Learn more about the work Kristen Soares does as State Climate Policy Network manager of Climate XChange where she leads a 15,000+ member network of advocates, policymakers, and researchers to advance proven climate policy in all 50 states.

This year, ESAL is exploring the past, present, and future of science in civic life through our American 250 series. We start with a reflection written by our executive director on citizen science and community science and the power of everyday science to shape our lives and protect our communities.

This April, we’re launching our first on-demand course: The Local Civic Engagement Toolkit for People in STEM. Hear from two of ESAL's team members who have been central to making this course possible.

ESAL spoke with Bobby Carswell, production, research and development senior director at Material Return, a worker-owned circular textile mill incubated by the Industrial Commons.

On January 9, 2026, ESAL hosted a panel discussion exploring how programs like Draft One and Truleo work, whether they help police do their jobs or whether they might introduce new challenges into the justice system.

Learn about the public health efforts board president of the Iowa Public Health Association and clinical associate professor Anjali Deshpande has led in regard to immunizations and health equity.

New support to enhance your local civic engagement The team at Engineers and Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) has developed a brand new offering, launching publicly this April. We will be hosting our first ever course on local civic engagement, available on-demand. Designed for learners with STEM backgrounds, this comprehensive course provides instruction on civic actions […]

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.