Washington – Ecologist Goes to Washington

Talking Story: Using narrative to bring ecology home

terence — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:28:59 +0000

Colin Phifer, a grad student in the Conservation Biology & Environmental Science program at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, was one of this year’s three ESA Graduate Student Policy Award (GSPA) winners. Here he talks about his first trip to Washington, DC and explains how he combined years of experience in environmental education with his background in creative writing to tell the “stories of science” to congressional staff.

For more discussion on communicating science through storytelling, see the accompanying post on ESA’s blog, Ecotone.

This is the second in a series of three episodes featuring graduate students recognized by ESA for their work at the interface of science and society. For more information on the GSPA, click here.

From Informing Policy to Dancing the Albedo

terence — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:24:56 +0000

The Many Faces of Interdisciplinary Science

Many scientists are engaged in finding solutions to society’s challenges, but implementing these solutions often requires input from a variety of other disciplines and stakeholders. Dr. Jason Neff has devoted a great deal of his career to interdisciplinary work, not only within the sciences—as a faculty member at the University of Colorado Boulder, he bridges the geology and environmental science programs—but also through collaborations with other departments, universities, citizen groups, and government agencies. Here he discusses some of his recent projects, which range from promoting environmental and economic development in rural Colorado to teaching students about the carbon cycle through dance.

Inside the Environmental Protection Agency

terence — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:07:25 +0000

Dr. Rick Haeuber, formerly with the Ecological Society of America’s Science Programs Office, now leads the Assessment and Communications Branch at the Clean Air Markets Division of the Environmental Protection Agency. Here he discusses the role of science in Washington, while providing a behind-the-scenes look at how his division approaches environmental initiatives.

Bridging Ecology and Public Policy

terence — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:26:06 +0000

Dr. Rich Pouyat has worked in both ecology and public policy – in this episode of The Ecologist Goes to Washington, he discusses his experience as a liaison between these seemingly disparate fields, and reflects on its challenges and rewards. He provides unique insight on how ESA members can communicate effectively both on the Hill and with the general public, and he identifies several policy issues in which ecological input is especially necessary.