Henry (Hal) Cardwell, who earned a Ph.D. in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has always been interested in systems. He recently finished a 3-year term as an elected school board official in the City of Alexandria, VA, applying this interest to a school district with 15,000 students.

Nigel Jacob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, co-chairs the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) where he oversees local initiatives and innovative projects in Boston's mayoral office. Jacob spoke to ESAL about how MONUM brings an entrepreneurial spirit to Boston’s local bureaucracy.

Philip (Bo) Hammer, a Ph.D. in physics, has an abiding interest in applying his expertise to science policy and education. Outside of his day job with the American Institute of Physics, he previously served two elected terms on a local school board in New Jersey.

The CivicSpark fellowship program has engaged over 200 fellows and some 35,000 California residents on projects concerning sea level rise, affordable housing, climate action planning, and sustainable transportation. Scheuer told ESAL about the program’s new “resilience” focus as they prepare to select their latest cohort of fellows.

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.

The Milwaukee Area Science Advocates (MASA) nonprofit grew out of the March for Science. MASA's mission–to increase scientific enthusiasm, understanding, and legislative value in the Milwaukee area–is achieved through a strong relationship with the community.

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.