STPF Groups Directory

STPF groups are formed and managed by current and alumni fellows. They provide a forum to meet and discuss issues related to areas of targeted interest, including various areas of science, policy, and other topical issues. Affinity group activities range from presentations and discussions with expert guest speakers, to monthly meetings and gatherings over coffee, workshops, full day symposia, and multi-day conferences. Social groups do not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. Social groups are available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by AAAS.
Group Type

STPF Affinity Group: AI Policy

 A group to learn about and discuss the current state of artificial intelligence technologies, their applications and likely impact, and ongoing or likely future policy relating to such technologies. We welcome fellows (current or alum) from all disciplines to contribute to the discussion.


Contact the co-chairs James Townsend (jptownsendii@gmail.com), Michael Mykins (Mykinsmj@nih.gov), Claire Lunde (Claire.lunde@aaas-fpi.com), David Coffey (dccoffey@gmail.com), and Nathaniel Robinson (robinson.1146@gmail.com) to join the group and receive event invitations.

 Affinity Group

STPF Affinity Group: Biodiversity Affinity Group

The STPF Affinity Group for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) will provide a home for current and former STP Fellows who are interested in biodiversity and its conservation. This affinity group will primarily serve to provide networking, professional development, and community building opportunities for fellows with a personal or professional interest in conservation. Fellows come from across the science spectrum and can be seeking careers in government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, or academia.


Contact the co-chairs Christopher Crawford (chris.L.crawford@gmail.com) and Elizabeth Tapanes (elizabeth.tapanes@gmail.com) to join and get event invitations.

 Affinity Group

STPF Affinity Group: Science, Technology, and Society

STS is an affinity group of AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) Program fellows that explores the social, political, and ethical dimensions of science and technology. We take an interdisciplinary approach as we consider deep and interesting questions about the role of science and technology in society, about how science and technology shape and transform culture, and about the potential consequences of scientific and technological advances on different groups of people.


Contact the co-chairs Christina Callicott (christina.callicott@gmail.com), Jason Delborne (jadelbor@ncsu.edu), Jessica Ott (ott.jessicam@gmail.com), Josh Reding (jsreding@unc.edu), and Ryan Burns (rburns@aiinstitutes.org), to join the group and receive event invitations.

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STPF Affinity Group: State and Local Policy (STaLP)

 STate and Local Policy (STaLP) is a group for fellows interested in connecting with scientists and policy-makers working in state & local (S&L) government. Whether you are interested for personal policy curiosities, long-term career goals, or your current fellowship involves coordinating with S&L governments, we’ll plan events & discussions to broaden exposure to science policy at a more local level.


Contact the co-chairs Katie Reichard (katielreichard@gmail.com) and Kate McGrath (kathjmcgrath@gmail.com) to join the group and receive event invitations.

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STPF Affinity Group: National Security Affinity Group

The National Security Affinity Group seeks to foster professional development and education of fellows interested in national security issues. The group focuses on national security implications of emerging technologies, such as AI, in areas like chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats and cybersecurity. All fellows are welcome, regardless of whether or not they currently work for a security-focused agency.


Our current co-chairs are Abigail Graham, Joe Sallmen, and Rebecca Voglewede.


Contact aaas.stpf.natsec.ag.chairs@gmail.com to join the group and receive event invitations.

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STPF Affinity Group: AgriNuts

Focus on domestic and international agriculture issues and ensuring proper access to nutrition.


Contact the co-chairs Beau Badon (tbadon615@gmail.com) and Natasha Dacic (natashadacic@gmail.com) to join and get event invitations.

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STPF Affinity Group: Biodiversity

Fosters networking opportunities and promotes professional development and outreach within the conservation community. 		Affinity Group

STPF Affinity Group: Energy/Climate

A network of science and engineering leaders with an interest in energy and climate issues.


Contact the co-chairs Jay Gulledge (jaygulledgephd@gmail.com), Lisa Guay (guaylm@gmail.com), and Martin Wolf (mjwolf723@gmail.com) to join the group and receive event invitations.


 Affinity Group

STPF Affinity Group: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Learn about skills/experiences related to managing and scaling enterprises.


Contact the co-chairs Aidan Preston (apreston30@gmail.com) and Christa Heyward (christa.heyward@gmail.com) to join and get event invitations.

 Affinity Group

STPF Affinity Group: NeuroPolicy

Learning about the intersection of neuroscience with policy, law, ethics, media, and society. 		Affinity Group