Mar-Apr 2024
Director’s Update
In this month’s update, Rashada covers several upcoming events in the next few months: a webinar, regional alumni gatherings, a special AI event and more. Be sure to tune in – you’ll hear it here first! Watch now
In the Rocky Mountain West: STPF Alum Combine Academia and Scipol
It's not uncommon for STPF alumni return to academia following their time as a fellow. A return to academia does not mean an end to influencing science policy. Read on to learn how three alumni have forged careers that combine academia and science policy.
2024 AAAS Annual Meeting...and You!
The Annual Meeting this year was packed full of deep conversations and educational scientific sessions – and a bit of snow! From speed networking to the annual scipol mixer, read about what we were up to. Read more
Only on AlumniEngage
Candid Career Conversations. The second in a series of three alumni-exclusive virtual conversations featuring alumni, this one’s all about starting your own business or nonprofit organization. Listen to these entrepreneurial alumni discuss the reality of launching your own venture. Watch now (Password: alumnionly)
Missed early issues of AlumniFocus? Find them on AlumniEngage!
Alumni Network Pilot Year: Check-In Survey
Can you believe we’re already half-way through the pilot year? The STPF Alumni Engagement team would like to get your feedback on the first half of the STPF Alumni Network pilot year, and your suggestions for what you’d like to see going forward. Fill out the survey
Opportunities: STPF Alumni Tap in as Experts at USBG
Applications to be an Expert Is In scientist for USBG are open! Share your subject matter expertise and enhance visitors’ experience with props and plants. Curious about how it went last year? Read the story
STPF on X
February 17: [Posted by AAAS Membership]
“Tell stories. It’s not unusual for people to refute facts, but it’s much harder to refute experience,” says Amanda Shores @theAGU at the “Engaging Policymakers Across Political Difference" session at @AAAS #aaasmtg. #scicomm
MOVING & SHAKING
MOVING & SHAKING
ConSandra McNeil
Being promoted to Interim VP of Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University fulfilled an over-20-year long dream for ConSandra McNeil (2018-20 fellow at NSF). “AAAS STPF has profoundly impacted my career. Since completing the Fellowship...I have had three career promotions in higher education…To see my career become full circle has been amazing. This position will afford me the opportunity to contribute to the overall research enterprise and continue to touch the lives of many.” Image: ConSandra McNeil
Gail Webster
Congratulations to Gail Webster (2021-23 fellow at DOE) for receiving The POGIL Impact Award! As a Senior STEM Program Analyst, Gail supports DoD STEM to provide STEM education and workforce development opportunities to all demographics across the country. "The fellowship provided an opportunity for me to apply my experience as a professor at a small liberal arts college in new and challenging ways and to expand my career goals beyond the campus and classroom."
Amber Hewitt
Inaugural Chief Equity Officer for the District of Columbia Government Amber Hewitt (2016-17 fellow at Senate; 2017-18 fellow at NIH) helped launch their first-ever Racial Equity Action plan, which outlines steps that will be undertaken to bridge racial equity gaps and measure progress towards a more racially equitable DC. “The AAAS [STPF] fellowship served as a critical catalyst in advancing my policy and advocacy career. I learned how to better communicate solutions to complex social issues to policy decision-makers and community stakeholders.”
Lynn Adams
Currently the Program Director in the Outcomes Research Branch in the NCI's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Lynn Adams (2011-13 fellow at EPA; 2013-14 fellow at NIH) was recently honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University. The award recognizes outstanding career development, achievements and leadership, and significant contributions made in improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. "The training and government work experience I gained as [a] AAAS STPF [fellow] opened doors to career opportunities that would otherwise not have been available to me." Image: NINR
ALUMNI EVENTS
Candid Career Conversations: The New Normal
Virtual | April 4
Virtual | April 18
Save the Date: Innovation in Government
Virtual | May 16
STPF ON THE ROAD
Meet STPF staff and/or fellows at these events
California | April 12-14
Honolulu | April 16-20
Texas | June 21-25