The Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) has named Christy Oliver, North Dakota State University doctoral student, a Congressional Science Fellow. Oliver is a doctoral student in the NDSU Animal and Range Sciences Department.

The American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Poultry Science Association are the three organizations that form FASS.

According to the FASS Web site, Fellows are sought by congressional offices for their high-level scientific expertise and perspective that can shape public policies and make positive contributions to lives around the globe.

In cooperation with USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists, Oliver has investigated the effects of a preharvest food safety tool, sodium chlorate, on pathogenic bacteria, which is of economic importance to the livestock industry. In addition, she has studied metabolism, pharmacokinetics and residues of chlorate in beef cattle.

""I was thrilled when I got the call that I had been selected for the fellowship,"" Oliver says.

As a FASS Congressional Fellow, Oliver will:

• Spend a year on Capitol Hill helping research, develop and draft legislation and provide input on policy review and oversight
• Participate in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Professional Development Program, which includes an orientation, monthly topical seminars, skill-building workshops and networking activities
• Have an annual stipend plus a limited allowance for relocation and travel expenses

""I will have a two-week orientation at the beginning of the fellowship and then be given a list of legislators/committees that are interested in having a Fellow work in their office,"" Oliver says. ""I would like to focus on agriculture, so the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition Committee would be one of the first offices that I would investigate as a possibility."

After the fellowship, some return to academia and research or work in the public or private sector.

""I have spoken with several former fellowship recipients who have told me that this fellowship opens a lot of doors,"" Oliver says. ""I'm willing to be flexible with job opportunities and locations. I'm excited to see what happens in the next year or so."

Oliver plans on finishing her Ph.D. work at NDSU this summer. She will begin her fellowship in September.

NDSU Agriculture Communication