ESA Graduate Student Policy Award

[Melanie Colón]

Submissions Open for the 2016 Graduate Student Policy Award

Are you a science graduate student interested in the intersection
between policy and science? The Ecological Society of America invites
you to apply for the 2016 Graduate Student Policy Award (GSPA).

Recipients receive first-hand engagement at the interface of science and
public policy. The two-day event will occur April 27 and 28, 2016.

Participants receive:

•    Travel to Washington, DC, to participate in the Biological and
Ecological Sciences Coalition Congressional Visits Day, an annual event
that brings scientists to the nation's capital to speak-up for federal
investment in the sciences, with a primary focus on the National Science
Foundation. Domestic travel, hotel, and meal expenses will be paid by
ESA.
•    Policy and communications training, including information on the
legislative process and trends in federal science funding.
•    An opportunity to hear first-hand from ecologists currently
working in federal agencies about their policy careers.
•    Meetings with congressional policymakers on Capitol Hill to
discuss the importance of federal investments in the biological
sciences.
•    The opportunity to be interviewed for ESA’s podcast, the
Ecologist Goes to Washington and blog

Applicants must be an ESA member and a United States citizen residing in
the country. Former GSPA winners are not eligible. Applications are due
January 10, 2016.

To Apply:
1.    A cover letter outlining your interest in science policy and
relevant experience
2.    A one-page statement that reflects your insights and perspective
on the importance of federal support of science and ecology in
particular. Extra credit for examples of ecological success stories
(i.e. where the investment of federal dollars had a tangible return,
particularly for your home state).
3.    A one-page resume
4.    A one-page list of any ESA-related activities or section
memberships; your congressional district, the name of your US House of
Representatives member and the US Senators of your state where you are
registered to vote; any other society membership

Submissions for the 2016 GSPA are open. Applications are due January 10,
2016. Please email pao@esa.org

View the new ESA Graduate Student Policy Award Alumni Network page here:
http://www.esa.org/esa/public-affairs/esa-policy/policy-getting-
involved/esa-graduate-student-policy-award/

Listen to the interview podcasts of former winners here:
http://www.esa.org/egwash/

Questions? Email Terence@esa.org