ESAL spoke with Natalie Celmo, senior project engineer, and Ellie Carley, senior program coordinator, to learn how they support underserved groups through the Community Engineering Corps. The Community Engineering Corps provides pro-bono engineering and technical assistance in partnership with communities in need.

Psychology PhD candidate Janey Dike shares her interest in trauma-informed, community-based supports and how it has motivated her goal to bridge science and policy.

Environmental science and policy PhD student Chelsea Gray discusses her experience as a science advisor and the up-close interaction between law and science-based solutions.

Integrative life sciences PhD candidate Adele Balmer shares her experience with policymaking in Virginia and how the results from a mathematical model she built has inspired her to work in science policy after graduation.

ESAL sat down to chat with Liz Snyder, a PhD turned co-founder turned Alaska state representative. Snyder uses her interest in environmental public health to lead initiatives that fortify Alaska's food systems at the state level. Snyder discusses how her education has impacted her long-term goals and career choices as well as her current projects.

ESAL interviewed Louis Abramson, an astrophysicist and current Carnegie Fellow in Astronomy at the Carnegie Observatories. He helps tackle problems related to homelessness and food relief in Los Angeles, as an elected member of the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council.

Tepring Piquado discusses her journey from the field of neuroscience to running for public office. Read about her experiences with the California Council on Science and Technology, and her transition into the legislative process from academia.

Varsha Chauhan is a physician and computer scientist. Her career trajectory has included leadership roles public health, health IT, and health systems administration. Most recently she was elected Board member of Eden Health District. ESAL interviewed Chauhan to learn more about how she has woven government and community engagement throughout her career.

On December 2, ESAL co-hosted “Creating Safe Post-Pandemic School Systems”, a virtual panel with the Architectural Engineering Institute. Panelists discussed risk management, engineering solutions, and practical considerations for reopening schools.