Georgetown alumni appointed to U.S. Digital Corps for third consecutive year
Early-career technologists Ellis Obrien (MS-DSPP’23), Grace Jensen (MS-DSPP’24) and Jenny Park (C’24) will spend the next two years working with federal agencies to modernize and improve government services for all Americans.
Ellis Obrien (MS-DSPP’23), Grace Jensen (MS-DSPP’24) and Jenny Park (C’24) were selected from more than 2,000 applicants to join the U.S. Digital Corps (USDC). The prestigious two-year program offers early-career technologists the opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and public service. As the federal government continues its digital transformation, USDC Fellows will be instrumental in modernizing, digitizing and enhancing access to essential government services across 19 agencies.
“Growing the U.S. Digital Corps is crucial to driving innovation across the federal government, especially as emerging technologies like AI evolve,” stated Robin Carnahan, administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), in a press release from the agency. “GSA is focused on delivering great value to our customer agencies and the American people, so we are proud to help lead the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bring tech talent into government to deliver those results.”
Obrien, Jensen and Park are among 70 new fellows who have joined the USDC and are applying their skills and expertise in the federal workplace. Of the graduates in USDC’s inaugural 2022 cohort, 95% chose to remain with the federal government after their fellowship and continue their public service.
Jenny Park (C’24)
Park is serving as a data scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She earned her B.A. in computer science and justice and peace studies from Georgetown’s College of Arts & Sciences, where she applied her data science expertise to public policy challenges with organizations like Central American Resource Center DC and the United Nations. Alongside her fellowship, she is pursuing a master’s degree in development practice at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Park’s research is centered on using large language models to predict forced migration routes — work she began as a research assistant at the McCourt School of Public Policy’s Massive Data Institute (MDI).
Ellis Obrien (MS-DSPP’23)
Obrien, a graduate student of the McCourt School’s Master’s in Data Science for Public Policy (MS-DSPP) program, is applying his expertise in data science to support environmental initiatives at the U.S. Department of State. As a former MDI Scholar , he leveraged big data to tackle critical climate and environmental challenges. Obrien’s prior experience in catastrophe modeling, coupled with dual degrees in economics and African American studies from Bates College, ignited his interest in using data science to address climate change and social issues. He continued this work post-graduation, focusing on sustainability and technology with The Green Grid, a global consortium dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and business computing ecosystems.
“In a rapidly evolving technological environment, the government must have the human resources it needs to use machine learning and artificial intelligence for good. Joining USDC allows me to dedicate my career to supporting data-driven policy that improves people’s lives.”
Ellis Obrien (MS-DSPP’23)
Grace Jensen (MS-DSPP’24)
Jensen, a graduate of the MS-DSPP program and a former MDI Scholar, also joined the State Department as a data scientist. Her professional experience includes several roles in the public sector, including an internship at the Federal Reserve Board, where she supported data management for economic and financial policy development. To the USDC, Jensen brings an educational background in human and organizational development and a passion for applying her data science skills to advance innovative public policy solutions.
Learn more about how to become a U.S. Digital Corps Fellow here.