Quentin Auster Leverages Data Science Skills as NobleReach Scholar at FDA
By Emma Folts
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University this spring, Quentin Auster (MSPPM-DA '24) landed a job as a data scientist with the United States Food and Drug Administration. So far, he’s worked to automate systems that help keep public-facing information about drugs up to date. He has also begun supporting teams working to detect and predict drug shortages.
Auster is a member of the new NobleReach Scholars program, which places early-career professionals in paid roles in the government or with mission-driven industry partners. The scholars work for up to two years in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, materials manufacturing, cybersecurity or business process innovation. They receive mentorship from industry experts and learn from policymakers through educational programming in Washington, D.C.
The program, created by the nonprofit NobleReach, aims to develop leaders in technology, science and entrepreneurship and serve as a “pathway into public service as well as a platform to solve the most pressing challenges of our time,” according to the foundation’s website. Auster and the 18 other inaugural NobleReach scholars were chosen from hundreds of applicants across 90 universities.
“Carnegie Mellon graduates like Quentin exemplify the NobleReach Scholars Program’s vision of encouraging the next generation of top talent to become dual citizens of both the private and public sectors by exploring public service,” said NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta. “They bring a policy lens that is uniquely grounded in evidence-based decision-making and innovative thinking.”
Auster earned his master’s degree in public policy and management from the university’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy in May 2024. He began his role at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September. His work has been meaningful, he said, and “it's a really good fit for the types of skills that we pick up at Heinz.”
“I've felt both challenged in the work so far, but at the same time, well-prepared to do it,” he continued. “I will hopefully be a much more effective public servant, able to work not only effectively within my department, within the FDA, but extensively across agencies.”
Auster is a member of the new NobleReach Scholars program, which places early-career professionals in paid roles in the government or with mission-driven industry partners. The scholars work for up to two years in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, materials manufacturing, cybersecurity or business process innovation. They receive mentorship from industry experts and learn from policymakers through educational programming in Washington, D.C.
The program, created by the nonprofit NobleReach, aims to develop leaders in technology, science and entrepreneurship and serve as a “pathway into public service as well as a platform to solve the most pressing challenges of our time,” according to the foundation’s website. Auster and the 18 other inaugural NobleReach scholars were chosen from hundreds of applicants across 90 universities.
“Carnegie Mellon graduates like Quentin exemplify the NobleReach Scholars Program’s vision of encouraging the next generation of top talent to become dual citizens of both the private and public sectors by exploring public service,” said NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta. “They bring a policy lens that is uniquely grounded in evidence-based decision-making and innovative thinking.”
Auster earned his master’s degree in public policy and management from the university’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy in May 2024. He began his role at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September. His work has been meaningful, he said, and “it's a really good fit for the types of skills that we pick up at Heinz.”
“I've felt both challenged in the work so far, but at the same time, well-prepared to do it,” he continued. “I will hopefully be a much more effective public servant, able to work not only effectively within my department, within the FDA, but extensively across agencies.”
Connecting with policy leaders
Before the scholars joined their placements, they participated in a three-week bootcamp that featured speakers such as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
While at Heinz College, Auster wasn’t sure whether working in the public or private sector would be more impactful. The NobleReach Scholars program has provided connections and learning experiences that “will help myself and the other scholars move in between these worlds as we see fit in our careers.”
Before the scholars joined their placements, they participated in a three-week bootcamp that featured speakers such as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. One week focused on the basics of working in government and public service, and the following two covered how the scholars should build products that address problems facing the public.
Both sections “were super helpful,” Auster said. “The second part was a nice framework to go into government and try to fit in and understand whatever systems are there, but also have a toolkit to update the systems or products that you're creating.”
During their placements, the scholars will participate in virtual talks and quarterly in-person meetings with representatives from government and industry.
In the long-term, Auster is interested in pursuing a strategic role in government or industry –– such as a chief data or artificial intelligence (AI) officer –– where he can explore the responsible application of AI for public benefit.
Auster said that Heinz College’s blend of public policy and technology make students well-suited for the program. He encouraged prospective applicants to reach out to him with questions.
“What made them feel I was a good fit was me saying, ‘Yes, I did a lot of technical work while I was at CMU,’ but balancing that against expressing and understanding that politics and policy isn't always about optimizing function. It's about people,” he said.
Before the scholars joined their placements, they participated in a three-week bootcamp that featured speakers such as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. One week focused on the basics of working in government and public service, and the following two covered how the scholars should build products that address problems facing the public.
Both sections “were super helpful,” Auster said. “The second part was a nice framework to go into government and try to fit in and understand whatever systems are there, but also have a toolkit to update the systems or products that you're creating.”
During their placements, the scholars will participate in virtual talks and quarterly in-person meetings with representatives from government and industry.
In the long-term, Auster is interested in pursuing a strategic role in government or industry –– such as a chief data or artificial intelligence (AI) officer –– where he can explore the responsible application of AI for public benefit.
Auster said that Heinz College’s blend of public policy and technology make students well-suited for the program. He encouraged prospective applicants to reach out to him with questions.
“What made them feel I was a good fit was me saying, ‘Yes, I did a lot of technical work while I was at CMU,’ but balancing that against expressing and understanding that politics and policy isn't always about optimizing function. It's about people,” he said.