Successful 2013 Congressional Visits Day

By Tricia L. Freshour

Congressional Visits Day (CVD), organized each year by the Material Advantage Student Program, was held on April 10 and 11, 2013, in Washington, D.C. CVD is a unique opportunity for materials science and engineering students to advocate for long-term funding for science, engineering, and technology through meetings with Congressional decision makers. Thirty-seven students and faculty from 13 universities attended this year’s event. Security was tight because of sequestration. The students witnessed thousands of people rallying for immigration legislation on the Capitol lawn, which made getting around D.C. very busy and hectic. However, the weather was great, and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.