Senior researcher Micki Olson at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany helps ensure emergency messages are complete and accessible to all by using social science research, improving messaging tools, and building relationships with government agencies.

Andrew Hillman is a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society where he engages with the public and advises on policy relating to soil and water conservation.

Ellen Bruno, a cooperative extension economists, uses applied research and outreach for economic and policy issues that impact California’s agriculture and natural resources.

Would you like to connect or reconnect with ESAL's executive director? Sign up for a time during her open office hours. She would like to get to you know, hear about your local initiatives, and share about ways ESAL can support you. 

As local governments tackle issues such as climate resilience and technology for community safety, scientists and engineers, particularly those with science communication experience, can meaningfully contribute to the policymaking process. However, the pathways to make an impact are often opaque and difficult to navigate. This workshop will use real case studies, step-by-step guides, and hands-on […]

Local governments need leaders with STEM training as they increasingly face challenges from new tools like artificial intelligence and try to address issues such as climate resilience and election security. There are high-impact opportunities for STEM professionals to engage their local communities through opportunities like serving on a local board and commission. This workshop will […]

ESAL spoke with Trevor Odelberg who recently completed his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, where he also received a certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy from Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Join ESAL Local Engagement Volunteer and Civic Scientist, Cynthia Prieto-Diaz, for MLK, Jr. Day of Service to clean up the Riverbank, CA environment! Participants should review and sign the waiver of liability and express risk assumption before joining the event.

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, ESAL, in collaboration with Eden Youth and City of San Leandro Public Works hosted a community cleanup initiative,  bringing together volunteers from San Leandro and surrounding cities to make a positive impact on the local environment.