GSA Science Policy Fellowship

Fellowship Applications Open

GSA is seeking an early-career geoscience graduate to spend a year in Washington, D.C. as the 2021-2022 GSA Science Policy Fellow. The “in-house” fellow works with GSA’s Director for Geoscience Policy to bring science and scientists into the policy process. The fellow acts as a science policy liaison, keeping GSA members informed, involved, and represented in national policy in areas such as research funding, energy and natural resource, climate change, and natural hazard mitigation and response.

Fellow activities include:

Attend congressional hearings and Hill briefings.
Track geoscience-related legislation as it progresses through Congress.
Keep GSA members informed about policy activities through GSA’s newsletter, website, and Member Community.
Plan, schedule, and run Congressional Visits Days, associated training sessions, and other science policy events.
Assist in developing strategic communications to policy makers.
Bridge the communication gap between policy makers and scientists.
Participate in GSA’s Geology and Public Policy Committee activities.

The GSA Science Policy Fellowship is open to recent geoscience Masters or PhD graduates. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background, excellent oral and written communication skills, be self-motivated, and have a demonstrated interest in public policy and science communication. This one-year position includes a salary and GSA’s benefits package.

The anticipated start date is 1 September, although some flexibility exists. To apply, send a résumé, cover letter, a nontechnical writing sample, and contact information for 3 references to kwhite@geosociety.org. Consideration of applications will begin 15 May. EEO/AAE/M/F/D/V

Current Fellow

Connor Dacey

Dr. Connor Dacey is a recent graduate from the University of Delaware where he received a Ph.D. in Disaster Science and Management after finishing his dissertation entitled, “The Perceptions of Storm Spotters as part of a Natural Hazards Integrated Warning System.” While obtaining his Ph.D., Connor worked as both a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant at the Disaster Research Center (DRC), where he helped spearhead the DRC It! Initiative. This initiative aimed to make disaster research more accessible to emergency management practitioners, media outlets, and disaster research scholars on a variety of emergency management topics such as hurricane evacuation decision-making and business preparedness and continuity. Connor is also a meteorologist, having obtained both B.S. and M.S. degrees in meteorology and atmospheric and oceanic sciences from the Florida State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, respectively. His interests lie at the intersection of both the meteorological and emergency management industries, specifically as it relates to science communication and policy regarding topics such as climate change, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy. Connor has completed more than 9 internships in research, operational, and broadcasting positions in both industries. He has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the National Weather Association David Sankey Minority Scholarship in Meteorology and the Schwerdtfeger Award for Academic Excellence in the First Year of Graduate Studies, and has been named an Ernest F. Hollings Scholar, a Truman Scholarship Finalist, and a Florida State University Rhodes Scholar Nominee.

In his free time, you can catch Connor cheering on his ‘Noles and Badgers especially during college football season. He is also a Boston sports fan (being born in the city) and is loyal to his New England Patriots. Connor is extremely passionate about politics and enjoys discussing different political issues and topics.

Policy Fellow Lindsay Davis meets with Rep. David Price during Climate Science Day.

Science Policy Fellow Elizabeth Goldbaum helps lead a field trip to Capitol Hill.

Fellow Karen Paczkowski discusses policy at a communications workshop at GSA's Annual Meeting.