CAPITALIZING ON A CAPITOL HILL EXPERIENCE: HOW THE GSA-USGS CONGRESSIONAL SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP HAS BROADENED MY IMPACT AS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY GEOSCIENTIST

The GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellowship provides Earth scientists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to translate their scientific expertise and skillset into impactful policymaking in our nation's capital. As the current GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellow, I have had the privilege of working in the office of U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii). In this role, I have helped guide and advance policies addressing the State of Hawaii's vulnerability to wildfire and other natural hazards, expanding STEM education and research opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities across the country, and building relationships at the local, state, and federal levels of government to advance shared priorities.

This talk will touch on several themes. First, I will share how my work in Sen. Hirono's office has allowed me to broaden my Ph.D. expertise in volcanology hazard modeling, communication, and mitigation toward shaping federal policies that help Hawaii's communities reduce the risk of severe impacts from natural hazards. Second, I will discuss how my role as a Congressional Science Fellow has allowed me to give back to the scientific and academic community by helping advance legislation providing financial and mentorship support for students who are from low-income backgrounds and/or groups historically underrepresented in STEM disciplines. Third, I will discuss the numerous partnerships I have formed over the course of my fellowship with other Congressional offices, officials in federal and state agencies, advocacy groups, and other scientists to address issues ranging from protecting Hawaii's native birds, plants, and coastal ecosystems to assessing the best tools for managing invasive, highly flammable grasses (including grazing by goats, sheep, and cattle). Finally, I will summarize how this fellowship has helped support and advance my own career goal of working at the nexus of science, policymaking, and society, and how it can support the goals of other scientists hoping to make a broader impact beyond their degrees.