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GSA ANNUAL REPORT FY2019

GSA SCIENCE POLICY FELLOW
GSA Science Policy Fellow
Laura Szymanski began a
one-year term as the in-
house fellow in September
2018, working in GSA’s
Washington, D.C., office to
bring science and scientists into the policy
process. Laura assisted with planning and
facilitation of Congressional Visits Day,
wrote blog posts (Speaking of Geoscience,
https://speakingofgeoscience.org) to keep Above from left: Stephen Moysey discusses virtual reality technology with congressional
GSA members updated on policy, repre- staff at the Coalition for National Science Funding Exhibition. GSA Director for Geoscience
sented GSA at hearings on relevant geosci- Policy Kasey White presents the 2018 USGS Coalition Leadership Awards to Rep. Vicente
ence legislation and programs, and devel- Gonzalez (D-TX).
oped resources for GSA members to
engage in policy. GSA TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF GEOSCIENCE FUNDING
GSA Director for Geoscience Policy Kasey White testified before the House
GSA-USGS CONGRESSIONAL Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in
SCIENCE FELLOW support of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). GSA also submitted testimony for
Each year, GSA and the U.S. increased funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Aeronautics
Geological Survey jointly and Space Administration (NASA) for fiscal year 2020. GSA is an active member of
sponsor a geoscientist to coalitions that submitted testimony and letters in support of these and other geoscience
spend a year working in agencies, including the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), the Coalition
the office of a member of for Aerospace and Science, USGS Coalition, the Energy Sciences Coalition, and the
Congress or congressional Task Force on American Innovation.
committee. Caitlin Keating-Bitonti, an
earth scientist with expertise in paleon- GSA ON THE HILL
tology, spent 2018–2019 working in the GSA showcased geoscience research via Capitol Hill exhibits that drew hundreds of
office of Senator Tom Udall (D-NM). congressional members, staff, and executive branch leaders. At the 25th Annual CNSF
Caitlin earned her B.S. in geology from Exhibition, in support of NSF research, Stephen Moysey, East Carolina University, and
Syracuse University, her M.S. in geology Kelly Best Lazar, Clemson University, presented “Virtual Reality Geoscience Field
from the University of Wisconsin– Trips: Bringing the World into the Classroom” to members of the National Science
Madison, and her Ph.D. in geological Board, congressional staff, and other policy leaders.
and environmental sciences from The 2018 USGS Coalition Leadership Awards were presented to Reps. Doug
Stanford University. Lamborn (R-CO) and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) on 12 Sept. 2018. USGS Director
James Reilly, Dept. of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tim Petty,
VISITING SENIOR POLICY congressional staff, USGS representatives, and scientists were in attendance.
ADVISER
Dr. Monica E. Gowan spent GEOSCIENCE AND SOCIETY SUMMIT
two weeks in Washington, GSA was a cosponsor of the Geoscience and Society Summit in Stockholm, Sweden,
D.C., contributing to in March 2019, which created an interactive forum for scientists and users of scientific
and assisting the GSA information to tackle global and local challenges around sustainability of natural
Geoscience Policy Office resources and systems, global health, and resilience.
in representing the shared
interests of the geoscience community NEW AND UPDATED POSITION STATEMENTS
in the federal policy process, collabo- GSA Council adopted minor revisions to three statements: “Managing U.S. Coastal
rating and providing advice on current Hazards,” “Integrating Geoscience with Sustainable Land-Use Management,” and
and emerging science policy issues “The Role of the Geoscientist in Assuring the Safety and Integrity of Infrastructure.”
impacting the geoscience community
and society at large, and leveraging STATE AND LOCAL POLICY ENGAGEMENT
opportunities for improving science Kasey White attended the National Conference of State Legislators Legislative
advice to policy makers. Summit in August 2018. Laura Szymanski led district visits to the Maine delegation
for participants attending the 2019 Northeastern Section Meeting.

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