GSA Science Policy Fellowship

Fellowship Application Open

GSA is seeking an early-career geoscience graduate to spend a year in Washington, D.C. as the 2022-2023 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 salaried position includes GSA’s benefits package and has the potential to be extended for a second year.

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

Morgan Monz
Morgan Monz

Morgan Monz will serve as the 2021-2022 GSA Science Policy Fellow. Monz has a broad background in Earth sciences and science communication. She recently earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, where her research focused on better understanding the microstructural processes in natural ice that play a major role in glacier and ice sheet movement. During her Ph.D., Monz worked as a teaching assistant, served on multiple departmental committees, and volunteered as the department’s outreach coordinator. As part of the American Geophysical Union’s Voices for Science 2020 policy track cohort, she conducted policy outreach activities to promote the use of data and scientific knowledge in decision making, and to increase engagement between scientists and policymakers. She also helped launch the Twin Cities Science Policy Network in an effort to increase science policy engagement within Minneapolis and St. Paul, specifically.

Prior to her Ph.D., Monz earned her B.A. from Colby College where she double majored in geology and environmental science. It was at Colby where she developed a particular curiosity for understanding the complex interactions between humans and the environment. Her current interests incorporate climate science, geology and science communication, specifically how the intersection of these topics can be used for building a repository of accessible data that supports policy aimed at developing a more climate- and environmental hazard-resilient nation.

 

Learn more about the fellowship from 2021-2022 Science Policy Fellow Morgan Monz

 
Policy Fellow Lindsay Davis meets with Rep. David Price during Climate Science Day.
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.
Science Policy Fellow Elizabeth Goldbaum helps lead a field trip to Capitol Hill.
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.