Heidi Yeh
Heidi Yeh, doctoral student in the graduate program in oceanography in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences is one of thirteen Science Policy Scholars announced this spring by the National Science Policy Network (NSPN), as part of their new hands-on science policy curriculum and training.
The bootcamp training started the week of April 19, 2021 as part of the Science Policy (SciPol) Scholars-in-Residence Program that provides hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities for early-career scientists and engineers seeking to build and use their skills in policymaking. Scholars are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in a six-week bootcamp where they learn key skills in science policy, communication, and professional development. Scholars who complete the bootcamp are then eligible to be matched with host offices for a remote “residency” (internship) in which they can put their skills into practice.
“Traditional higher education too often excludes science policy career paths and overlooks early career scientists’ need for resources to jumpstart their civic engagement,” said Holly Mayton, NSPN’s Director of Partnerships. “Our Science Policy Scholars Program meets early career STEM professionals and students where they are, giving them the opportunity to pursue pathways and build projects they are passionate about. We are thrilled to be able to provide this training and experiential learning opportunity to an exceptional second cohort of SciPol Scholars!”
The theme of the spring bootcamp is “The Economics of Science Policy.” Participants are learning how scientists and engineers can inform policy, gain skills to effectively communicate scientific knowledge to different audiences, improve their writing and public speaking skills, and understand how economics affect and are affected by science and policy.
“We are excited to center the important intersection between science and technology, economics, and public policy in all of our conversations throughout the course in addition to a special lecture with Dr. William Bonvillian, professor of science, technology, and society at MIT and former director of the MIT Washington D.C. Office, and expert in science, technology, and innovation economic theory.” said William Ota, the SciPol Scholar coordinator. “We look forward to demonstrating the many paths available to early career scientists and engineers if they want to pursue careers in science policy.”
The new bootcamp will welcome thirteen participants, who will begin the program the week of April 19, 2021. Congratulations to the new SciPol Scholars:
This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Rita Allen Foundation.
