Kathryn Kundrod and Mary Natoli are Ph.D. candidates in the bioengineering graduate program at Rice University and active members of Rice University’s Cycling and Triathlon Club. ESAL interviewed them about their advocacy for transportation safety around campus and broadly in the City of Houston.

The Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCI), based in Boston, Massachusetts, aims to make science “more socially responsive and responsible” by expanding STEM student training in leadership, communication, and ethics, and developing fellowships for scientists to serve in their communities.

Jeanne Holm serves as a senior technology advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, as well as deputy chief information officer for Los Angeles. ESAL interviewed Holm about how her scientific training informs her work in LA on infrastructure, mobility, and air quality.

Jeffrey Warren is the acting executive director at the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory, headquartered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). With a background in geological sciences, Warren has served as the science and energy advisor to the North Carolina Senate. He has directed research at the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory since 2017.

SolarYpsi is an ongoing collection of solar projects in Ypsilanti, Michigan, helping community organizations and households acquire solar power, usually at low or zero cost due to creative financing and volunteer labor. Founder Dave Strenski spoke with ESAL about how their work has transformed Ypsilanti into a “solar destination” with over one megawatt of solar generating capacity.

Ken Massey uses Ph.D training in cardiovascular physiology to bring a technical background to local policy as part of the City Council and as Mayor of Farmington Hills, Michigan. ESAL interviewed Massey about his career trajectory as a scientist, educator, businessman, and elected official.

Ecologist Allison S. Smith is the community engagement strategist and brownfields program manager for the Louisville Metro Government in Kentucky. ESAL interviewed Smith on how her scientific background both motivates and informs the work in her community.

On November 6, ESAL co-hosted a happy hour with Tech Exchange, a nonprofit in Oakland, California tackling the digital divide. The event included a tour of the Tech Exchange warehouse, where they refurbish electronic equipment for distribution.

Philip Higuera is an associate professor of fire ecology at the University of Montana, focusing on the relationships between climate, vegetation, and fire activity. Higuera collaborates with community members, policy makers, and land managers to define “resilience to wildfires,” based on human values and the best fire ecology science.