GSA Science Policy Fellowship

Applications Open

GSA is seeking an early-career geoscience graduate to spend a year in Washington D.C. as the 2018-2019 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 assessments, climate change policy, and natural hazard mitigation and response. The fellow also works closely with GSA’s Geology and Public Policy Committee on geoscience initiatives, including developing society-wide position statements on national issues.

The GSA Science Policy Fellowship is open to recent 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 stipend and GSA’s benefits package.

The anticipated start date is 1 September, although some flexibility exists.

To apply, send a resume, cover letter, a nontechnical writing sample, and contact information for three references to . Consideration of applications will begin 15 May.

EEO / AAE / M/F/D/V

Current Fellow

Lindsay Davis

GSA Science Policy Fellow Lindsay Davis will serve as the "in-house" fellow, working with GSA's Director for Geoscience Policy to bring science and scientists into the policy process. This position acts as a science policy liaison, keeping GSA members informed, involved, and represented in national policy, including research funding, energy and natural resource assessments, climate change policy, and natural hazard mitigation and response. The fellow also works closely with GSA’s Geology and Public Policy Committee on geoscience initiatives, including developing society-wide position statements on national issues.

Most recently, Davis worked as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Philippines, where she collaborated with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer at a municipal hall to inspire and educate communities, politicians, and municipal government employees to prepare for disasters and climate change. She previously served as an Emergency Management Intern with California State University and a Peace Corps Volunteer in El Salvador. Davis completed a Peace Corps Master's International degree in geology and has a Bachelor of Science in environmental health, honors, and geology minor from Colorado State University.

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 Connected Community.
Plan, schedule, and run Congressional Visits Days, associated training sessions and other science policy events.
Assist in developing strategic communications to policymakers.
Bridge the communication gap between policymakers and scientists.
Participate in GSA’s Geology and Public Policy Committee activities.

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.