Jul-Aug 2024 | Fellowship Focus | S&T Policy FellowsCentral

Meet Alexandra Phillips, STPF’s First Legislative Branch Fellow in Climate Science

Screenshot of X post from Alex Phillips. Image shows Alex taking a photo, while standing on a beach at sunset.

Alex (Alexandra) Phillips is our first-ever Legislative Branch Fellow in Climate Science. In this story, we spoke with Alex about her fellowship journey and how she documented it all through her social media posts, as well as explore what she’ll be doing post-fellowship!

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AAAS' Annual Report Is Here!

12 Jun 24

In 2023, AAAS reached a milestone in celebrating the organization’s 175th anniversary. All of us here at STPF (and organization-wide) have reflected on this legacy of advancing science. Check out the AAAS annual report to see what was accomplished last year, what the association is working on now and what it hopes to improve. Be part of the future of science and read more here.

AAAS Policy Forum: AI Breakthroughs, Challenges and Calls to Action

25 Jul 24

The 48th annual AAAS S&T Policy Forum gathered on Friday, July 12, in D.C. for a dynamic discussion to highlight the challenges and potential surrounding generative AI and how to address them. The forum hosted notable speakers and panelists, including STPF alumni: Arti Garg, Charlene Cho, Nishal Mohan, Margaret Kosal, and STPF Director Rashada Alexander.

Featured Fellows

LaKisha

Odom

Earlier this year, LaKisha Odom (2013-15 fellow at USDA) joined the Board of Directors at the Soil Health Institute (SHI) as Scientific Program Director. She works collaboratively to support SHI’s mission though research and advancement in agriculture and sustainability. She shared, “This...position allows me to support an organization that I truly believe in and engage at a strategic level.” Regarding her STPF career, “AAAS STPF...exposed me to opportunities I didn’t even realize existed.”

Terrence

Mosley

Terrence Mosley (2019-21 DOE fellow), Senior Advisor for Diversity and STEM at the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, received the NSBE Golden Torch Award for Partner of the Year on his office's behalf. The award affirms their commitment to DEI and accessibility in STEM education and careers, and to the clean energy workforce. Without AAAS STPF, Terrence says he never would have connected with the DOE to do the impactful work he’s doing today, and it allowed him to explore public service without prior government experience. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities that AAAS has provided for me and my family,” he said. Image: Gil Ford Photography

Cindy

Achat-Mendes

Cindy Achat-Mendes (2021-23 DoD fellow) launched her first program as Director of STEM Initiatives at Universities Research Association: The Science Policy and Advocacy for Research Competition (SPARC). SPARC is a training program for graduate students in STEM to build scicomm skills and a robust scipol portfolio. Select students are chosen to participate in a science policy summit. Cindy shared, “The immersive federal policy experience afforded by [AAAS STPF] has enhanced my awareness of the need for science policy and science communication training in STEM graduate programs, and has inspired my career to create new initiatives that cultivate these skills.”