Science Policy & Advocacy

In the spring of 2023 I applied to the American Assocation for the Advacement of Science (AAAS) Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop through my school. I was one of 4 students selected to represent Tulane Unviersity and Louisisana at the CASE workshop. Us four Tulane PhD students traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2023 CASE Workshop. Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which bills itself as the “world's largest general scientific society,” CASE provides its participants an opportunity to learn from science policy and advocacy experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process.

The CASE workshop is an exciting opportunity to learn from science policy and advocacy experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. It empowers participants with ways to become a voice for research throughout their careers. During the workshop, students learned about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement. In addition, students participated in interactive seminars about policymaking and communication. During the workshop we heard from many science policy makers and advocates.

We heard from the CEO of AAAS, Sudip Parikh, about trust in science, science dipolomacy, and state science policy. Ryan Donohue talked about his role in science and technoology policy and his experience in being an alumni for the workshop. Alessandra Zimmermann, spoke to us about eh R&D investiment in the FY 2024 budget requests, and walked us through the process of appropriation in government.

During Hill Day we had the opportunity to meet with Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy during his breakfast meet-and-greet, Layla Brooks from the office of Rep Troy Carter, Majority Leader Steve Scalise "Lagniappe meeting", and Hunter Thompson with the office of Sen. Bill Cassidy.

This workshop really ignited my interest in Science Policy and the bridge between what I do in the lab as a researcher and my advocacy work.

Tulane AAAS CASE Workshop 2023 representatives meeeting Troy Carter staff at Hill Day. From left to right (Louay Backnak, Tyler Crum, India Pursell, and John Argentino)

For more information on the program and the requirements to participate click on the link below.

@AAAS_GR (#MakingOurCASE).

https://www.aaas.org/programs/catalyzing-advocacy-in-science-and-engineering