Chat Series

Policy Fellowships change the world. And You!

Participants

Staff: Salaeha Shariff, MPS - Director, Outreach/Recruitment & Alumni Engagement

Fellows:

Tyler Lorig, 2015-16 AAAS Congressional Fellow, Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Tyler Lorig is an AAAS-sponsored Congressional Science & Technology Policy Fellow and works as part of the health policy legislative team for United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). He is on sabbatical from his academic appointment as the Ruth Parmly Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Washington and Lee University where he chaired the Neuroscience Program for the past 14 years.

Emmanuella Delva, 2011-13 Executive Branch Fellow, United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Now: International Program Specialist, Higher Education Solutions Network, USAID

Emmanuella "Emma" Delva is a New York City native, and currently serves as a Program Manager for the Higher Education Solutions Network, housed within the U.S. Global Development Lab at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Emma was a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow in the Executive Branch. Her placement was at the Office of the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment at USAID. As a S&T Policy Fellow she advised the Senior Coordinator on issues related to gender equality and women’s empowerment, with particular focus on science and technology, gender-based violence, and gender issues in the regions of Africa and Latin America/Caribbean.

Following her tenure as an executive branch policy fellow, Emma was selected for the AAAS alumni fellowship program. She was an AAAS Overseas Fellow (2013-2015), at the USAID/Indonesia Mission, where she served as the Acting Science, Technology, Innovation and Partnership Development Objective Team Lead.

Chat Archive

AAAS STPF LiveChat

(05/24/2016)

Close

2:00

Salaeha Shariff:

Hello, thank you for joining the first in the series of AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) live chats- policy fellowships change the world, and you!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:00 Salaeha Shariff

2:00

Salaeha Shariff:

My name is Salaeha Shariff and I am the Director of Recruitment for STPF and your moderator for today’s chat. Joining me today are current fellow Tyler Lorig and alumna fellow Emmanuella Delva. We’re here to chat with you and answer all of your questions about the STPF program.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:00 Salaeha Shariff

2:00

Salaeha Shariff:

With year-long placements in Washington DC in the executive, judicial, and congressional branches of the federal government, STPF fosters a network of STEM leaders who understand government and policymaking and are prepared to develop and execute solutions to address societal challenges.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:00 Salaeha Shariff

2:00

Salaeha Shariff:

The application period for the 2017-18 fellowships year is now open. Application deadline is November 1 so there is plenty of time to apply.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:00 Salaeha Shariff

2:01

Salaeha Shariff:

Eligibility requirements include US citizenship and holding a doctoral level degree in any of the following:

•Medical and Health sciences.
•Biological, Physical or Earth sciences.
•Social and Behavioral sciences.
•Computational sciences and Mathematics.

Engineers with a MS in engineering and three years of professional experience are also eligible to apply.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:01 Salaeha Shariff

2:01

Salaeha Shariff:

After the chat, visit http://www.stpf-aaas.org/ to learn more about eligibility, fellowship programmatic areas- you may apply for up to two, how the program provides a platform for you to apply your science for far-reaching impact, and why so many alumni fellows, working in all sectors across the world, say the fellowships accelerated their career path.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:01 Salaeha Shariff

2:02

Salaeha Shariff:

Today’s chat is your opportunity to ask questions, hear about the fellows’ experiences, and learn how the fellowship experience can transform your career path.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:02 Salaeha Shariff

2:03

Salaeha Shariff:

You may begin to submit your questions by typing into the box below and click “Post.” Please try and keep your question short, and direct it to a particular individual or the whole panel. Feel free to tweet ideas presented and share your thoughts using the #STPFChat.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:03 Salaeha Shariff

2:03

Salaeha Shariff:

Now, for some quick introductions. Tyler Lorig is a current AAAS Congressional Fellow, in the Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). Tyler is part of the health policy legislative team for Senator Feinstein. He is on sabbatical from his academic appointment as the Ruth Parmly Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Washington and Lee University where he chaired the Neuroscience Program for the past 14 years. Tyler holds a doctorate in neuroscience from University of Georgia.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:03 Salaeha Shariff

2:03

Tyler Lorig:

Hello everyone! Hope you are enjoying a nice day wherever you are

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:03

2:04

Salaeha Shariff:

Emmanuella “Emma” Delva, was a 2011-13 Executive Branch Fellow at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in the Office of the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. As a policy fellow she advised the Senior Coordinator on issues related to gender equality and women’s empowerment, with particular focus on science and technology, gender-based violence, and gender issues in the regions of Africa and Latin America/Caribbean

She currently serves as a Program Manager for the Higher Education Solutions Network, housed within the U.S. Global Development Lab at USAID.

