Chat Series

Policy Fellowships change the world. And You!

Participants

Staff:

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

Barry Williams, MBA - Marketing Operations Manager

Fellow:

Denise Zannino, Executive Branch Fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Denise Zannino is a current Executive Branch fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. At NSF she helps coordinate the budget rollout process, and numerous congressional meetings on Capitol Hill with NSF senior leadership. She also contributes to science communication and outreach activities at NSF included co-managing a high school science competition, Generation Nano: Small Science, Superheroes, and coordinating the 26 exhibits participating with NSF at the USA Science & Engineering Festival.

Denise earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University.

Chat Archive

AAAS STPF LiveChat

(10/11/2016)

Close

2:00

Salaeha Shariff:

Hello, thank you for joining the final chat in this year’s series- AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF)- policy fellowships change the world, and you!

2:01

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 Denise Zannino and my colleague on the STPF team, Barry Williams. We’re here to chat with you and answer all your questions about the STPF program.

2:01

Salaeha Shariff:

We’re 2.5 weeks from the November 1 application deadline for the 2017-18 fellowship year. This chat is a great opportunity to ask questions as you prepare your application to the fellowship program.

2:01

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.

2:02

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.

2:02

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.

2:02

Salaeha Shariff:

Mid to senior career applicants, may wish to consider the Judicial branch fellowship, https://www.aaas.org/story-..., and the Roger Revelle Fellowship in Global Stewardship, https://www.aaas.org/story-....

These are unique placement opportunities that allow you to work with your host office to develop your policy portfolio for the year.

2:03

Salaeha Shariff:

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

2:03

Salaeha Shariff:

You may 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.

2:04

Salaeha Shariff:

Now, for some quick introductions. Denise Zannino is a current Executive Branch fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. At NSF she helps coordinate the budget rollout process, and numerous congressional meetings on Capitol Hill with NSF senior leadership. She also contributes to science communication and outreach activities at NSF included co-managing a high school science competition, Generation Nano: Small Science, Superheroes, and coordinating the 26 exhibits participating with NSF at the USA Science & Engineering Festival.

2:04

Salaeha Shariff:

Denise earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University.

Denise Zannino:

Hello! I am very happy to be here today and chat with you all!

2:04

Salaeha Shariff:

Barry Williams is a member of the STPF outreach and engagement team where he facilitates outreach and marketing operations. He frequently represents STPF at national conferences and universities.

Barry Williams:

Hello, I'm excited to chat with you about STPF!

2:05

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!

To begin, Denise, what were your personal and professional objectives for applying to the AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships? How do you see the fellowship experience fitting into your long-term career path?

Denise Zannino:

I had a few shorter term and longer term goals in mind when I applied. Short term, I wanted to expand certain skills, like getting a more diverse writing experience and more communication skills. Longer term, I wanted to expand my network, gain a better understanding of how the government works, and understand the policies around science communication and outreach. I was still formulating my long-term career path when I applied to the fellowship. I knew I was interested in science communication and outreach, but as a postdoc had limited experience with either. The fellowship was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about these, and learn about what kinds of opportunities exist in those fields. The networking facilitated by the fellowship is also truly incredible, I’ve been able to talk to, and work with, some really awesome people and projects.

2:07

[Comment From Raleigh Martin: ]

Could you describe a bit more about what specific job roles policy fellows typically fulfill during their time on the fellowship?

Denise Zannino:

On any given day I have a mix of meetings and time at my desk. Occasionally I go downtown for a briefing (sometimes that my office is hosting), or a AAAS event. I am also involved with a few affinity groups

2:08

Denise Zannino:

One question I received: Please provide some examples of how your work has impacted the agency with which you worked?

Denise Zannino:

My main project this year was to coordinate the budget rollout, and implement changes to the process. I helped shape this project and then wrote a strategic plan about the process that was distributed to the senior management. I also wrote several SOPs (standard operating procedure) for the events I coordinated.

2:09

[Comment From Priyank: ]

Are international students eligible for AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF)?

Barry Williams:

U.S. citizenship is a requirement to apply to the program. For similar opportunities that may be open to non-U.S. citizens, please visit our partner group at AAAS, Engaging Scientists and Engineers in Policy: http://www.aaas.org/esep

2:10

[Comment From Angela: ]

Thanks for this chat! Denise, what is an affinity group? And panel, I have to leave at 11:3o, will I be able to find the chat transcript later?

Salaeha Shariff:

Affinity groups are special interest topical groups that are run by fellows as means for further engagement in policy and opportunities for networking. A transcript for the chat will be available if you miss any part of it.

2:10

[Comment From Sara: ]

How do you think the S&T Fellowship will fit in with your career path? Do you think you'll go back to academia? Or is this a way to transition out of academia?

Denise Zannino:

I was looking to transition out of academia and was especially interested in the policies around science outreach and communication. So, the fellowship program was a wonderful way to see how that worked, as well as gaining a better understanding at large of how the government works

2:13

[Comment From Dave: ]

Salaeha: When applying, do we need to designate which type of fellowship we are applying for? E.g. Congressional fellow vs. HEHS fellow, etc.

