Aisaiah Pellecer had originally planned to attend graduate school after earning his bachelor's degree in information sciences + data science (BSIS+DS). His plans changed after learning about the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals, a fellowship that annually provides 65 American and 65 German young professionals the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries—studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program.
"During my time at the iSchool, this fellowship became increasingly appealing as my passion for public policy evolved into an interest in research and information policy, thanks to Professors Anita Say Chan and Meicen Sun," Pellecer explained.
He was accepted into the competitive program and began his studies in Germany over the summer. Following an intensive German language course in Saarbrücken, Pellecer travelled to Dortmund, where he is now a guest listener in computer science at Technical University Dortmund. Early next year, he will transition into the practice phase of the program and begin a full-time internship with a German company.
During his undergraduate studies, Pellecer served as an undergraduate researcher at the Community Data Clinic and was involved in organizations like UnidosUS, MAPSCorps, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, which provided invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and public policy.
"I see this experience as an opportunity to build on what I learned at the iSchool, since the European Union is at the forefront of developing regulatory frameworks in the digital space, namely the EU AI Act and the Digital Services Act," he said. "During my time here, I am eager to learn more about these regulations, the ethical and fairness considerations they entail, and Germany's broader digital strategy."
In addition to Chan and Sun, Pellecer credits mentors like Brian Foo, his former supervisor at the Library of Congress' Digital Innovation Division (LC Labs), for supporting him throughout his undergraduate career.
"It has been a journey so far, navigating a new country and a new language, but every day here has been a privilege and quite eye-opening," he said. "I hope this experience will allow me to deepen my expertise and prepare me for graduate school as well as for a career in digital innovation and e-governance."