Emma holds a doctorate in Biomedical and Biological Sciences from Emory University.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:04 Salaeha Shariff

2:04

Emma Delva:

Hi Everyone!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:04 Emma Delva

2:04

Salaeha Shariff:

Please be sure to check the resource box below the chat screen for links to fellowship social media, how you can receive news and periodic updates from the fellowships, and more!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:04 Salaeha Shariff

2:05

Salaeha Shariff:

To begin, Tyler and Emma, why did you decide to apply to the S&T Policy Fellowships? How do you see the fellowship experience fitting into your long-term career path?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:05 Salaeha Shariff

2:05

[Comment From Steve HsiungSteve Hsiung: ]

With the year long placement, do we need to stay in DC?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:05 Steve Hsiung

Tyler Lorig:

Hi Steve. You do need to be in or very close to DC

2:05

Emma Delva:

I realized soon after I began my postdoc that I was to shift gears and pursue a career where I could utilize science to help others. I am a first generation American (my family immigrated to the US from Haiti) and my parents always talked about their lives in Haiti and have always instilled the importance of helping those less fortunate. I just didn’t know that there was space to combine my two passions- science and helping others - in a career until one of my dear friends, Avenel, shared with me her experience as a Congressional Fellow. After talking with her, I was determined to apply for this fellowship. And I haven’t looked back.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:05 Emma Delva

2:07

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

For both Tyler and Emma, How many times did you apply before you were successful?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:07 Erin

Emma Delva:

Hi Erin! I applied once - applied to both the Health Education and Human Services and the Diplomacy, Security and Development track. But I know a number of people who applied 1-3 times before being accepted...

Emma Delva

Tyler Lorig:

Hello Erin. I was on sabbatical so I only made a single application. Re-applying is pretty common.

2:09

[Comment From Sarah PallasSarah Pallas: ]

This year there were only 2 congressional fellow vacancies, is that because of the election, or is it always a small number?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:09 Sarah Pallas

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Sarah, congressional fellows are sponsored by professional societies and not the congressional office directly. The number of congressional fellows is dependent on the number of professional societies who sponsor fellows. AAAS sponsors two fellows each year and we have 31 partner societies who sponsor 1 congressional fellow each year.

Salaeha Shariff

2:10

[Comment From JacquieJacquie: ]

Hi everyone. Once you have selected the particular fellowship (Executive, Congressional) you wish to apply for, how does placement in the specific agencies work?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:10 Jacquie

Emma Delva:

Hi there! Once you are selected as a finalist, you fly to D.C. for "placement week" where you interview with a number of agencies under the track you are a finalist for. Then it becomes a matching game between your top choices and the choices made by the offices/Agencies.

Emma Delva

2:10

[Comment From Steve HsiungSteve Hsiung: ]

Are we expected to be away from our teaching job? What are the regular agenda?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:10 Steve Hsiung

Tyler Lorig:

Yes. Full engagement. It is most certainly a full time job and there are few opportunities to have the sort of academic schedules or flexibility more common in the academic schedule

2:10

[Comment From Steve HsiungSteve Hsiung: ]

What are the selection criteria? What does it take to be selected?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:10 Steve Hsiung

Salaeha Shariff:

Steve, Competitive applicants demonstrate:
• flexibility,
• leadership skills and
• good communication skills.
Fellows require strong leadership skills as they may be asked to represent their agencies, collaborate in intra-agency initiatives, or represent their congressperson or senator to their constituents. Fellows should exhibit good communication skills as they will be communicating complex issues to non-expert audiences. Flexibility is also required as projects and initiatives may fluctuate and change depending on department and program priorities.

