden path to use mathematics for public service—policymaking.

I served alongside thirty Congressional Fellows as part of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In addition to Congressional Fellows, there are about 270 AAAS Fellows placed in the Executive Branch each year and one in the Judicial Branch. The AAAS Fellows are a cohort of driven PhD scientists from diverse backgrounds. The Congressional cohort was spread across the House and Senate, in personal offices and on committees, and worked for both Democrats and Republicans. The Congressional Fellows relied on each other’s expertise and unique positions to further legislation and understand the functions of Congress in a way few are afforded.

I joined the Office of Senator Todd Young to oversee implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act including the CHIPS for America programs at the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and State. As a Fellow, I promoted federally funded research and development, developed policy informed by scientific and technical expertise, and provided critical context during engagement with stakeholders from industry, government, and civil society. My background in mathematics—rare among congressional staff—not only prepared me for work on the Hill, but allowed me to excel at many aspects of the legislative process.

No, nobody ever needed to know what a Galois group was or asked me to explain the difference between convergence at a point and uniform convergence. No, you don’t need a PhD to develop the soft skills necessary to thrive on the Hill—time management, communicating effectively through speaking and writing, and foreseeing unintended consequences of potential policy decisions—but mathematicians are great problem solvers and researchers, both of which are crucial to success. As I always tell the attorneys in my family, the only difference between mathematics and law is that mathematicians agree on their definitions beforehand (and on their undefined terms).

Most importantly, as a scientist, I was able to assess the technical feasibility of new technologies and call out those that are trying to take advantage of the taxpayers’ dollar. In one instance, an organization claimed they would soon be able to have an open-air breathalyzer installed in every car that would accurately test a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) by measuring ambient ethanol concentration, forever solving the drunk driving epidemic. Forgetting the potential privacy violations or implications of any malfunction, one quickly realizes that the degrees of freedom for the input are greater than those being measured. Unlike a traditional breathalyzer which measures ethanol to volume directly providing a driver’s BAC, an ambient breathalyzer measures ethanol concentration in the air, neglecting variability in breath volume and other factors. My technical expertise provided my office with crucial information and allowed the senator to make more informed policy decisions. This expertise has been invaluable in responding to the increased attention on artificial intelligence regulation, as my office plays a central role in the conversation.

The AMS Congressional Fellowship has been an incredible, life-changing experience. I have witnessed the gears of democracy, the responsibility of the citizenry, and the power of compromise. Behind the cameras and the circus of dysfunction that we all love to hate, there are dedicated men and women, both congressional members and staff, that are working to find solutions for the benefit of the American public. I am grateful to the AMS for granting me this amazing opportunity. I urge everyone reading this to consider how you use mathematics for public service and to consider pursuing this fellowship.

Learn about the AMS Congressional Fellowship at https://www.ams.org/ams-congressional-fellowship. Applications open until February 1, 2024.