Simon Joseph has been Assistant to the Director of Membership and Prizes since 2009, with a two-year gap (2018-2020) where he circumnavigated the globe. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 2009 from the University of Notre Dame. Since moving to Philadelphia, he has done his best to burrow into the local creative and nerd scenes, including hosting a surprisingly popular podcast, rubbing elbows and greasing wheels in independent theater, and hosting Nerd Nite Philadelphia. At the American Philosophical Society, Simon helps handle the election of new members (from nomination to roll book signing), the tracking (prizes, position changes, &c.) of current members, and various other duties as needs arise (e.g. Office Santa).