Summary:
Each year, emerging civic technologists dedicate their summer to innovating in local, state, and federal government offices across the United States through the Civic Digital Fellowship. The cohort includes fellows from diverse backgrounds, experience levels, and locations who share a mission of using their skills to make impactful change. This summer, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) welcomed four fellows who brought their expertise in product management, data analytics, computer science, and design to the table to work on high-impact projects.
Two fellows worked with the Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO) and the Office of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (OCAIO) on projects related to the HHS Data Strategy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning use. Two fellows worked with OASH on Kidney Innovation and the KidneyX Innovation Accelerator, including using human-centered design to improve and innovate products and services.
Each fellow describes how their unique experience and skillset contributes to the HHS mission of enhancing the health and well-being of all Americans below.
Hayley Barton
Durham, North Carolina
Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy, class of 2025
Duke University
As a graduate student studying technology policy at Duke University, I am thrilled for the opportunity to apply my data and policy analysis skills to support the HHS Office of the Chief Data Officer this summer. I believe in the power of collaboration and responsible data governance to address and innovate around some of society’s biggest challenges, including public health, and I’m excited to contribute in this area. Outside of the fellowship, my research through Duke’s Technology Policy Lab focuses on the national security implications of data brokerage and trust and safety on digital platforms.
Prior to graduate school, I worked as an Analyst and Senior Analyst at an economic consulting firm in Washington D.C. where I worked on data analysis and financial modeling for litigation. I also hold an undergraduate degree in Economics from Duke University, with minors in Computer Science and Spanish. In my spare time, you can find me visiting national parks, singing choral music, and serving community parks and nonprofits.
Suhan Kacholia
Athens, Georgia
Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, class of 2025
University of Georgia
I am a rising junior and a fellow at the University of Georgia, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science and a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. Interested in creating social impact through technology, I founded a political tech startup and developed AI tools at a polling firm. In college, I conducted data-driven research on transit policies and local governments. I currently serve as Editor-in-Chief of a University of Georgia publication. I hope to continue using data and technology to improve lives during my fellowship at HHS. In my free time, I enjoy reading books on politics and history, playing guitar, and hiking.
Ryan Manthy
Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, class of 2024
Illinois Institute of Technology
Growing up with a firefighter father and a mother working in healthcare, I witnessed the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals and developed a passion for public service. My internship with a state representative further reinforced my dedication to finding solutions for these constituencies. Simultaneously, I sparked an interest in technology by creating my first website at 12 and delved into programming during high school. These experiences shaped my interest in the field of public interest technology.
I am a rising senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology and was awarded a scholarship for public service. Over the past two years, I have worked as a technology intern at a venture-backed retail startup, gaining valuable insights into scalable technology development. Additionally, my experience building a social impact startup in the digital health space has equipped me with discovery interview skills and a deep understanding of navigating complexities in healthcare technology.
In the next decade, I hope to work as a technologist bridging the gap between technology and social services; developing technology that enhances the accessibility, affordability, and equity of healthcare through social service platforms; and positively influencing how Americans engage with government-supported healthcare systems.
Vivian Wang
Palo Alto, California
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Human Computer Interaction, class of 2025
Stanford University
As a social entrepreneur by day and computer scientist by night, I'm intrigued by the applications of technology in the social impact space. I am a rising junior at Stanford University studying computer science and entrepreneurial management. Over the past 8 years, I have loved leading public service initiatives, whether it be running my nonprofit since 2014 or spearheading projects to uplift young women in STEM. When I started college, I sought out more opportunities to apply my technical knowledge for public good. I am looking forward to my summer fellowship with HHS so that I can leverage my technical background to make our government more efficient, effective, and equitable. I’m a firm believer in bringing people together through inclusive products designed by underrepresented individuals in technology, such as people of color and women in STEM like myself. In the future, I dream of creating a product for my nonprofit that would help luxury hotel brands implement corporate international social responsibility initiatives relating to sustainable linens recycling. I hope I can apply my learnings from the Civic Digital Fellowship directly to my future aspirations in product-related work. In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world, going on hikes, writing articles for my school newspaper, and walking backwards across campus as a tour guide at Stanford.
Thank you to the Civic Digital Fellows for their civic tech service summer. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish!
