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.

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.”