Salaeha Shariff

2:12

[Comment From melissa whitakermelissa whitaker: ]

For both Tyler and Emma - how did you choose which track(s) to apply to? Did you have an pretty clear idea of the types of projects you would be working on when you applied?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:12 melissa whitaker

Emma Delva:

I kept a pretty open mind - I was looking to do something completely different so I casted a wide net by applying to 2 tracks - HEHS (which I was more familiar with) and DSD (which was a totally new territory for me) - I ended up going the Diplomacy/Development route!

Emma Delva

2:12

[Comment From JennyJenny: ]

I am currently a graduate student. I know that you have to have a PhD by the application deadline to apply, but don't find out until the following July if you are getting a placement. What do people interested in transitioning straight from grad school do in the time between PhD and Fellowship?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:12 Jenny

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Jenny, it varies as fellows apply to the program at varied career stages. For candidates who are recent PhD grads you may consider short term consulting, post-doc or similar positions.

Salaeha Shariff

2:12

[Comment From Eileen O.Eileen O.: ]

Hi. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. What are some of the skills you believe are necessary to be successful in your particular placements?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:12 Eileen O.

Tyler Lorig:

Talking with people and spending the time to understand what can help them. I spend lots of time talking with constituents. Otherwise, looking into a problem in the same ways we learned to analyze problems in our science work.

2:13

[Comment From LilyLily: ]

For both Tyler and Erin, what is a typical day in the life of a AAAS fellow?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:13 Lily

Emma Delva:

My day "typically" consists of attending lots of meetings (both with USAID staff and our external implementing partners), reviewing and providing comments on requests submitted by our partners and responding to emails. From time to time, I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti and the DRC, on short term assignments to work with the USAID Mission on implementing policy related to gender equality/women’s empowerment into their programs. As a Fellow, I was the lead writer on the Agency’s vision for ending child marriage and as an Overseas Fellow, I, along with a number of other Fellows, worked (and are continuing to work) on developing the equivalent of a National Science Foundation for Indonesia! We get to work on some pretty cool stuff.

Emma Delva

2:14

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Tyler and Emma: What skills do you think are important for an applicant to develop before transitioning from a PhD program to the fellowship?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:14 Amy

Emma Delva:

You have to be able to multi-task, perform well under pressure, be a great communicator (written/oral) and you have to be flexible - you may be working on an initiative for months on end only for it to be set aside, due to lack of funding (and you have to be able to take that in stride). You also have to be a team-player and build relationships - it’s difficult to solely work independently in government.

Emma Delva

2:14

[Comment From Sarah PallasSarah Pallas: ]

I am hoping to reapply, I was not successful this year, do chances go up or down with repeated tries?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:14 Sarah Pallas

Salaeha Shariff:

Sarah, your chances are the same as your application will be reviewed by a different selection committee each year. I encourage you to connect with current and alumni fellows to get their advice on what to do when you're applying to the program. Fellows are a great resource!

Salaeha Shariff

2:15

[Comment From TrentTrent: ]

Hello all. Thanks for doing this! I applied to 4 fellowships in the geosciences last year, but only got one interview. At that interview, I was surprised how many policy/political questions I was asked. I have some experience with politics (I'm a state delegate this year), but trying to get more before I apply next time. What would your advice be regarding being a great candidate? Thanks!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:15 Trent

Tyler Lorig:

Spend a few weeks before the interview reading the news and get up to speed on any issue related to geoscience or anything close. There are many issues that are a rather long way from the topical areas we are used to.

2:16

[Comment From JordanJordan: ]

Is there any benefit to applying early (May/June) as opposed to applying later (Sept/Oct) in the application cycle?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:16 Jordan

Emma Delva:

I would say take your time in submitting your application! Regardless of when you turn it in (as long as it's before the deadline) - all the applications will be reviewed at the same time, after the deadline.

Emma Delva

2:18

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

How successful are fellows in job placement after completing the fellowship?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:18 Amy

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Amy, the fellowship network and skill set you develop primes fellows to pursue career paths in all sectors- non-profit, government, academic and industry. Some fellows are hired by their offices others are hired by another government agency. And other fellows pursue different career paths.

