2011 ESA Graduate Student Policy Award Applications due Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) invites applications for its 2011 Graduate Student Policy Award (GSPA). Offered each year, this award gives graduate students hands-on science policy experience including interacting with congressional decision-makers, federal agency officials, and others engaged in science and public policy. The Society's GSPA is given to up to three applicants. Winners participate in the annual Congressional Visits Day, a two-day event that will be held during the last two weeks of March 2011 (exact dates will be determined in January). ESA covers travel and lodging expenses associated with this event for all GSPA recipients. Awardees also have the opportunity to be interviewed for ESA's podcast, The Ecologist Goes to Washington and for ESA's blog, Ecotone. ESA is co-organizer of Congressional Visits Day, sponsored by the Biological Ecological Sciences Coalition to promote federal investment in the biological sciences, particularly through the National Science Foundation. Participants receive tips on effective communication and information on the federal budget and appropriations process. During the second day of the event, participants meet with congressional decision makers to discuss federal support of research and education in the biological sciences. Eligibility: Applicants must be ESA members and United States citizens residing in the country. Past GSPA recipients are not eligible. To Apply: Send to [email protected] by close of business, Thursday, January 20, 2011: - A cover letter outlining your interest in science policy and 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 examples of ecological success stories (i.e. where investment of federal dollars had a tangible return, particularly for your home state) - A one-page resume Applicants will be notified of decisions by early February 2011. Please direct questions to [email protected]. To hear the insights of last year's ESA GSPA winners, visit the links below: http://www.esa.org/egwash/?p=184 (Alexis Erwin, Cornell University. Investing for the Future: Federal Science Funding and its Benefits for Communities) http://www.esa.org/egwash/?p=177 (Colin Phifer, University of Hawaii-Hilo. Talking Story: Using Narrative to bring Ecology Home) http://www.esa.org/egwash/?p=164 (Patrick Shirey, Notre Dame. Asian Carp Two Ways: The Politics and Science of Ecological Risks)
