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.
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.
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.
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.
After more than a decade conducting research in neuroscience labs, Julianne McCall received a California Council on Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, where she worked with the state senate and assembly to advise policymakers on key issues. After her Fellowship she accepted a full-time position with the Senate Office of Research. Her work now focuses on scientific research administration policy and public health policy.
Maria Robinson uses her background in chemical engineering as a policy expert for a clean energy trade association. She spoke to us about running as a write-in candidate for state representative in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Sociologist Melanie Stansbury talks about the importance of connecting scientists with policy decision makers and shares her reasons for running for the New Mexico state legislature.
Ryan Coogan wrote to ESAL about participating in a nuclear engineering student delegation in Texas, where students met with politicians and nuclear industry stakeholders to discuss safety and security, environmental impacts, and politics.
Holly Williams believes outreach experiences are the perfect way to cut your teeth on community engagement. She has volunteered at the California Academy of Sciences as a science educator for nearly two years now. In this month's Story, she describes how she leveraged her STEM background in small ways and still made a big impact.
