‘My State Senator is a Rocket Scientist’: A More Perfect Fusion

‘My State Senator is a Rocket Scientist’: A More Perfect Fusion

From Policy Punchline by Princeton University

April 14, 2026 · 1h 7m

About this episode

State Senator Andrew Zwicker discusses the intersection of science and policy, focusing on fusion energy and clean energy initiatives in New Jersey.

[Recorded March 5, 2026] Representing New Jersey’s 16th Legislative District while continuing his work at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, State Sen. Andrew Zwicker brings a dual perspective on how frontier research translates into real-world policy. Join hosts Maddie Feldman and Alex Tseng for a conversation about a plasma physicist-turned lawmaker working at the intersection of science, energy policy, and public service. In this episode, we explore how scientific expertise shapes political decision-making, from New Jersey’s role as one of the most concentrated innovation hubs in the world to the challenges of building a clean energy economy. Zwicker reflects on the promise and politics of fusion energy, the realities of state-level policymaking, and what the strategies he’s learned about political communication on the campaign trail vis-à-vis promoting long-term scientific investment.

People in this episode

Hosts: Maddie Feldman, Alex Tseng

Guest: Andrew Zwicker

Topics covered

  • science policy
  • energy policy
  • fusion energy
  • political communication
  • clean energy economy
  • state-level policymaking

Keywords

  • fusion energy
  • clean energy
  • New Jersey
  • science policy
  • political communication
  • state policymaking

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

Places: New Jersey

More episodes of Policy Punchline

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Policy Punchline podcast page.