2009 ESA Graduate Student Policy Award
Applications due by COB, Monday, February 23, 2009 The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is pleased to invite applications for its 2009 Graduate Student Policy Award. Offered each year, this award gives graduate students hands-on science policy experience featuring congressional meetings, briefings by federal agency officials, and networking with other researchers from across the country. The Society's Graduate Student Policy Award will be given to up to four applicants. Winners will participate in the annual Congressional Visits Event, held over two days on April 21 and 22, 2009. ESA will cover travel and lodging expenses associated with this event. Awardees will also receive a copy of ESA's new congressional directory. Working with other scientific societies, ESA organizes the Congressional Visits Event, which is sponsored by the Biological Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC). Day one includes an afternoon of briefings from key agencies and Congress and an evening reception with other biological scientists, congressional staff, and Members of Congress. Day two features team visits with congressional offices to advocate in support of research and education in the biological sciences. Tune into ESA's podcast, An Ecologist Goes to Washington to hear two of last year's Graduate Student Policy Awardees talk about their experience: http://www.esa.org/podcast/?p=23 Eligibility: Applicants must be ESA members and United States citizens residing in the country. To Apply: Send to [email protected] by close of business, Monday, February 23, 2009: A cover letter outlining your interest in science policy and any relevant experience A one-page statement that reflects your insights and perspective on the importance of federal support of science and ecology in particular. Extra credit for peppering your essay with examples of ecological success stories (i.e. where investment of federal dollars had a tangible return, particularly for your home state). A short CV with all contact information. Questions should be directed to Nadine Lymn, ESA Director of Public Affairs at [email protected] or 202.833.8773, ext. 205. Winners will be notified by March 2, 2009.
