CCST Science Fellows
CCST Science Fellows Blog
California has one of the largest economies in the world, and so many critical issues facing our state today — water, energy, and public health, just to name a few — require a deep understanding of science.
Few California state decision makers have backgrounds in science, engineering, or technology. Yet, they are asked to make decisions on issues with significant science and technology aspects. To help the California State Legislature and Executive Branch make the most informed decisions for the state’s citizens and resources, the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) established the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program.
Now in its eleventh year, the CCST Science Fellows program helps the California State Legislature and Executive Branch access some of the talent and staff they need to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a prospective applicant, an interested funder, a staff member, decision maker, or an advocate, we hope this blog offers you a glimpse into our Fellowship experience, and a deeper appreciation for the valuable resources and programs that CCST strives to provide to California’s policymakers and citizens.
If our Fellowship mission has sparked new ideas and new possibilities in your own vision and mission, we would love to hear from you. Thank you for following us, and we’ll see you here and on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!
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CCST Science Fellows in Training: Taking First Steps
Amy Gilson, PhD, is a member of the 2018 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. She received her PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard University and completed a PhD minor in Science, Technology, and Society Studies from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She received a BS in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. Gilson’s […]
CCST Founding Champions Pen PNAS Piece on “How to Bring Science and Technology Expertise to State Governments”
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and CCST are helping other U.S. states establish their own state-level science policy fellowships, 10 years after adapting the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program into the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program for California. Much of this effort has been informed by the fundamental lessons learned from […]
CCST Announces Senator Nancy Skinner as Inaugural Recipient of "Science in Policy Mentorship Award"
California State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) accepted the CCST Science in Policy Mentorship Award.
Timely Science Explained Clearly at State Capitol: Feb. 20th “Translators Showcase” to Connect California Grad Students with Members, Staff
CCST has invited 15 talented graduate students and postdocs for its inaugural “California Science Translators Showcase”.
Ten Scientists Go to Sacramento: Welcome Our 2018 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows!
Dear Friends and Colleagues, Ten PhD scientists have taken the leap from the lab bench and the field station to explore a year of public service and government leadership training in Sacramento, working as legislative staff in the California State Legislature in 2018. I am so proud to introduce to you the 2018 Class of our […]
Talk to CCST Science Fellows at 2018 #AAASmtg in Austin—Then Apply for Program by Feb. 28!
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will host its 2018 Annual Meeting in Austin February 15th through 19th. The conference theme this year is “Advancing Science; Discovery to Application” — and CCST staff, CCST Science Fellows, and CCST Science Fellows alumni will be participating. Join us at the CCST Exhibit Booth, #1524, from Friday through […]
Farewell, 2017 CCST Science Fellows! The 2017 Fellowship Year: Minutes, Moments, and Memories
Mike Peterson, PhD is a 2017 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow. Peterson received his PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley, where he studied the biodiversity of rivers and the accumulation of toxic pollutants in wildlife. Peterson completed his MS in Environmental Science at Western Washington University, and his BA in […]
Life Before #CAleg: 2017 CCST Science Fellows Share Their PhD Pasts (Part 3)
The 2017 Class of our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows have completed their fellowship year! As they continue their professional path in or beyond Sacramento, we take a look back at their life before the Legislature, and the journeys that shaped them into talented thinkers and amazing human beings. See what experiences and insights […]
PhD Scientists Interested in Public Policy: CCST Science Fellows Applications Now Open!
SACRAMENTO, Calif. | CONTACT: Annie Morgan, [email protected] | Download This Announcement (PDF) The California Council on Science and Technology is now accepting applications for the 2019 Class of our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. Completed applications are due by February 28th, 2018. The CCST Science Fellows program is open to those holding a PhD or equivalent degree in science and engineering, […]
Dan Brumbaugh ’16 Moderating Panel on Local Policy Engagement with Assemblymember Mark Stone
Former CCST Science Fellow Dan Brumbaugh ’16 will appear at the public panel “How to Get Involved in Local Policy” in Moss Landing on Thursday, November 30th. Brumbaugh will moderate a panel comprised of Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay), UC Santa Cruz professor Don Croll, and ocean policy analyst Erin Eastwood of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. […]
Thank You for Supporting Your CCST Science Fellows on #GivingTuesday
Today is #GivingTuesday — a day each year when we are especially proud to wear our identity as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. As a nonprofit, CCST relies on the support of philanthropic individuals and foundations to sustain our operations — and we are grateful to all who have. When you support our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship […]
UC Riverside Info Session, Dec. 15th: Meet a Former CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow!
UC Riverside graduate student, postdoctoral, and faculty researchers will have a chance to learn about the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship this December: Biomedical Careers – Alternative careers in Biomedical Sciences – Scientific Policy and Government Hosted by the UC Riverside Division of Biomedical Sciences Friday, December 15, 2017 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 […]
Calling California Grad Students and Postdocs: Apply for Our California Science Translators Showcase!
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is excited to seek graduate students, postdocs, and early-career faculty for the inaugural California Science Translators Showcase.
Meet CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows at @UCDavis Info Session, November 16th
We are hosting our next fellowship info session at UC Davis on Thursday, November 16th, 2017: Info Session: CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship University of California, Davis Thursday, November 16th, 2017 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Student Community Center, Room E Share on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1930326766994291 Applications for the 2019 Class of CCST Science […]
Life Before #CAleg: 2017 CCST Science Fellows Share Their PhD Pasts (Part 2)
The 2017 Class of our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows are now entering the final stretch of their year-long fellowship! As they begin to plan for professional futures in or beyond Sacramento, it’s also a perfect time to look back at their life before the Legislature, and the journeys that shaped them into talented […]
Meet CCST Science Fellows Alumni at #SACNAS2017 in Salt Lake City, Oct. 19-21
Students, faculty, and program managers attending #SACNAS2017 in Salt Lake City will have the chance to learn about the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship! CCST will be hosting booth #1017 at the Exhibit Hall throughout the conference. Fellowship program manager Annie Morgan will be on hand with a number of fellowship alumni: Erika Bustamante ’12, Estevan Santana ’15, and Gabriella Nepomuceno ’16. The […]
Kristin Warren ’17 Part of @BeyondAcademia Public Sector Fellowships Workshop, Oct. 16th
If you are a UC Berkeley graduate or postdoctoral researcher interested in exploring public policy training, please sign up for the upcoming Public Sector Fellowships Workshop hosted by Beyond Academia, to be held Monday, October 16th. Kristin Warren, PhD, a member of the 2017 Class of CCST Science Fellows, will be on hand to speak about her experience working […]
Visit the CCST Science Fellows Table at the National GEM Consortium 2017 Conference in NYC
Are you a scientist or engineer curious to explore a future career in public policy? Are you excited by the idea of combining your training in science with a passion for leadership and policymaking? If you are attending the National GEM Consortium 2017 Annual Conference, we’d love to talk to you! Visit our table during Saturday’s Graduate […]
Interested in #SciPol? Attend Our Webinar for Prospective CCST Science Fellows, Sept. 28th
Are you a scientist or engineer seeking career training in the public policy realm? Want to gain real-world experience working with leaders in the California state government? Then join us on September 28th to learn about our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship: CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Virtual Info Session Thursday, September 28, 2017 12:00 p.m. to […]
Life Before #CAleg: 2017 CCST Science Fellows Share Their PhD Pasts (Part 1)
The California State Legislature is back from summer recess! This marks a milestone for the 2017 Class of our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows — who now enter the final stretch of their year-long fellowship, and begin planning for professional futures in or beyond Sacramento. It’s also a perfect time to look back at […]
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To engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State decision makers - ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
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