Salaeha Shariff

2:18

[Comment From LilyLily: ]

For the panel: In looking for academic jobs, it’s sometimes hard being interdisciplinary because you don’t always “match” a particular department. How are interdisciplinary scholars viewed for AAAS Fellowships?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:18 Lily

Emma Delva:

Hi Lily ! I had similar concerns when I applied for the fellowship but being interdisciplinary is definitely seen as a strength - it speaks to your ability to use multiple perspectives to addressing problems and, to me, indicates your flexibility, which is something that is a necessity in science policy...

Emma Delva

2:18

[Comment From Matt MelilloMatt Melillo: ]

Hi everyone. Thank you very much for doing this. Do you think it's reasonable to branch out from your area of scientific expertise? Or is it more likely your application is being accepted for a specific need that you can fill? For instance, I have a background in chemical engineering, but I'm also very interested in big data. Do you think I would have a shot in a fellowship dealing with big data?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:18 Matt Melillo

Tyler Lorig:

Some...just make sure you have enough of a background to offer the skills. If you are on the congressional side, you will still be in competition for the placement in an office. They will want you to have some skills but the one thing that is sure is you will be stretched in what you do. The fellowship will give you a lot of very practical experience outside your field.

2:20

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Is it difficult to get back into academia after taking time to take part in this program?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:20 Adam

Tyler Lorig:

I don't think so. You just need a good story of how this fits into your plan. It is an amazing thing to do but it will take you away from the teaching and research that are the mainstay of academic jobs...I teach a course in science and policy. You might consider a similar course.

2:21

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

What percentage of applicants are accepted straight from a PhD or brief post-doc program?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:21 Amy

Salaeha Shariff:

Amy, a number of fellows every year are accepted straight from their PhD program or a post-doc. If you are applying straight from a PhD program you should consider taking advantage of opportunities that will prime you to be a competitive applicant to the program. Take advantage of opportunities to highlight your leadership and communication skills for example.

Salaeha Shariff

2:21

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Emma, It sounds like your fellowship experience was pretty far removed from the area of your PhD research. Did you emphasize your scientific background at all or more the transferable skills you gained during your PhD?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:21 Erin

Emma Delva:

It certainly was ! I focused more on the transferable skills I developed in graduate school/as a post-doc. I also highlighted the work I did outside of the lab that spoke to my interest in science policy - teaching cancer biology to 4th graders, giving tours at a hospital, writing summaries of scientific seminars for the public, for example...

Emma Delva

2:22

[Comment From Olga LositskyOlga Lositsky: ]

Hi Tyler and Emma! Thank you for speaking with us! I am currently in my last year of a neuroscience PhD program and would love to apply for this fellowship. but am considering doing this after my postdoc, since I would like to begin a postdoc this fall. Do you believe there may be difficulty in returning to the academic path and applying for faculty positions if I take a year away from academia?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:22 Olga Lositsky

Tyler Lorig:

See my response to Adam!

2:24

[Comment From Julie StahlhutJulie Stahlhut: ]

I have a somewhat unusual background, which includes a Ph.D. In biology, a very enjoyable stint as a campaign manager (read: community liaison and internal consultant) in a biodiversity-research institution, and a recently-completed postgraduate certificate in public policy at the U. of Missouri. Is the program suitable for and welcoming to a science generalist who has had a "bent-arrow" career path?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:24 Julie Stahlhut

Tyler Lorig:

YES! This is requires a very broad skill set! Think about the congressional fellowships. Broad backgrounds can be a big help there.

2:25

[Comment From Will KellyWill Kelly: ]

For Emma or Tyler: Was it a culture shock moving from academia to DC? Was there anything in particular that surprised you?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:25 Will Kelly

Emma Delva:

The one thing that surprised me was the level of bureaucracy that you have to be willing to work with in order to complete a task - in academia you are subject to working independently most of the time and not having to wait on gathering consensus in order to do something. In D.C. it's all about building relationships and making sure you're being inclusive when working on a project.

Emma Delva

2:25

[Comment From April GillensApril Gillens: ]

How much value is placed on your references? Also, may you give suggestions on who should provide your references if you are currently in academia. Should all of my references come from academia?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:25 April Gillens

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi April, references are a key part of your overall application and you should seek references from individuals who can speak to all facets of your work in and outside academia- and why you would be a competitive applicant to the fellowship.

