When federal dollars become available for research or grant funding for subjects in which Tennessee Tech has faculty expertise, Congressman Bart Gordon wants to make sure TTU is considered.

To that end, he and members of his staff have regular contact with the university. Alisa Ferguson helps make the connection between TTU and the federal money.

Alisa Ferguson

Ferguson, a legislative assistant to Rep. Bart Gordon in Washington, D.C., is responsible for work related to legislative appropriations that result from Gordon's efforts, among other things. She also deals with issues related to energy and the environment that come out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as other issues such as education.

"A big part of my job deals with the federal appropriations. I work to help TTU request funding for its related projects," Ferguson says. "I work directly with the university to learn about the campus' strengths and efforts in case other funding opportunities arise.

"Congressman Gordon is very interested in Tennessee Tech University and wants to make sure everyone on his legislative staff understands the strengths of the programs the campus offers. He wants us all to be aware of legislation, grant opportunities and relationships with other agencies that may benefit TTU, as well as opportunities stemming from his position as Ranking Member of the House Science Committee."

Ferguson visited campus Jan. 25, where she met with campus officials to discuss the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center and current research efforts. Her visit will enable Gordon to better serve TTU and his district, she says.

TTU President Bob Bell and Vice President Tom Hamilton visited Gordon and the entire Tennessee congressional delegation this week in Washington D.C. to discuss TTU's needs and federal support of the university's priorities.

"We are extremely appreciative of Alisa's interest in maintaining a close relationship between Congressman Gordon's office and Tennessee Tech," says Bell. "That relationship is critical to TTU's continued growth."

Ferguson also coordinates efforts dealing with topics related to Congressman Gordon's responsibilities.

"If it deals with a piece of legislation, I do research on the subject and brief the congressman. Sometimes we focus on local issues, such as those concerning TVA.

"And we help our constituents deal with problems; for example, if a young person in our district has difficulty finding ways to pay for college and contacts us, we can help guide him to the appropriate channels to find some assistance."

Ferguson, who always knew she wanted to work in some field related to government and history, used her degree in international politics to start working on policy research and legislative tracking. Her contacts then landed her a job in Congress, where she ultimately ended up in Gordon's office.

"It's a great job that offers lots of different perspectives and close contact with people," she says. "That's my true career interest."