On October 2, 2025, ESAL hosted a virtual panel event titled “Imagining Scientific Futures: Opportunities & Hope in Difficult Times.” ESAL brought together people who think deeply about how science is done and discuss the challenges and opportunities to meet the current moment and renew a relationship between science and society.
Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) is expanding its board with four leaders who exemplify what civic-minded STEM leadership looks like in action. Darin Gray, EdD, Julia Biggins, PhD, Meredith Drosback, PhD, and Nilesh Kalyanaraman, MD, FACP, bring a wide range of experience spanning STEM education, infectious disease and biodefense, science policy and communication, and public health and community leadership.
Learn more about how senior chemist Bettina Christle channels her passion for sustainability to her local community and leads the Garden Club initiative, where students learn about plants and gain hands-on experience with garden maintenance. Read more about Christle's journey and what she has learned from getting involved in her community.
ESAL spoke with pioneering artificial intelligence researcher and educator Kiri Wagstaff about her roles as a Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence for the Oregon State University Libraries and instructor of a graduate course on applying AI to real-world challenges.
ESAL had the opportunity to connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock, Executive Director of the Institute for Science & Policy and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Learn more about her work and how she encourages scientists to engage with policy.
ESAL is launching opportunities for organizations to join ESAL Community and gain visibility, training, and leadership opportunities for their members. An exclusive benefit of higher membership tiers includes access to our new ESAL Community Fellowships, which support local civic engagement projects.
ESAL is proud to share our Annual Report for July 2024 to June 2025, celebrating a year of momentum, growth, and deepened community engagement. Read the full report to celebrate what we accomplished together.
Learn more about the new AI Action Plan recently released by the White House and how it may impact the environment, public health, equity in public services, etc.
Learn more about valuable insights gathered during the recent ESAL led in-person event in Denver, Colorado with the focus on brainstorming strategies to effectively address local problems
Learn more about Neuroscience PhD candidate Mariana Rocha's experience at The 22nd Century Conference in Georgia and how it expanded her understanding of civic engagement.
Kate Burns serves as the director of state and local innovation at the Federation of American Scientists, building on her prior role as Executive Director at MetroLab, where she helped translate research into real-world policy initiatives.
Karletta Chief, PhD, (Diné) a professor, extension specialist, and director of the Indigenous Resilience Center at the University of Arizona shares about building initiatives and educational experiences that nurture community resilience.