Salaeha Shariff

2:27

[Comment From LilyLily: ]

Is there contact information for current and past fellows available online? It seems that reaching out to past winners (like today!) is really helpful!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:27 Lily

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Lily email [email protected] to be connected with fellows. We'll also be hosting six more chats in this series so you'll have a chance to hear from fellows with varied discipline backgrounds and career stages.

Salaeha Shariff

2:28

[Comment From Matt MelilloMatt Melillo: ]

Can you please comment on the current political climate? Does polarization seem to have an influence on how much you enjoy your job and how much you're able to accomplish? Would a fellow's experience be different starting this fellowship right after a new president is elected, or is this program mostly unchanged due to elections?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:28 Matt Melillo

Tyler Lorig:

Health matters tend to be pretty bipartisan so I've had no issues with the political climate and it has been great to work on the hill...very hardworking and knowledgeable staff!

2:29

[Comment From Steve HsiungSteve Hsiung: ]

It seems the program is better fit for the new PhD graduate or Post Doc, not really for who is already in the academic teaching/research position, am I right?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:29 Steve Hsiung

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Steve, not at all. The fellowship is open to individuals at all career stages and we've had many fellows who pursue the fellowships as sabbatical year opportunities. Two fellowship placements, Judicial and Revelle, are specifically for applicants who have a few years of professional experience.

Salaeha Shariff

2:29

[Comment From Olga LositskyOlga Lositsky: ]

Emma has just listed some examples of experiences outside the lab (teaching cancer biology to 4th graders, giving tours at a hospital, writing summaries of scientific seminars for the public) that helped make her a good candidate. Are there other examples you could think of that would help us delve into science policy before applying?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:29 Olga Lositsky

Emma Delva:

One other activity I did was serve as the student chair of the recruitment committee for my graduate program and president of the Black Graduate Student Association when I helped get the word out to graduate school leadership on the needs of me and my colleagues...

Emma Delva

2:29

[Comment From Sarah PallasSarah Pallas: ]

For a senior academic like myself, what sorts of experience and skills should we showcase during an interview? Presumably they don't want to hear about our publications etc?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:29 Sarah Pallas

Tyler Lorig:

Also a senior academic here. Your pubs are not as valuable as your experiences talking to people and groups. Managing those discussions and the knowledge you will bring are key.

2:31

Salaeha Shariff:

For those applicants who are more advanced in their career we will be hosting two chats later this summer specifically to hear from fellows who pursues the fellowship as sabbatical or mid/late career opportunities. The first chat will be focusing on the Revelle fellowship placement: http://www.aaas.org/event/s....

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:31 Salaeha Shariff

2:32

[Comment From TrentTrent: ]

To anyone who wants to answer - As I mentioned in my last comment, I am interested in politics, as well as (geo)science. What opportunities would I have to be more involved and learn more about the political process. Thanks!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:32 Trent

Tyler Lorig:

On the congressional side, the opportunities to learn about the system are everywhere. While it would depend on the office you can become involved at many levels.

2:32

Salaeha Shariff:

The second chat will focus on the Judicial branch fellowship: http://www.aaas.org/event/s.... Applicants with at least three years of professional experience are strongly encouraged to consider these two program areas.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:32 Salaeha Shariff

2:33

[Comment From Jack ScheffJack Scheff: ]

Can we see some more specific, concrete examples of things that Fellows work on?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:33 Jack Scheff

Emma Delva:

Hi Jack ! As a Fellow, got to work alongside, Bruce Alberts (a pioneer in Cell Biology) and the Indonesian Academy of Science to set up the equivalent of NSF in Indonesia! I've also led efforts in writing policies/vision statements related to how USAID will work alongside other government agencies to combat gender based violence. I've also had lots of opportunities to travel to developing countries and implementing the policies from Washington to the programs developed in Haiti, DRC, Indonesia...

Emma Delva

2:33

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

What is the interview process like? From my understanding there are a few steps before becoming a finalist.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:33 Amy

Salaeha Shariff:

Interview and placement is a multi-step process.

May –November Upon submission of your online application, your application is verified for all eligibility requirements to determine if it will be forwarded to the selection committee for review.

December – February Your application is reviewed by readers who determine if your application should be forwarded to a selection committee.

