HIGHLIGHTS:
Computing Research Advocacy Network

Information Technology Initiative

Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act

Sponsored by CRA and the Office of the Vice President

1999 Executive Fellowship Program

Program Description

The Computing Research Association's Executive Fellowship Program brings exceptional, highly motivated, mid-career and senior computer and information scientists from the nation's universities to Washington, DC for a one-year term.

Fellows work intensively as a "special assistant" in one of the offices or agencies of the executive branch of the federal government. They work in close cooperation with the senior staff of the host agency to help develop policies and strategies for the effective use of information technology in key areas of American society.

The fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity for current and future leaders of the computing profession to learn first-hand about Washington's technology policy processes, and at the same time to serve their country through the practical application of information technology knowledge and expertise in government.

Vice President Al Gore, in a letter committing the support of his office and the executive branch to make the program a success wrote:

"I look forward to working with [CRA] to attract the 'best and brightest' in the community to help promote the National Information Infrastructure and its applications."

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Basic Structure

Applications will be reviewed in two stages. Initially, a blue-ribbon panel of distinguished leaders in computer and information science will evaluate the professional credentials of the applicants. Applicants who most closely meet the goals of the program will proceed to the next stage. At this point, senior agency officials will evaluate how well applicants' interests and backgrounds fit with their agencies' needs and opportunities. Only applications that receive high evaluations from both review groups will be considered for fellowships. Final selections will be made on the basis of placement interviews with agency officials. Through the Interagency Personnel Action (IPA) Act, the federal government will fund the Fellow's home institution to cover salary, benefits, and some local expenses during the period of the fellowship. The Fellow remains an employee of his or her home institution, on assignment to the federal government. Employees of nonprofit institutions typically continue to accrue sabbatical and retirement credits while on leave for such government service. Applicants should check the institutional rules and regulations of their employers. Normal governmental conflict-of-interest rules and regulations will apply to Fellows, and conflict-of-interest disclosure will be necessary once a Fellow is assigned to a particular agency.

To broaden the Washington experience, Fellows will participate in the AAAS Fellows training program. This program includes an intensive two-week orientation on congressional and executive branch operations and where science and technology policy fits in, and a yearlong seminar program involving science, technology, and public policy. There will be an opportunity to meet with senior officials and decision makers across all branches of government.

Criteria for Selection

Eligible candidates include mid-career or more senior computer scientists, computer engineers, information scientists and other computing professionals who are US citizens or permanent residents, and who are employed by a college or university. Minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must hold a tenured appointment at their college or university, or have attained their Ph.D. more than 10 years ago. Non-US citizens may not be eligible to participate in certain agencies associated with the national defense.

Applicants should have extensive technical expertise in some area of information technology. They should also have a strong interest in the broader application of information technology in government and in society. Actual experience in applying technology to societal problems is highly desirable. Fellows must be resident in Washington, DC for the entire term of the fellowship, running from late summer 1999 until summer 2000. There may be a possibility for renewal of the fellowship for a second year.

CRA Selection Committee

Randy H. Katz (Selection Committee Chair)
Chairman, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
University of California, Berkeley

Daniel E. Atkins III
Dean, School of Information
University of Michigan

John L. Hennessy
Dean, College of Engineering
Stanford University

John E. Hopcroft
Dean, College of Engineering
Cornell University

Anita K. Jones
Department of Computer Science
University of Virginia

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Applications

Those interested in applying should send the following materials:

1. Basic Information

   • Name
   • Affiliation
   • Title
   • Mailing address, telephone and fax numbers
   • E-mail address
   • Name, postal and e-mail address of your employer (e.g., Department Chair or Dean) who should be notified if you are selected.

2. Curriculum Vitae

   Send a complete curriculum vitae or resume, listing education, professional employment, and key research and professional accomplishments.

3. Cover Letter

   Submit a cover letter of 1,500 words or less describing:
   • Why you are particularly interested in the fellowship.
   • Special qualifications that you possess that would be of value to an executive agency (e.g., deep knowledge of the technology of the Internet, management experience with large databases, or participation in studies on the economic or social impacts of some information technology).
   • Evidence in your life experiences of perseverance and your ability to work in environments with a high degree of ambiguity (these are critical personal attributes for all Fellows).
   • Particular technical or problem areas you would like to focus on during your fellowship.
   • Federal agencies or offices in which you would like to be placed (if you know them).

4. Professional References

   Provide the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) for three to five professional references who are familiar with your technical accomplishments, communication skills, and experiences in applying information technology to societal problems.

5. Employer Support

   Submit a letter of support from your employer (e.g., Department Chair or Dean) indicating that you have your employer's permission to be released from your current duties for one year to participate fully in the Fellowship Program.

6. Restrictions

   Applicants must hold a tenured appointment at their college or university or have attained their Ph.D. more than 10 years ago. Non-US citizens may not be able to participate in certain agencies associated with the national defense. It is important that Fellows be nonpartisan, act in the best traditions of national service, and be committed to using their expertise for the benefit of society-at-large.

7. Deadline

   The application deadline for the 1999 fellowship is January 15, 1999. Electronic submission is preferred Questions may be e-mailed to executive_fellowship@cra.org.

   Send non-electronic information to:

   CRA Executive Fellowship Program
   1100 17th Street, NW, Suite 507
   Washington, DC 20036-4632

   or
   Fax: 202-667-1066
   

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   Computing Research Association
   Executive Fellowship Program
   1100 17th Street, NW, Suite 507
   Washington, DC 20036-4632
   Tel. 202-234-2111
   Fax: 202-667-1066
   E-mail: executive_fellowship@cra.org

   
   

   The Computing Research Association (CRA) is an association of more than 180 North American academic departments of computer science and computer engineering (CS&E); laboratories and centers in industry, government, and academia engaging in basic computing research; and affiliated professional societies.