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Sci on the Fly
April 6, 2026
Surviving and Thriving during the AAAS STPF Executive Branch Finalist Week
Congratulations on making it to finalist week! Finalist week can be very busy and hectic, particularly as you request and navigate interviews with host offices you are interested in. My goal with this post is not to overwhelm you, but to offer several strategies for starting finalist week off on the...
Sci on the Fly
October 10, 2022
Gaining Insight: An interview with the STPF Director
Taking full advantage of the lessons that we have all learned during our time of remote work, I leveraged SOTF connections and found some virtual time on Dr. Rashada Alexander's calendar. During our zoom fireside chat, I got to know a little about the AAAS...
Sci on the Fly
August 1, 2022
Virtual concert bonds communities through stories of "Drought and Flood"
Artists, storytellers, and scientists from all over the world shared their insights and talent in a unique virtual concert showcasing the impacts of our changing climate. Organized, directed, and produced by a team of American Association for the Advancement...
Sci on the Fly
July 8, 2022
STPF Fellows' Group Digs Into Washington DC Agriculture and Nutrition
Last month, the Agriculture and Nutrition Affinity Group (AgriNuts) of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships visited Lederer Gardens, a small farm and community garden in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, DC. We weeded, planted peppers...
Sci on the Fly
June 27, 2022
Seven Steps to Successful Networking
Beer in hand, I roamed the NY Catalysis Society meeting, as I had done every month since the start of my graduate career. These precious 30 minutes, just before the dinner and talk, were for chatting to people that I had known for years, and striking up...
Sci on the Fly
May 1, 2022
How to Use Art to Spark STEAM Conversations
“Most people can understand stuff if it's explained in a way that… promotes their understanding… by directly engaging [them in] conversation with scientists [through art in a manner that eliminates intellectual] hierarchy.” - Anna Dumitriu What is the...
Sci on the Fly
March 14, 2022
Tips for an Excellent Interview Week
Interview week for finalists of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) in the executive branch is an exhilarating (and sometimes exhausting) opportunity to find the federal office that you will come "home" as a fellow. AAAS will provide you...
Sci on the Fly
February 14, 2022
Power in Brevity: Tips for STPF Applicants on the One-page Memo
I can write a 20-page book chapter, but can I write a one-page memo? I’ve kept my audience captive during a 30-minute scientific talk, but how do I brief a one-pager over Zoom to people from different fields? These are two questions that I found myself...
Sci on the Fly
December 30, 2021
A Breath of Fresh Air
Craving a way to navigate out of the oppressive feeling of being stuck in my career, I applied to the perfect opportunity: the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. After a lengthy application process, I am currently completing my first year as a fellow...
Sci on the Fly
September 28, 2021
Reaching Beyond the STPF Fellowship
Yes, current fellows, you can do other things outside of your primary fellowship assignment! The past year as an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow has been more rewarding than I’ve ever expected. My fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)...
Sci on the Fly
August 24, 2021
Harassed Out of Science
Gender bias, discrimination, and harassment in higher education are unacceptable, yet persistent issues facing the scientific community. As AAAS S&T Policy Fellows, it is our responsibility to raise the awareness needed to take a powerful stance to pressure...