February- March Selection committee members review applications and determine who will be selected for a video conference interview.

April In the last step of the interview process you are provided a list of placement opportunities and come to Washington, DC for a week to interview with agencies in your program area. This is your chance to learn more about the programs/initiatives that may be on your portfolio for the fellowship year and provides the agencies an opportunity to learn more about you and your background.

The last step is a ranking process between you and the agencies and works similar to a residency matching system.

June-July You are notified in June regarding your agency placement and stipend level.

Salaeha Shariff

2:34

[Comment From DustinDustin: ]

Thank you for this opportunity to chat with you about the STPF program. I have a follow-up question to April's. Is it important that you have a reference from your current employer? I am 3 years out of my PhD, and currently working a state government job, and would rather them not know I am looking at leaving for a year...

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:34 Dustin

Salaeha Shariff:

Dustin, no a current employer reference is not necessary.

Salaeha Shariff

2:36

[Comment From Eileen O.Eileen O.: ]

This is for both Emma and Tyler. What part of your fellowship experience do you find most satisfying?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:36 Eileen O.

Tyler Lorig:

You do actually get to help people. It doesn't happen every day but sometimes you can work on something that ends up making a difference.

Emma Delva:

I enjoy being able to travel and working in country to implement the policies we put forth in DC - it's nice to see the impact first-hand!

Emma Delva

2:36

[Comment From Alex RichertAlex Richert: ]

I'm interested in the Big Data & Analytics program, but where can I find out more about the day-to-day work of a fellow in that area?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:36 Alex Richert

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Alex, you'll have an opportunity to hear from Big Data & Analytics fellows during our July chat. You can find more details here: http://www.aaas.org/event/s...

Salaeha Shariff

2:38

[Comment From LilyLily: ]

As a counterpart to Sarah Pallas’s question: are publications more important to showcase for graduate students/early career PhDs? Or is it also the experiences with outreach and talking to people that matter more?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:38 Lily

Tyler Lorig:

So publications are important since they are a reflection of what you have done. What they meant to the field is less important than the fact that publications are a big part of doing the work of graduate school and beyond. You will create a resume (not vita) of what you can do...people skills should be among those things.

2:39

[Comment From UnknownUnknown: ]

What percentage of PhDs from social sciences are typically selected each year and what makes them competitive?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:39 Unknown

Salaeha Shariff:

The number varies each year but we have many fellows with backgrounds in the social sciences who have made great impacts in their fellowship office. The varied backgrounds and ability to view issues from different angles make social scientists competitive applicants to the program. Examples of agency placements for social scientists include: HHS, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation; NSF; NIH Office of Science Policy and Public Liaison; to name just a few.

Salaeha Shariff

Salaeha Shariff:

We will be hosting a chat specifically for social scientists in September that may answer many of your questions: http://www.aaas.org/event/s...

Salaeha Shariff

2:39

[Comment From Eileen O.Eileen O.: ]

Emma, as a USAID fellow, what kinds of decisions are you responsible for making?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:39 Eileen O.

Emma Delva:

I provided guidance to the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment on where we should devote funds/programs to preventing and ending gender-based violence (with a special initiative on child marriage). I have also provided guidance to the USAID Mission on how the Indonesian government should work with the U.S. government on enhancing research and development efforts in Indonesia. Now I work to provide data to inform decisions on how the Agency will use science, technology and innovation to work with universities to solve development challenges. Pretty different things but I love the opportunity to work on a multitude of different topics!

Emma Delva

2:40

[Comment From Olga LositskyOlga Lositsky: ]

Tyler, as a neuroscientist and psychologist, I am curious about the health policy projects you are involved in. This is precisely the area I was hoping to apply to and would love to hear what kind of problems you are working on.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:40 Olga Lositsky

Tyler Lorig:

I have worked on many, many things...from health insurance to Medicare to food safety to medical education and more. I counted more than 20 topics in my first two months. Few were neuroscience or psychology...

2:43

[Comment From Sarah PallasSarah Pallas: ]

For Tyler, did you have, or did they ask if you had, any policy experience prior to this? What sorts of experience can a busy academic engage in that would be useful? I thought I had a stellar record in that arena because of working with state policymakers on evolution education but maybe I should seek something different or emphasize things differently in my application. Seeking advice!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:43 Sarah Pallas

Tyler Lorig:

I do think having worked with policy makers would be a big help. Unless you want to specifically go back to that area, I'd use it as a part of your foundation. Make that the background that leads you to something else.

