Audrey Lee, a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, has helped translate energy policy at the highest levels of US government, advised the president of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and served on the BART Environmental Justice Commission. At Sunrun, she continues to work closely with policymakers, bringing residential energy solutions like solar and batteries to market to meet environmental and policy goals.
DemocracyLab is an open-source platform shaping the field of civic tech, or technology for the public good. They match skilled volunteers with projects to take advantage the untapped potential of the civic tech movement.
Alex Luce, a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, volunteers his expertise on Berkeley’s Energy Commission. The Commission is focused on helping the city achieve its climate and energy goals.
Based in San Francisco, City Innovate has a novel premise: they match start-ups with local government via a startup in residence program to form technologically savvy collaborations. Their mission is to show that “government can be a force for good, and that the best way to address the challenges we face in our communities is by working together across government, sectors, and cities.”
We are thrilled to announce our Local Engagement Playbook, curated resources and step-by-step guides to help you make a difference in your community
On October 25 2018, six scientists and engineers shared their insights on community engagement at an ESAL happy hour in Oakland, California. Here are their top suggestions for getting involved in your community.
On October 25, five scientists and engineers shared their insights on community engagement at an ESAL happy hour in Oakland, California. The event brought together leaders from across the San Francisco Bay Area who apply their expertise toward pressing problems in their neighborhoods.
Robert G. Kennedy III, PE, has long viewed civic engagement and technical expertise as balanced components in a well-rounded career. Since 2008, he has served on the Environmental Quality Advisory Board for Oak Ridge, Tennessee and is currently the board’s chair.
Frankie Barker talks about how she helped write an ordinance that would require anyone building roads in Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Borough to adhere to US Fish and Wildlife Service standards for fish passage when installing culverts.
The Eagleton Institute of Politics – part of Rutgers University-New Brunswick – recently launched a science and politics fellowship that will allow PhD-level scientists and engineers to work on policy problems in New Jersey’s state government. Leaders from the Institute talk with ESAL about how fellows will support state policy-making efforts.
Computer scientist and physicist Dave Leichtman has been involved in political technology for over ten years. He helped build a tech volunteer group in his state to connect tech-savvy individuals with campaigns. Now, he is the vice chair for technology and communications of the Democratic Party of Virginia.
The Milwaukee Area Science Advocates (MASA) nonprofit grew out of the March for Science. MASA's mission–to increase scientific enthusiasm, understanding, and legislative value in the Milwaukee area–is achieved through a strong relationship with the community.
