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STUDENT AND EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONAL UPDATE
GSA Science Policy Fellow:

Applying a Scientific Perspective to Policy

Looking back on my academic trajectory as a liaison between GSA members and policymakers. My efforts
and the passions I developed, I am not sur- include writing about current legislation on GSA’s Speaking of
prised by my pivot toward science policy, Geoscience blog, expanding GSA’s public toolkits for effective
and I am incredibly grateful for the opportu- meetings with policymakers, developing informational webinars,
nity through GSA to be working as their and interacting with members directly at GSA’s various meetings.
2021–2022 Science Policy Fellow. I pursued As is consistent with most offices on and around the Hill, the
this fellowship to expand my understanding fellowship is currently operating in a hybrid style due to the
of the unique roles scientists play in the pol- COVID-19 pandemic. My schedule is exciting, varying daily, but
icy process and to learn how to apply my it almost always includes a number of meetings. I often attend and
technical scientific background to legislative prepare reports on congressional hearings and briefings to stay up
Morgan Disbrow-Monz efforts. As a lifelong scientist with a limited to date on geoscience-related issues and track legislation relevant to
policy background, the fellowship is providing me with the essen- the geoscience community. I also work directly with a variety of
tial skills, mentorship, and a professional network to be an effec- different working groups and coalitions to (1) coordinate messaging
tive communicator in the policy arena. to Congress supporting the advancement of scientific research,
My career trajectory has always been guided by my love of the and (2) develop informational briefings that support congressional
outdoors and a desire to better understand the complex interac- priorities to help bring clarity to different scientific issues.
tions between human behavior and the environment. I pursued a I strongly encourage students who are planning on graduating
Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota focused on connecting soon and are curious about science policy to apply for the 2022–
my passion for structural geology with my desire to protect the 2023 Science Policy Fellowship. The fellowship offers an incred-
world I grew up exploring. My research focused on a better ible opportunity to develop a foundational understanding of
understanding of the flow of ice, which is essential for constrain- Congress, increase communication skills, build a network of
ing the speed at which glacial discharge occurs, building more professionals, and work with fantastic mentors. Additionally,
accurate climate models, and preparing for the impacts of sea- GSA fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment that
level rise and increased coastal erosion. While I loved pushing goes unmatched. For more information about the fellowship and
the boundaries of understanding by tackling scientific challenges the application process, go to www.geosociety.org/policy and
and questions through research and enjoyed sharing my passion click on “Science Policy Fellowship.”
for the geosciences through teaching and outreach, I became GSA also hosts additional science policy opportunities and
increasingly curious about how the science itself was being used resources, many of which can be explored in detail on GSA’s web-
for effective policy implementation. site, and includes position statements, recorded webinars, toolkits
I began seeking opportunities to better understand the policy to engage with policymakers, and letters and testimonies sup-
process late in my academic career. The GSA Science Policy ported by GSA. The GSA Congressional Science Fellowship,
Fellowship presented a unique opportunity to work directly with which is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, places
the legislative process by tracking geoscience-related legislation a Ph.D. scientist within a congressional office or on a congressio-
in Congress and working collaboratively with stakeholders to nal committee for a year. The fellowship has an annual 15 January
develop strategic communication to policymakers. This position application deadline (www.geosociety.org/csf). GSA also partners
fulfills my curiosity needs by allowing me to continue expanding with other earth-science societies to host geoscience congressional
my knowledge of scientific issues but with an emphasis on build- visit days, bringing geoscientists to D.C. to learn about the policy
ing human relationships to promulgate that knowledge. process and increase the visibility of the importance of the geosci-
The fellowship also serves as a direct way to work toward bridg- ences in Congress through congressional visits. If you are inter-
ing the communication gap between scientists and policymakers— ested in learning more about these opportunities, please reach out
an effort that is essential to developing strong legislation. to the GSA policy office at sciencepolicy@geoscociety.org.
Specifically, I rely on creative communication strategies to serve

52 GSA TODAY | May 2022