ESAL is excited to welcome Taylor Spicer on board as our first managing director. We sat down with her to learn a bit about her background and new role.
There are many pathways to making an impact locally: advocating for change, serving your government or your community, or sharing your expertise.

ESAL is excited to welcome Taylor Spicer on board as our first managing director. We sat down with her to learn a bit about her background and new role.
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.
ESAL chats with Brandie Dessauer, the manager of an engineering team within Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Her unique upbringing as a first-generation college graduate has had a lasting impact on her professional career. Learn more about how she provides STEM opportunities designed to bridge the educational divide.
The debate around abortion is informed by science, medicine, and public health, as well as ethics. Many people with STEM backgrounds feel compelled to get involved. One way to do this is to have critical conversations with your friends, family, and other members of your community. We hope that the information in this post can serve as a guide for anyone looking to engage in this important policy discussion.
ESAL had the opportunity to speak with the Local Science Engagement Network's campaign director Daniel Barry to learn more about how the program aims to equip scientists with tools for building long-term relationships with policymakers.
ESAL spoke with biologist, environmental and social justice advocate, and founder Monica Unseld about her experiences with environmental justice and how they have shaped her efforts in empowering communities to hold large corporations responsible for adequate public health.
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.