In a recent conversation with ESAL, Kavin Manickaraj, chief data scientist at Greenlink Analytics, reflected on how his concern for the well-being of the local community and effects of climate change informs his science and career path. Learn more about how Kavin wants to bridge the gap between science and political action.

Julie Palakovich Carr is the only biologist with an advanced degree in the Maryland General Assembly, where she has been a representative since 2019. Learn more about the high-impact role of an elected official and the advantages that a scientific background affords policy makers.

Local governments are increasingly facing STEM-related challenges such as climate resilience, election security, technology for community safety, public assistance programs, and vaccine policies. Advances in technology and engineering present real opportunities to improve these government services, but local policymakers are often ill-equipped to handle them and the associated social, legal, and political questions. Because engineers […]

Cynthia Prieto-Diaz, a biomedical engineer by training, actively contributes to scientific discourse by volunteering, engaging with city governments, and advocating for STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) involvement and consideration in local governance.Prieto-Diaz currently holds a position on the leadership team for 500 Women Scientists and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Cal Poly Pomona-Latin Alumni Network.

Learn about how, founder and executive director of the Illinois Science Council, Monica Metzler uses her legal training and writing background from working with the Illinois House of Representatives and Democratic National Convention to make science concepts clear and accessible to the public.

The Thriving Earth Exchange project aims to amplify climate narratives in migrant communities. A science educator and artist, Amaris Alanis-Ribeiro, center director of the North Park Village Nature Center in northwest Chicago, noticed the changing demographics of Albany Park and realized the potential of partnering with their local community to share stories, inspire conversations, and celebrate unique cultures and identities across Chicago. Learn more about how Alanis-Ribeiro maintains a connection to her artistic interests, while forging a path in science outreach leadership.

Learn more about the recent history of nuclear energy usage in the United States and how both national and state-level policies are shaping its future.

ESAL chats with Molita Sloan, who has spent much of her career in the engineering and tech sector supporting organizational effectiveness and as a life coach for Women in STEM.

Tyler Pew puts his design and build skills to use rebuilding his hometown. The experienced designer, advocate, and civic enthusiast gained attention for his assistance and leadership in the rebuilding of rural Greenville, CA, following the devastation caused by the Dixie Fire in 2021.