Calling all graduate students! The application period is open for the 2018<https://www.esa.org/esa/public-affairs/esa-policy/policy-getting-involved/esa-graduate-student-policy-award/> ESA Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award.
Are you an ecology graduate student interested in the intersection between policy and science? The Ecological Society of America invites you to apply for the 2018 Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award (GSPA). Awardees receive first-hand training and engagement at the interface of science and public policy. Applicants must be able to travel to Washington DC from April 9-11, 2018. The event begins at 5pm on Monday, April 9. Participants receive: * Travel to Washington, DC, to participate in the ESA Congressional Visits Day, an annual event that brings scientists to the nation's capital to speak up for federal investment in the sciences, with a primary focus on the National Science Foundation. Domestic travel, hotel, and meal expenses will be paid by ESA. * Policy and communications training, including information on the legislative process and trends in federal science funding. * An opportunity to hear first-hand from ecologists currently working in federal agencies about their policy careers. * Meetings with congressional policymakers on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of federal investments in the biological and ecological sciences. * The opportunity to be interviewed for ESA's podcast, The Ecologist Goes to Washington, and blog Eligibility: Applicants must be an ESA member and United States citizen residing in the country. Past GSPA recipients are not eligible. Application Requirements: 1. A cover letter outlining your interest in science policy and relevant experience. 2. 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 and if you have received NSF funding). 3. A one-page resume. 4. A one-page list of any ESA-related activities or section memberships; also include your congressional district and the names of the US Representative and the US Senators of the district and state where you are registered to vote. The deadline to apply is January 10, 2018. Find more information here<https://www.esa.org/esa/public-affairs/esa-policy/policy-getting-involved/esa-graduate-student-policy-award/>. We look forward to viewing your application. Thank you in advance for representing your society on Capitol Hill! Julia Marsh Public Affairs Officer Ecological Society of America 1990 M Street NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-8773 ext. 224 www.esa.org<http://www.esa.org/>
