Jul-Aug 2024
Director’s Update
In this 4-minute video, catch up with STPF Director Rashada Alexander for a recap of recent events you might have missed. With the current fellowship year coming to an end, we’re looking forward to welcoming in the next wave of alumni! Watch now.
Meet Alexandra Phillips, STPF’s First Legislative Branch Fellow in Climate Science
Alex (Alexandra) Phillips is our first-ever Legislative Branch Fellow in Climate Science. In this story, we spoke with Alex about her fellowship journey and how she documented it all through her social media posts, as well as explore what she’ll be doing post-fellowship! Click here to read more.
AAAS’ Annual Report Is Here!
In 2023, AAAS reached a milestone in celebrating the organization’s 175th anniversary. All of us here at STPF (and organization-wide) have reflected on this legacy of advancing science. Check out the AAAS annual report to see what was accomplished last year, what the association is working on now and what it hopes to improve. Be part of the future of science and read more here.
AAAS Policy Forum: AI Breakthroughs, Challenges and Calls to Action
The 48th annual AAAS S&T Policy Forum gathered on Friday, July 12, in D.C. for a dynamic discussion to highlight the challenges and potential surrounding generative AI and how to address them. The forum hosted notable speakers and panelists, including STPF alumni: Arti Garg, Charlene Cho, Nishal Mohan, Margaret Kosal, and STPF Director Rashada Alexander. Click to read more here.
STPF on X
July 1: What do @AAAS_STPF alum do post-fellowship? Meet Aruna Kilaru, @JoyonnaGamble, @GossRenata, and @ef_math, four alum who are advancing #publichealth, STEM education, the use of #datascience, and agricultural #biotechnology in the Southeast: https://aaas.org/news/four-stpf-alumni-moving-public-policy-forward-southeast #STPFcareerpaths
MOVING & SHAKING
MOVING & SHAKING
LaKisha Odom
Earlier this year, LaKisha Odom (2013-15 fellow at USDA) joined the Board of Directors at the Soil Health Institute (SHI) as Scientific Program Director. She works collaboratively to support SHI’s mission though research and advancement in agriculture and sustainability. She shared, “This...position allows me to support an organization that I truly believe in and engage at a strategic level.” Regarding her STPF career, “AAAS STPF...exposed me to opportunities I didn’t even realize existed.”
Terrence Mosley
Terrence Mosley (2019-21 DOE fellow), Senior Advisor for Diversity and STEM at the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, received the NSBE Golden Torch Award for Partner of the Year on his office's behalf. The award affirms their commitment to DEI and accessibility in STEM education and careers, and to the clean energy workforce. Without AAAS STPF, Terrence says he never would have connected with the DOE to do the impactful work he’s doing today, and it allowed him to explore public service without prior government experience. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities that AAAS has provided for me and my family,” he said. Image: Gil Ford Photography
Cindy Achat-Mendes
Cindy Achat-Mendes (2021-23 DoD fellow) launched her first program as Director of STEM Initiatives at Universities Research Association: The Science Policy and Advocacy for Research Competition (SPARC). SPARC is a training program for graduate students in STEM to build scicomm skills and a robust scipol portfolio. Select students are chosen to participate in a science policy summit. Cindy shared, “The immersive federal policy experience afforded by [AAAS STPF] has enhanced my awareness of the need for science policy and science communication training in STEM graduate programs, and has inspired my career to create new initiatives that cultivate these skills.”
ALUMNI EVENTS
AAAS Expert Is In: Stella Uzogara
August 3 | U.S. Botanical Gardens
AAAS Expert Is In: John Herlihy
August 9 | U.S. Botanical Gardens
AAAS Expert Is In: Heather Spence
August 10 | U.S. Botanical Gardens
AAAS Expert Is In: Elizabeth Stulberg
August 23 | U.S. Botanical Gardens
Chicago Alumni Regional Event
Date TBD | Chicago, IL