SS 3 - Fellowships and Awards as First Step Towards a Career in Science Policy: A Panel with Q&A

Monday, August 7, 2023

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PDT

Location: A106

Organizer(s)

CR

Caroline E. Ridley

Senior Ecologist
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, United States

Moderator(s)

CR

Caroline E. Ridley

Senior Ecologist
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, United States

Co-organizer(s)

SA

Sarah M. Anderson

Ecologist - Forest Management, Range Management, and Vegetation Ecology
USDA Forest Service, United States
EG

Emilie Graves

PhD Candidate
US Fish and Wildlife Service, United States
WO

William Ota

UC Riverside
Riverside, California, United States
MM

Michael McCloy

Ph.D. Candidate
Texas A&M University, United States

Session Description: Working at the nexus of science and policy is exciting and rewarding. But how do ecologists get a taste of what it’s like to work at this nexus and decide if a career informing policy is right for them? The great news is that opportunities are plentiful and expanding! In this special session, come listen to individuals describe their first steps (and ongoing experiences) in the world of science policy. Each speaker will talk about serving in one of the premier science policy fellowships in the country and/or winning an early-career award for their science policy work as students. These fellowships and awards represent some of the best opportunities to learn firsthand what it means to influence decision-making with science. And they put scientists in contact with a range of policymakers (e.g., executive vs. legislative branches of government, local to international spheres of influence). They also connect individuals to create a network of motivated, passionate people with a common goal of making science a keystone for development of good policy. An extended Q&A will provide time for interaction with the audience.