Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Places Scientists in State Agencies
September 15, 2022
MOSCOW, Idaho 鈥� An expanded fellowship program across three Idaho universities is placing two scientists in Idaho state government agencies to bring scientific expertise to policymaking.
The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) is a nonpartisan program that places scientists, social scientists and engineers in state government to learn firsthand about policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges facing Idaho. The fellowship, in its third year, is a partnership between Boise State University, Idaho State University and 果冻传媒麻豆社. U of I鈥檚 McClure Center for Public Policy Research is the program lead.
New fellows Anna Briggs, Ph.D. and Sarah Maher, Ph.D. started their fellowships in late August. Briggs will spend her fellowship year with Idaho鈥檚 Legislative Services Offices, and Maher with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This is the first year that the ISTPF has placed a fellow in Legislative Services Offices. Previously, fellows have been placed with the Governor鈥檚 Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Governor鈥檚 Office of Species Conservation, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Idaho STEM Action Center.
鈥淭he Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship provides a rare experience for Idaho鈥檚 scientists, social scientists and engineers to engage with policymaking and policy implementation in Idaho,鈥� said Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee. 鈥淚n return, Idaho鈥檚 government benefits from the expertise and creativity these fellows bring. The expansion of this program provides an opportunity for the fellows to devote their considerable talents to address timely issues facing our state.鈥�
Briggs earned a doctorate in entomology, and a master鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 in animal and veterinary science, from 果冻传媒麻豆社. Her research focused on vector diseases, studying biological factors that affect malaria parasite transmission.
Maher is an interdisciplinary researcher with expertise in magnetic studies and data analysis. She holds a doctorate in earth sciences from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a master鈥檚 in geology and geophysics from the University of Hawai驶i at M膩noa and a bachelor鈥檚 in physics and astronomy from the University of Victoria.
鈥淭he Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is proud to collaborate with the ISTPF program in providing exciting opportunities for fellows interested in the intersection of policy and science,鈥� said Mary Anne Nelson, Surface and Wastewater Division Administrator at DEQ, a former host office which holds a seat on the ISTPF advisory board. 鈥淭he program has recruited strong candidates who鈥檝e provided valuable insight and assistance to our department as well as gained experience in policy evaluation and implementation. DEQ looks forward to many continued years of collaboration.鈥�
The ISTPF has raised over $1 million to launch and grow the program. Sources of financial support for the third year include the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Idaho National Laboratory on behalf of Battelle Energy Alliance, Idaho STEM Action Center, Micron Foundation, POWER Engineers, Boise State University, Idaho State University, 果冻传媒麻豆社 and individual donors.
Media Contacts:
Katherine Himes, Ph.D.
Director, James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research
果冻传媒麻豆社
208-364-4549
katherinehimes@uidaho.edu
Kyle Pfannenstiel
External Communications Coordinator
果冻传媒麻豆社
208-329-8947
kylecp@uidaho.edu
About the 果冻传媒麻豆社
The 果冻传媒麻豆社, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.