Science Communication and Policy
Public trust in the institution of science is necessary for society to thrive. Science rarely speaks for itself, however. Effective communication is therefore key to bridging the gap between the scientific community and the broader public. Additionally, scientific evidence can and should inform public policy decisions at local, state, and federal levels.
In April 2026, I was supported by the Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) to participate in the American Institute of Biological Sciences‘ (AIBS) Communications Bootcamp and Congressional Visits Day. Through this experience, I met with legislative offices in Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal funding for national science agencies, most of which faced unprecedented budget cuts. I am also active with the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP), a non-partisan network of graduate students and early-career scientists working in STEM fields who are interested in science policy.
Science should ultimately unite people and guide decisions. Communicating complex scientific topics (as well as the benefits of scientific thinking) to students, communities, and policymakers is a skill I’m continuing to hone.
