Ellen Bruno, a cooperative extension economists, uses applied research and outreach for economic and policy issues that impact California’s agriculture and natural resources.

ESAL is excited to welcome Al Licata as our new program manager. With a background in neuroscience and nonprofit administration, Al brings a deep passion for both STEM and local advocacy. In this Q&A, they share their journey, motivations, and vision for the role.

Learn more about what engineers can do to make a lasting change to their communities. Courtney Lawton explains the importance of prioritizing social-emotional engagement in making STEM more inclusive.

Changes in federal policies have had significant impacts on many engineers and scientists as well as the broader scientific enterprise. These changes have implications not just for federal agencies and programs but also for the ways in which science informs decision-making at all levels of government.

The National League of Cities, a non-profit organization which aims to be a voice for local policy leaders, has released the 2024 edition of the State of the Cities report. This annual report draws on mayoral addresses, surveys from city mayors, and insights from locals to define the top priorities of local leaders to improve the well-being of their constituents. 

ESAL spoke with Trevor Odelberg who recently completed his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, where he also received a certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy from Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, ESAL, in collaboration with Eden Youth and City of San Leandro Public Works hosted a community cleanup initiative,  bringing together volunteers from San Leandro and surrounding cities to make a positive impact on the local environment.

ESAL announces Taylor Spicer as its inaugural executive director, effective January 1. As executive director, Spicer will drive ESAL’s efforts toward its mission of increasing local civic participation by scientists and engineers. Her responsibilities include strategic leadership, fundraising, volunteer management, and overseeing operational and organizational initiatives.

Professor of environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada, Robert McLeman researches the impacts of climate and other environmental changes on human migration.

ESAL sits with Adam Seth Levine ,Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Agora Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Bloomberg School of Public Health and president and co-founder of research4impact, a nonprofit organization that connects researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Former Rutgers University faculty Judith Weis tells us more about her experiences in local, state, and federal evidence-based policymaking related to pollution.

ESAL spoke with Shima Hamidi, Bloomberg Assistant Professor of American Health at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the Center for Climate-Smart Transportation to learn more about her work at the intersection of transportation, climate change, and public health.