Stanford University's Human-Centred AI Institute (HAI) has deployed its second cohort of Tech Ethics & Policy fellows to Washington, D.C., addressing a critical shortage of technical expertise in federal policymaking, where less than 1% of AI doctoral graduates currently work in public service.
The 10-week fellowship programme, established in 2023 in partnership with Stanford's McCoy Family Centre for Ethics in Society, placed 12 technically trained graduate students in key positions across executive branch offices, congressional offices, and think tanks. The initiative aims to inject much-needed technical expertise into the federal government's approach to AI policy and regulation.
"As a policymaker who served in elected office, I have seen firsthand how hard it can be for the people passing laws and writing regulations to get access to objective technical expertise," Marietje Schaake, HAI Policy Fellow and program co-leader, told Stanford HAI News.
The programme's impact was particularly evident in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where fellow, Allison Jia contributed to the development of the PREPARED for AI Act. Working with over 100 stakeholders across industry, civil society, and federal agencies, Jia helped refine the bill's technical specifications for federal AI procurement and usage.
At the Department of Health and Human Services, fellow Julia Lin focused on improving benefit delivery systems for individuals facing financial crises, while developing proposals for an AI learning lab to support federal agencies. Meanwhile, Jon Ball, placed at the American Enterprise Institute, contributed to workforce development research and provided AI literacy training to policymakers.
"Many students are excited about these opportunities and inspired and ready to go, but it's not always clear to them how to get there, and the path can be intimidating," Drew Spence, policy programme manager for Stanford HAI, explained to HAI News.
The fellowship has already begun shifting career trajectories. "Tech policy is something I'm newly passionate about," Jia told HAI News. "I didn't used to think this was a viable path for me, but now I think it's something I definitely want to do in the future."