Ike Irby Ph.D., M.P.P. ’17
Senior Policy Advisor
Degrees: {{https://www.vims.edu/education/graduate/index.php,Ph.D. in Marine Science}} & {{https://www.wm.edu/as/publicpolicy/graduate/index.php,Master of Public Policy}}
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 senior policy advisor for U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris. In this role, Ike is able to put into effect everything he learned from W&M and VIMS as he leads the legislative team advising Senator Harris on environment, energy, climate, space and more. With Ike's guidance, Senator Harris is able to explain why science matters.
Learn more about Ike
- Watch him in A Deeper Dive: Shaping Leaders Who Shape the World.
- Read the VIMS news story when Ike interned at the White House.