2:43

[Comment From Eileen O.Eileen O.: ]

What kinds of networking/ career development opportunities are offered by STPF for fellows?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:43 Eileen O.

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Eileen, fellows have many opportunities for professional development workshops and networking with fellow fellows. Fellows participate in a two week orientation at the start of the fellowship year. Throughout the fellowship year fellows also have an opportunity to participate in monthly professional development workshops on policy, science communication and leadership. Fellows also manage affinity groups- special interest topical groups- which allows for opportunities to host workshops and network with speakers.

Salaeha Shariff

2:43

[Comment From Matt MelilloMatt Melillo: ]

Emma, you mentioned that you wanted to pursue your two passions of science and helping others. So do you find yourself more directly helping others in your current job, compared to working on science and research in the lab that may eventually help others? Both science and policy can be painfully slow, so I'm wondering what you (and Tyler) would say the biggest difference is between science/academia and policy that makes you like your current position so much?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:43 Matt Melillo

Emma Delva:

I love that I get to work the "end-user" first-hand - I get to travel to places where I know the work I'm doing in D.C. will have an (eventual) impact on a community or a country. You're right that both policy and academia are slow but I cherish the times that I can work alongside the people who need help to get them what they want.

Emma Delva

2:44

[Comment From ElizabethElizabeth: ]

I finished my PhD and plan on taking maternity leave for a year which will end before the start of the program. I will do some freelance consulting but won't have time for many community activities. Will this hurt my chances as an applicant?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:44 Elizabeth

Salaeha Shariff:

Elizabeth, not especially if you can highlight how you’re consulting work aligns with your interest and background in policy.

Salaeha Shariff

2:45

[Comment From Eileen O.Eileen O.: ]

Emma, where do you see yourself transitioning to after this experience?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:45 Eileen O.

Emma Delva:

I find myself either staying with USAID and pursuing the Foreign Service or going back to campus and working with an office that will allow me to work on international development, from the standpoint of working with universities in developing countries to build their capacity to do research and development...

Emma Delva

2:45

[Comment From LilyLily: ]

Emma and Tyler, what do you plan to do after your AAAS fellowship?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:45 Lily

Tyler Lorig:

I will be returning from my sabbatical and able to teach a FAR better science and public policy class! I also plan to do a lot of writing about the need for more people to become involved in policy.

2:46

[Comment From Jack ScheffJack Scheff: ]

Hi all - a lot of you seem to know the names of the different tracks within the STPF, the different types of fellowships, etc. Where is this information? I cannot find anything on the STPF website.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:46 Jack Scheff

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Jack, program areas are listed here: http://www.aaas.org/stpf/fe...

Salaeha Shariff

2:48

[Comment From SophiaSophia: ]

The link for the fellowship areas does not work.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:48 Sophia

Salaeha Shariff:

Sorry about that, here you go: http://www.aaas.org/stpf/fe...

Salaeha Shariff

2:48

[Comment From PetePete: ]

Are there any aspects of work outside of research/ academia we should highlight (e.g., consulting, business) in our application? Can we submit references for this work or should they be from research? And what skills would be transferable from a a business / consulting job to the fellowship? Thanks!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:48 Pete

Emma Delva:

For me, the most relevant experiences I focused on was what I did outside of the lab - activities that allowed me to use science to help others (no matter how small the task). Those activities included teaching science to non-science experts, giving tours at the hospital, writing scientific articles for the public, public speaking (both at scientific and non-scientific conferences) and serving as student chair of my graduate program’s recruitment committee. And my references were a combination or my grad advisor and my mentors who could speak to the "non-research" activities I did...

Emma Delva

2:48

[Comment From Jack ScheffJack Scheff: ]

Saleha: the link doesn't work. Still trying to find this information.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:48 Jack Scheff

Salaeha Shariff:

Here you go: http://www.aaas.org/stpf/fe...

