Each year, emerging civic technologists dedicate their summer to innovating in local, state, and federal government offices across the United States through the Digital Civic Scholarship. The group includes fellows from diverse backgrounds, experience levels, and locations who share the 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 expertise in product management, data analytics, computer science, and design to work on high-impact projects.
Two interns worked with him 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 the use of machine learning. 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 below how their experience and unique skill set contribute to HHS’s mission to improve the health and well-being of all Americans.
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 to have the opportunity to apply my data analytics and policy 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 am excited to contribute in this area. Outside of fellowship, my research through Duke’s Technology Policy Lab focuses on the national security implications of data brokering and trust and security in digital platforms.
Before graduating, I worked as an analyst and senior analyst at an economic consulting firm in Washington DC, where I worked on data analysis and financial modeling for litigation. I also have a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Duke University, with minors in Computer Science and Spanish. In my free time, you can find me visiting national parks, singing choral music, and contributing to community parks and nonprofit organizations.
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 member of 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 technology startup and developed artificial intelligence tools at a polling company. In college, I conducted data-driven research on transit policy and local governments. I am currently 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 about politics and history, playing the guitar, and hiking.
Ryan Manthy
Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Computer Science, Class of 2024
Illinois Institute of Technology
Growing up with a firefighter father and a healthcare mother, I witnessed the harsh realities vulnerable people face and developed a passion for public service. My internship with a state representative further reinforced my dedication to finding solutions for these congressional districts. At the same time, I sparked my interest in technology by creating my first website at age 12 and delved into programming during high school. These experiences shaped my interest in the field of public interest technology.
I am a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology and earned a public service scholarship. For the past two years, I worked as a technology intern at a venture capital-backed retail startup, gaining valuable insights into developing scalable technology. Additionally, my experience building a social impact startup in the digital health space has equipped me with interview discovery skills and a deep understanding of the complexities of health technology.
In the next decade, I hope to work as a technologist bridging the gap between technology and social services; develop technology that improves the accessibility, affordability, and equity of healthcare through social service platforms; and positively influence the way Americans interact with government-supported health systems.
Vivian Wang
Palo Alto, California
Bachelor of Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction, Class of 2025
Stanford University
As a social entrepreneur by day and computer scientist by night, I am intrigued by the applications of technology in the social impact space. I am a third-year student at Stanford University studying computer science and business management. For the past 8 years, I have loved leading public service initiatives, whether running my nonprofit since 2014 or spearheading projects to advance young women in STEM. When I started college, I looked for more opportunities to apply my technical knowledge for the public good. I look forward to my summer fellowship with HHS so I can leverage my technical expertise to make our government more efficient, effective, and equitable. I strongly believe in bringing people together through inclusive products designed by underrepresented people in tech, like people of color and women in STEM like me. In the future, I dream of creating a product for my non-profit organization that helps luxury hotel brands implement international corporate social responsibility initiatives related to sustainable linen recycling. I hope to 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, hiking, writing articles for my school newspaper, and walking backwards around campus as a tour guide at Stanford.
Thank you to the Civic Digital Fellows for your summer of civic technology service. We can’t wait to see what you achieve!
