We are holding this information session to promote awareness of the variety of career possibilities in policy, inform on the timelines of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) process, and help connect you with the resources and networks to increase success.

Should you participate?

Are you interested in having a greater impact with your education and training, and are passionate about policy? Are you curious about the types and placements of science policy fellows at the federal, state, and local level in the different branches of government and government agencies? Do you wonder about the areas of policies that align with your doctoral research and field of study? What does the life of a Fellow look like? How would you set yourself apart as a potential candidate? Learn about the application process and timing for a science and technology policy fellowship, and how to grow your network of professionals and alumni who can help guide you.

Speakers, facilitators and organizers:

Korie Grayson PhD’20 MS’17 is a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate established by the 2022 Chips & Science Act. Monitors performance and develops strategies for Experiential Learning for the Emerging and Novel Technologies program, an $18.8 million investment to 27 teams, to support experiential learning opportunities for individuals interested in emerging tech fields.

Martin Liu PhD’22 is a AAAS STPF fellow placed at the National Science Foundation, within the Directorate for Biological Sciences. He leads a new prize competition at NSF; works on CASA-Bio, an interagency R&D coordination activity to roadmap innovation for the bioeconomy; and participates in the NobleReach Emerge pilot to accelerate biotechnology innovation from lab to market. At Cornell, he researched hemp seed protein under the advisement of Dr. Alireza Abbaspourrad in the Department of Food Science.

Joseph Long PhD’22 a biomedically trained Congressional Science & Technology Policy Fellow sponsored by the Biophysical Society and AAAS, works in Sen. Chris Coons’ (DE) office supporting legislative efforts in economic policy. While at Cornell he served as President of Cornell Advancing Science And Policy, and as Associate Editor of the Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG).

Chris Schaffer is Associate Professor at Cornell and former AAAS Congressional Science Policy Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives in Rep. Edward Markey’s office (MA).

Susi Varvayanis is Executive Director of Careers Beyond Academia in the Graduate School, supporting exploration and experience in all careers where PhD skills are needed, and is passionate about empowering students and postdocs for their future success.

How to register

The format will include a panel discussion, networking and 15 minute mini-meetings with the speakers to get individual feedback and advice.

SAVE THE DATE! Register soon for the STPF panel and info session

May 13 @11:30am-2pm in Mann 102 Lunch will be provided.

Audience: PhD students who are curious about the intersection of policy and science who have applied or are potentially interested in applying for a STPF.

Topics that will be covered:

• Types/placements (state/local, federal, executive)
• Policy areas of interest that align
• Learn about the application process and timing (spoiler alert: there are long lead times and gaps)

Apply by October
Graduate by December-get advisor to sign off
February/March selection
April visit
Start fellowship August
Training in September
Pairing in October

• Resume/CV review
• Support for application (personal statement, CV, professional), interview insights, fine tuning a policy memo
• Life as a Fellow
• Alumni network