Salaeha Shariff

2:49

[Comment From KateKate: ]

Hi everyone, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! Emma and Tyler, apart from the bureaucracy, what are your least favorite things about your positions or about your time as a fellow?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:49 Kate

Tyler Lorig:

There is so much to do...so many briefings...so many emails you have to make choices and sometimes those are harder to make than you would think.

2:49

[Comment From LilyLily: ]

I’m a dual citizen with Canada, and my research project is based in Asia. Does being a dual citizen with another country present any difficulties, either abroad (e.g. working with USAID) or domestically? And are international experiences valued for both foreign and domestic settings?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:49 Lily

Salaeha Shariff:

No, we have dual citizen fellows in the program. International experiences are valued and may be an asset in particular for the Diplomacy, Security and Development program area.

Salaeha Shariff

2:51

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Thank you all for taking the time to answer questions. I was just hoping for some clarification please about placement and hosting agencies. I am interested in opportunities within the EEA program, but the website lists the anticipated hosting needs for the 2012-2013 year. Do these needs change regularly? There are a couple agencies I am interested in knowing more about that are not listed under the EEA program area. Thanks again for your time!

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:51 Kyle

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Kyle, you can learn more about EEA opportunities here: http://www.aaas.org/story-t...

Salaeha Shariff

2:51

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

For Tyler and Emma: Throughout the year each fellow works at their placement, but are fellows brought back together for programs through AAAS at any point during the year?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:51 Amy

Emma Delva:

Yes, definitely! The fellowship is a professional development program so on a monthly/weekly basis, you get together with your cohort for a number of professional development activities (i.e. building leadership skills, learning how to communicate with different personalities, how to brief leadership, etc.)... these events take place monthly so between that (and weekly happy hours) you'll see your cohort all the time :-)

Emma Delva

2:52

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Do either of you have any tips for the video conference interview? Specifically, how did you successfully engage and interact with your interviewers through your computer screen?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:52 Erin

Tyler Lorig:

It was hard because there are lots of people in the room. I would try to engage with whomever is speaking. Have fun. Like any interview, it is a little nerve racking but smile, engage. That's one of the qualities they are looking for.

2:52

Salaeha Shariff:

We’re now approaching the end of the hour and the end of this chat session.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:52 Salaeha Shariff

2:52

Salaeha Shariff:

Emma and Tyler- do you have any parting advice for someone interested in engaging in science policy? How should someone go about getting involved?

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:52 Salaeha Shariff

2:53

Emma Delva:

You don’t have to take a course in science policy or have significant experience to be great as a AAAS Fellow. A portion of the Fellows come right out of their doctoral programs. Believe me you’ll be more than prepared by the time you complete the fellowship to take on any position in science policy. Simply start thinking about ways in which you can utilize your love for science to help others - at work, within your community, on the web and do it! I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors and hope that what we all had to share with you today was helpful.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:53 Emma Delva

2:54

Tyler Lorig:

Thanks and sorry we couldn't get to all your questions! This is a wonderful experience and I hope you all take a chance on applying! Good Luck

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:54

2:55

Salaeha Shariff:

That wraps up the first in the AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships chat series. Join us on June 29 at 2pm EST for the second in this series where you will hear from fellows with discipline backgrounds in the health and medical sciences discussing their experiences as a fellow. http://www.aaas.org/event/s...

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:55 Salaeha Shariff

2:55

Salaeha Shariff:

An archived transcript of this chat will be available on the chat page shortly.

Thank you for joining us today, we hope you found this chat session useful. If we weren’t able to get to your question today email us at [email protected].

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:55 Salaeha Shariff

2:56

Salaeha Shariff:

To stay updated with the Fellowships program, like us on Facebook, join us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter at @AAASFellowships.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:56 Salaeha Shariff

2:57

Salaeha Shariff:

Thank you all for joining us today! We hope this chat was helpful and keep updated with the entire chat series here: http://www.aaas.org/news/st...

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:57 Salaeha Shariff

2:57

Salaeha Shariff:

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Tuesday May 24, 2016 2:57 Salaeha Shariff

With yearlong placements in Washington, DC in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of federal government, the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships fosters a network of STEM leaders who understand government and policymaking, and are prepared to develop and execute solutions to address today’s pressing challenges.

To view and register for additional chats in this series, click here.

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