We welcome Ryan Nesselrodt as one of the Science and Technology Fellows for the West Virginia Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (WVSTPF).
Ryan will spend the next six months working on his public policy skills. His academic career allowed him to gain skills that will make him a valuable asset to the Bridge Initiative for Science & Technology Policy, Leadership, and Communications.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Ryan's interest in physics and mathematics began in his high school. This passion led him to pursue higher education at Franklin and Marshall College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Physics. During his undergraduate years, Ryan immersed himself in the world of research, including working in a laser lab.
Ryan received his Ph.D. from Georgetown University in Physics. His research focused on condensed matter systems, exploring the quantum mechanics of materials and their behavior under extreme conditions. It was during this time Ryan discovered his interest in science policy.
A physics colloquium sparked Ryan's interest in the intersection of science and policy. A visiting fellow from the Department of State highlighted the tangible implications of Ryan’s research on creating demand for tomorrow's critical minerals.
“This was a clarifying moment for me that the research that was going on in physics that could sometimes seem so far from the real world had tangible implications on the world around us,” said Ryan. Shedding light on the interconnectedness between scientific advancements and global economic dynamics, the colloquium solidified Ryan’s future interest in science policy.
Ryan spearheaded the establishment of a science policy group at Georgetown University, providing a platform for fellow physics students to discuss pressing issues and their implications on broader societal and economic landscapes.
Outside of school and his science policy group, Ryan read books such as How the World Really Works, and The New Map. These provided him with a deep appreciation of the foundational importance of energy to our material well-being and daily lives. This gave him a desire to better understand the technical and social considerations that underpin energy policy.
Through his fellowship, Ryan hopes to work on several pressing issues, including advanced manufacturing and critical materials. He recognizes the significance of bridging the gap between scientific research and policymaking, understanding the crucial role policymakers play in addressing complex challenges.
“I think the legislators may be looking at these big, complex issues and not have the time to invest in doing the background research, [to] find the data and statistics to support different courses of action,” said Ryan.
Ryan's journey epitomizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging the realms of science and policy, he can navigate informing the state legislature in an impactful way.