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Category: Stories from the Field

Article - Aug 25, 2019
Civically-Obsessed Town Council Member Solves Problems with Data Analytics

Jennifer Robinson merges her data analytics job at SAS with local government solutions as a long-time elected official on the Town Council for Cary, North Carolina. In these roles, she works with governments and other stakeholders to harness the power of data analytics to improve local systems such as water use.

Article - Jul 28, 2019
A Circuitous Route: A Civil Engineer Navigates Transportation Policy

After growing up in the West, Kristina Swallow, P.E. served as an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Congressional Fellow and legislative staff member for New Mexico’s Senator Tom Udall. Today, she leads Nevada’s Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Article - Jun 23, 2019
Applying Technology for Smart Cities

Rich Lechner is a lecturer at Stanford University and the VP of Business Development at UrbanLeap, a startup that provides a platform for local governments to harness innovative solutions. Previously at IBM, Lechner has a long background fostering urban sustainability through intelligent building design and smart infrastructure.

Article - May 26, 2019
Applying Systems Knowledge to a School Board

Henry (Hal) Cardwell, who earned a Ph.D. in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has always been interested in systems. He recently finished a 3-year term as an elected school board official in the City of Alexandria, VA, applying this interest to a school district with 15,000 students.

Article - Apr 28, 2019
Local Commission Provides Gateway to Politics for Biologist

After completing a Ph.D. and post-doctoral fellowship in molecular biology, Mike Fisher moved to Red Bank, a vibrant town of 12,000 residents along the Jersey Shore. There, he joined the local environmental commission, leading to later efforts on a congressional campaign and his current job at the Federation of American Scientists, a science and technology nonprofit organization in D.C.

Article - Mar 24, 2019
Making a Difference on a School Board

Philip (Bo) Hammer, a Ph.D. in physics, has an abiding interest in applying his expertise to science policy and education. Outside of his day job with the American Institute of Physics, he previously served two elected terms on a local school board in New Jersey.

Article - Feb 24, 2019
Audrey Lee Reflects on the Arc of Her Career in Energy Policy

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.

Article - Jan 28, 2019
Addressing Climate Change through City Government

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.

Article - Dec 23, 2018
Developing Climate Policy on a Municipal Advisory Board

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.

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