As we create technologies that impact Americans, it’s critical that policies and legislation reflect the ability for the population as a whole to benefit.”
This guiding belief is what fuels Meharry SACS Ph.D. student LaChiara Landrum, recently selected to serve as a Senior Congressional Innovation Fellow, one of the nation’s most competitive and influential non-employee opportunities available at the intersection of technology and public policy.
In 2026, Landrum will begin her assignment on Capitol Hill as a senior congressional fellow, where she will be staffed with a member of Congress or a congressional committee on technology issues in a specialized domain. Although her placement will not be assigned until February, Landrum’s focus is already clear: to help federal leaders develop thoughtful and informed approaches to technology legislation.
“We have to ensure AI is deployed in ways that expand opportunity and trust, rather than creating gaps in how different communities experience its impact.”
This perspective will guide her work as she researches complex technologies, analyzes proposed legislation, and recommends strategies aligned both with lawmakers’ policy goals and the needs of the communities they serve.
SACS Confidence and Clarity for a Competitive Fellowship
The path to this fellowship was demanding. With more than 750 applicants competing in her category, Landrum was able to rise above the competition with the support and experience gleaned from SACS.
“SACS’ emphasis on mission-driven innovation and real-world computational solutions reshaped my perspective as both a researcher and a practitioner,” says Landrum.
“The program enabled me to apply data science in a Fortune 500 context at Caterpillar, Inc. while expanding my focus to AI challenges affecting public health and safety. The mentorship and rigorous training prepared me to engage complex technical, ethical, and policy questions.”
With that mentorship and training, Landrum advanced through a detailed written application and two rounds of interviews and notably, these were rounds in which Landrum intentionally chose to compete first.
“I made it a point to be one of the first applicants to schedule my interview in both rounds,” explained Landrum.
“I wanted to approach each conversation with confidence, clarity and a deep commitment to public service through technology.”
From SACS Labs to Capitol Hill
Through mentorship and a deep commitment to the public good, Landrum has succeeded in going from the classroom to Capitol Hill. It’s a transition she plans to make smoothly thanks to her “pivotal” research experience at SACS.
“I would not have the technical depth or interdisciplinary skillset I have today without that work,” says Landrum.
With Dr. Uttam Ghosh and Dr. Puspita Chatterjee, Landrum completed doctoral work in medical multimodal fusion, the process of integrating diverse types of patient data (like x-ray imaging and smart watch data) to generate life-saving insights for a patient’s health.
“Their mentorship introduced me to the realities of designing technology for high-stakes environments,” says Landrum, “particularly where medical emergencies, operational constraints, and public safety intersect.”
“Through our multimodal fusion research,” Landrum continues, “I learned how to integrate data from audio, images, vitals, and operational systems into actionable insights for frontline decision-makers.”
“This work also shaped my understanding of how to evaluate emerging technologies not only for performance, but for security, ethical considerations, implementation feasibility and their impact on vulnerable populations.”
The fellowship allows her to bring insights from her research directly into the federal decision-making arena.
Better Research for Better Policy Decisions
With her SACS research experience in tow, Landrum hopes to help shape policy that supports an inclusive technological future, one where lawmakers understand not only the potential of innovation but also its consequences for different populations.
“Through this opportunity, I hope to contribute to a future where innovation, modernization and legislation work hand in hand,” Landrum said. It’s a vision grounded in her belief that technology should be, “made for us, by us…for the benefit of all humankind.”
As she prepares for her upcoming role in Washington, Landrum brings with her the mission and values of Meharry SACS — championing policies that ensure emerging technologies uplift every community they touch.
