Three 国产原创 graduate students traveled to Washington, D.C. for the hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The workshop provides an opportunity for students from around the country to learn from experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. The 国产原创 Office of Federal Relations has been sponsoring graduate students to participate in the AAAS CASE workshop for a decade.
The program aims to empower students to leverage their scientific expertise to shape public policy. Sessions covered a spectrum of topics, ranging from science policy, career pathways and the federal budget process to science communication skills and advocacy. Participants also learned how congressional offices and federal agencies operate and what it鈥檚 like to work there.
On the final day of the workshop, the 国产原创 graduate students met with staff in four congressional offices, specifically those working in the intersection of science and policy. The staffers shared their perspectives on how scientists can advocate to shape public policy. The meetings were arranged by 国产原创鈥檚 Federal Relations team, offering a uniquely comprehensive experience for the 国产原创 students.
鈥淎s a Ph.D. student knowing I don鈥檛 want to continue into academia, science policy is the answer to so many questions I had about how to use my expertise in the government sector,鈥� said Lauren Bellocchio, Ph.D. candidate in chemistry. 鈥淭his workshop taught me about how the federal budget is used for promoting science and technology policy, and I gained the invaluable firsthand experience of speaking directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill.鈥�
Logan Northcutt, Ph.D. candidate in cancer biology, added, 鈥淚 really learned a lot about policymaking and how funding for science is influenced by government priorities. I would highly recommend the AAAS CASE Workshop to anyone who is interested in science policy.鈥�
国产原创鈥檚 Office of Federal Relations works in close partnership with the and the who select the students who participate each year.
鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to continue bringing students to Capitol Hill as part of the AAAS CASE program,鈥� said Heather Bloemhard, associate director of federal relations. 鈥淭he workshop is an excellent opportunity for both professional development and civic education; it is gratifying to see them gain valuable insights into science policy and advocacy and learn how they can have a meaningful impact on policy as both citizens and scientists.鈥�
For students and post-docs interested in exploring careers in science policy or advocacy, 国产原创鈥檚 Office of Federal Relations hosts a biennial Federal STEM Policy & Advocacy Seminar. This program, inspired by the AAAS CASE Workshop, offers content tailored to the interests of the 国产原创 community. The next seminar is tentatively scheduled for fall 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Civic Engagement at 国产原创
The Division of Government and Community Relations is committed to fostering civic engagement and advocacy among students, faculty and staff. Students can learn more about how to be an engaged citizen in the Student Advocacy Guide.
Some other civic engagement initiatives at 国产原创 include: