How this master’s in data science for public policy alumna became a voice for responsible tech policy on Capitol Hill

For Amelie D’Hers (MS-DSPP’25), conversations about technology were the norm growing up. Her parents had immigrated to the U.S. to work in the tech industry, making discussions around the impact of technology a daily affair. These childhood experiences are exactly what drew her into the world of technology policy, the McCourt School’s Master’s in Data Science for Public Policy program (MS-DSPP) and ultimately to her current role working in tech policy for the United States Senate.

“Even as a kid, I sensed that tech wasn’t just about products — it was about power, and that power could be used for good or cause real harm”, says D’Hers. “When I started my own career in the industry after college, that intuition was confirmed. I saw firsthand how many decisions about privacy, fairness and access were actually policy questions in disguise. It became clear to me that these choices belong in the hands of the people we elect to serve the public.”

After graduating from Santa Clara University and working in the technology consulting space for a few years, D’Hers was ready to pursue a graduate degree — and McCourt’s MS-DSPP program was the clear choice.

“The MS-DSPP program stood out because it teaches a technical skillset in a practical policy context,” she reflects. “Often in academic settings, we learn very curated technical skills devoid of context, which isn’t how the real world works. The MS-DSPP program defies this traditional educational model.”

Growing at the McCourt School

D’Hers credits the MS-DSPP program for equipping her with the critical skills she now utilizes to help advance tech policy issues on Capitol Hill, and shared that some of her most valuable experiences came from outside the classroom, including being president of the Georgetown University Tech Policy Initiative (GTPI) and a graduate assistant for McCourt’s Tech & Public Policy program (TPP).

“My time with GTPI was especially meaningful. It became a space where I could explore bold, sometimes messy ideas with people who shared a deep curiosity about the intersection of technology and society,” says D’Hers. “Being part of the TPP community was equally transformative. It opened doors to a network of professionals who were already doing the work I aspired to, related to regulating emerging technologies, crafting digital rights legislation and navigating the ethical dilemmas of innovation. Some of the professionals I met through the program are now close mentors, and their support continues to shape my path.”

From AI to surveillance technologies: A diverse tech policy portfolio

Equipped with the skills and experiences from her time at McCourt, D’Hers currently works on a diverse technology portfolio for a U.S. senator.

Commenting on how her time as a student has helped her approach policy portfolio through a human-centered lens, D’Hers shared that, “one of the most important things I took away from McCourt is that policy is ultimately about people. That mindset has shaped how I approach my work in the Senate, especially when translating complex technical issues into legislation that actually serves communities.”

When asked what the most prominent areas of technology policy D’Hers works on, she immediately identified AI.

“AI issues come up constantly. AI risks, such as algorithmic bias, surveillance technologies, or the broader implications of generative AI, aren’t just abstract concerns; they show up in real legislation, constituent concerns and agency oversight, D’Hers explains. “At McCourt, I gained the important analytical skills to evaluate risks, and the policy framework to ask the right questions about accountability, transparency and equity. That foundation has been invaluable in helping me translate complex AI issues into thoughtful policy work.”

D’Hers is looking forward to continuing to champion comprehensive tech policy at the office of the senator she works for. She is excited to help advance initiatives that champion accessibility, protect free speech and people’s rights and privacy.