Not everyone who earns a Ph.D. in marine science goes on to work in a lab or classroom. When Ike Irby first came to William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science as a graduate student, he quickly learned that his skillset wasn't only suited for science and research. This led him to enroll in a joint degree program that allowed him to pursue his deep interest in science advisory efforts and the process of science policy. It is this same interest that led him to apply for an internship with the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) at the White House, where he developed reports to advise President Barack Obama on issues encompassing all aspects of science and technology.

After graduating with his Master’s in Public Policy and Ph.D. in Marine Science, Ike returned to Washington, D.C., and is currently working as a Policy Advisor for U.S. Vice President Kamala D. Harris. He previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Harris in the U.S. Senate, covering climate, environment, energy, transportation and infrastructure. In his current role, Ike is able to put into effect everything he learned from W&M and VIMS to help Harris explain why science matters.

Learn more about Ike

• Read the W&M News story announcing his role as Policy Advisor in the Office of the Vice President.
• Watch him in A Deeper Dive: Shaping Leaders Who Shape the World.
• Read the VIMS news story when Ike interned at the White House.