Bridging the Gap: How Engaged Research Connects Science to Real-World Impact
Sci on the Fly
In this episode of Sci on the Fly, host Connie Bolte, current Executive Branch Fellow at the National Science Foundation, speaks with Dr. Angela Bednarek, who leads Pew Charitable Trusts' scientific advancement portfolio. Dr. Bednarek's AAAS STPF Fellowship at the U.S. Department of State revealed how researchers often failed to provide timely, relevant information to policymakers grappling with complex environmental issues. This experience led her to establish the Impact Funders Forum, a global collaborative that brings together funders across diverse fields to develop more effective...
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Rooted in Language and Community
Sci on the Fly
Rooted in Language and Community: Supporting Multilingual Learners In this episode of the AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly podcast, AAAS STPF alumna and RAICES Principal Investigator (PI) Heather Olson Beal sits down with two co-PIs of the RAICES team, Dr. Chrissy Cross and Dr. Marisol Diaz, to discuss the importance of creating productive learning environments for English learners and multilingual students. Established in 2023, Project Raices is the short-hand name for the Reaching All Individuals and Communities to Establish Success in Language Learning Grant. Raíces means roots in...
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CHIPS and Science Act: Landmark Legislation Unleashing American Innovation and Competitiveness
Sci on the Fly
The CHIPS and Science Act is one of the landmark pieces of legislation relaunching American industrial policy. The legislation led to the creation of NSF’s first new directorate in 30 years and the formation of regional innovation hubs, expanding training and workforce development opportunities nationwide. The legislation also authorized specific federal investments for STEM education and workforce development that can support the full workforce stack. In this AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly podcast episode, current AAAS-ASGCT Congressional Policy Fellow Adriana Bankston speaks with...
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Dr. Berry Goes to Washington (and Brings His AI Expertise with Him)
Sci on the Fly
Every year, AAAS Congressional Fellows travel to the Hill to bring their expertise of STEM and evidence-based decision-making into the offices of senators, representatives and committees. From the outside, the Hill can feel opaque and its inner workings are hard to understand, especially to academic researchers. On this episode of Sci on the Fly, host and current fellow Mark Feuer DiTusa sits with current fellow Dr. K Joel Berry, a recently retired professor of mechanical engineering from Kettering University in Flint, to learn more about his time in Senator Mark Kelly's office, what it's...
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Science Under Siege (and What We Can Do)
Sci on the Fly
Since the start of the second Trump Administration, a wave of executive actions has frozen research funding, slashed the federal science workforce, and erased publicly available data. What does this mean for the future of U.S. research—and the scientists caught in the crossfire? In this episode of Sci on the Fly, host Angela Cleri sits down with Marisa Vertrees from the Union of Concerned Scientists to break down the threats facing the scientific enterprise, the historical importance of funding research, and what can be done to fight back. This podcast does not necessarily reflect the...
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Intro: AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly
Sci on the Fly
Welcome to AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly, a blog and podcast run by fellows of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships! Sci on the Fly promotes public understanding of science and policy. It provides STPF current and alumni fellows an opportunity to gain vital experience in writing and podcasting for lay audiences. Launched in 2013, Sci on the Fly is the brain child of fellows Lynn Adams, Judy Keen and Lynn Hull. The first podcast was published by fellow Beth Linas in 2016. Fellows are all about communicating science!
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Unleashing (or restraining?) American Energy
Sci on the Fly
Just over a month into the second Trump Administration, there is a lot of uncertainty in the energy sector around how the new policy landscape may affect the momentum of the clean energy transition. In this episode, current AAAS STPF fellow Mark Feuer DiTusa speaks with Danielle Lemmon, a current energy consultant and former AAAS Executive Branch Fellow, about the impact of the new administration and Congress on the clean energy sector, and what we should be paying attention to moving forward. This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors,...
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Storytelling: A Way to Rebuild Science in the Public Mind
Sci on the Fly
This special storytelling episode is filled with AAAS STPF fellows sharing personal, funny, enlightening, and science-based stories. The STEAM Team Affinity Group and Sci on the Fly recently co-sponsored a workshop for current AAAS STPF fellows and alumni titled, “Storytelling: A Way to Rebuild Science in the Public Mind”. This event was designed to promote the use of storytelling as a means for public engagement in science. We hosted an interactive workshop geared toward helping fellows find their storytelling voice, beginning with a 90-minute interactive workshop led by the...
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Reclaiming Heritage as a Mixtec Scholar: A Conversation with Dr. Omar Aguilar
Sci on the Fly
In this episode, AAAS STPF fellow Jose Hurtado sits down with Dr. Omar Aguilar, a Mixtec archaeologist from Oaxaca, to discuss his innovative approach to science communication through the lens of his film "Sacred Skins." Dr. Aguilar shares his journey of reappropriating Mixtec heritage and language, the challenges of balancing academic research with community ownership, and the powerful impact of reclaiming indigenous knowledge systems. Join us as we explore how alternative methods can bridge cultural gaps and foster a deeper understanding of the rich history of the...
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Navigating AI Policy and Ethics with Dr. Ravit Dotan
Sci on the Fly
In this podcast, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of AI policy and ethics with Dr. Ravit Dotan. With AAAS STPF fellow Jose Hurtado, the two begin by discussing how AI policy has become a major topic in recent headlines, sharing insights on the importance of integrating ethics into AI development and policymaking. They delve into the challenges federal agencies and organizations face in defining AI and how existing laws can be adapted to cover AI advancements, and further address concerns about the dominance of organizations with extensive computing. Towards the end of the...
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