State governments are typically comprised of an executive branch having multiple departments and led by an elected governor, a legislative branch that often has two chambers of elected representatives, and a judicial branch. States also often have a number of independent regulatory bodies, such as public utility commissions. When the federal government sets a regulatory standard, for example for emissions, state governments are typically tasked with implementing it through more detailed regulation of industry. Often states will implement their own standards, serving as testbeds for innovative policy ideas.
Developmental psychology PhD candidate Nanxi Xu recalls her experience with writing an impactful science note through the Missouri Local Science Engagement Network and how it contributed to increased awareness of education and mental health considerations across the state of Missouri.
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 speaks to a former and current members of Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) to learn about how they supports and connect local natural resource managers, researchers, cultural practitioners, policy professionals, community leaders, and graduate students on the Island of Hawaiʻi Island to build adaptive capacity.
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.
The SciTech Institute is using its powers to enable students astute in STEM to take up leadership roles and impact communities within the state of Arizona. Since its launch, the institute's Chief Science Officer program has extended its reach to ten states and four countries outside the U.S. Learn more about the inspiration for creating SciTech and what is in store for the future.
On March 2, as the final installment of the Covid Conversations series, ESAL spoke with three active members of the science communication scene to learn more about civic engagement. The discussion includes methods for effectively communicating with one's own local government, communication styles among scientists, and vaccine distribution.
Lydia Tackett a professor of geosciences who discovered her passion for paleoecology while in graduate school in the west. She is also the District 44 (Cass County, ND) Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party Chair. ESAL interviewed Tackett about her combined passions for “playing in the dirt, crackin’ rocks for fossils, and civic engagement.”
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.
ESAL spoke with Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence (CHCC) Director and wildlife biologist Kevin Crooks, and with Assistant Professor and conservation psychologist Rebecca Niemiec about the Center’s role in the reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado and associated public engagement efforts.