Salaeha Shariff:

HI Dave, you will need to identify which program area(s) you are applying to. You can choose 2 of the 7 programs ares. You can learn about each program area here: https://www.aaas.org/stpf/f...

2:13

[Comment From Jordanya23: ]

Denise, did you take a broad approach to the application or were you more focused?

Denise Zannino:

I took a more broad approach. My background was developmental neuro, and obviously that interests me, but I was more broadly interested in science communication and outreach. How do we talk about science and get people excited about it.

2:13

[Comment From Christina: ]

Can you give us a sense for how many people apply to the fellowship program, and how many are accepted? Also, for the congressional fellowship in particular?

Barry Williams:

Generally, 25% of applications are accepted each year. AAAS sponsors two Congressional fellows each year. More are sponsored by our partner societies: https://www.aaas.org/page/s...

2:14

[Comment From Raleigh Martin: ]

Denise, thank you for your response to my question. Beyond the day-to-day, what types of projects do fellows typically work on? You mentioned your work with NSF on budgeting and communication for your fellowship. Is this type of work similar for other fellows, or is there a wide variety of projects for fellows?

Denise Zannino:

Fellows work on a really broad range of projects. There are fellows across many different agencies, and so there is a lot of variation.

Denise Zannino

2:14

[Comment From Sara: ]

Recognizing that every position is different, do you think that S&T Fellows are asked to continue to do research in fellowship positions?

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Sara, the S&T Policy Fellowships are not research focuses, rather you are contributing your training and analytical skills broadly to federal policy. You can learn more about the work that fellows do here: https://www.aaas.org/page/s...

2:16

[Comment From Ben Mandler: ]

For Denise: When you began the fellowship, was there clear input from NSF on what you'd be working on, or did you have to carve out your own niche? And how has your input into the direction of the work changed over time?

Denise Zannino:

I had a little of both. I was handed the budget rollout project and then l was largely allowed to pursue other projects as they interested me.

2:17

[Comment From Ali V: ]

Hi, I'm wondering about the range of types of jobs people do as fellows. Is there a list somewhere of current fellows, what they're doing and where they're based? (I know most but not all are in DC). Thanks!

Barry Williams:

You can explore anticipated Executive Branch placement opportunities here: https://www.aaas.org/page/s... (use menu on left side to explore our different program areas)

2:17

[Comment From Salaeha, you mentioned the Revelle and Judical Branch fellowships for mid and senior career scientists. Are those fellowships targeted towards mid and senior career professionals, or are normal track fellowships more selective towards younger applicants?Salaeha, you mentioned the Revelle and Judical Branch fellowships for mid and senior career scientists. Are those fellowships targeted towards mid and senior career professionals, or are normal track fellowships more selective towards younger applicants?: ]

Salaeha, you mentioned the Revelle and Judical Branch fellowships for mid and senior career scientists. Are those fellowships targeted towards mid and senior career professionals, or are normal track fellowships more selective towards younger applicants?

Salaeha Shariff:

Yes, the Judicial and Roger Revelle fellowships require a minimum of three post degree experience in order to be eligible to apply,. The other 5 program areas do not have the same criterion. A doctoral degree or master's in engineering is the main eligibility requirement.

2:18

[Comment From Rachel: ]

All I can hear is the noise when someone enters a question/comment. I don't have anything going on as the way of presentation.

Barry Williams:

Hi Rachel, there is no A/V component. Today's chat is text only.

2:18

[Comment From Sara: ]

I have a question about letters of recommendation. I am reluctant to ask colleagues from my current institution because I worry it may sour our working relationship. Is it ok if I get recommendations from previous institutions?

Salaeha Shariff:

Hi Sara, reference letters should be from individuals who know you well and can speak to both your professional work as well as your commitment to contributing to public policy.

2:18

[Comment From Nicole: ]

Denise, reference to your desired to contribute to science communications, can you give an example of how the work you are doing as a fellow has translated to science to the public? Or how has your experience as a fellow aided in your development of these communication skills?

Denise Zannino:

I've worked on several projects that focused on the public. One is to run a science competition for HS students. We ask them to design a new superhero powered by nanotechnology and then draw a comic about their hero. Our first year was a big success and our kids had really great uses of nanotech. Another project was to coordinate the NSF space at a huge science and engineering festival held every year in DC, we attracted tens of thousands of people to our booths where we had hands-on science activities.

2:20

[Comment From Angela: ]

About the mid/senior versus early career, are mid career people discouraged from applying to the 5 fellowships without the experience requirement?

Salaeha Shariff:

No, not at all. Applicants at all career stages can and should apply to any two of the seven program areas. The criterion for professional experience is different for the Judicial and Revelle, and that is what was being highlighted.

2:20

[Comment From Brandon: ]

Denise, did you have any policy experience before beginning the fellowship? Do you feel the policy training you received as part of the fellowship was effective and prepared you well for your current work at the NSF and your future career?

Denise Zannino:

I had no policy experience prior. I had an interest in communication and outreach, and so I had volunteered with activities in those areas. The training I've received has been very effective and given me a wonderful set of skill sets that I know will be vital to my future career

2:21

[Comment From Ben Mandler: ]

What proportion of Executive Branch fellows renew (or have the opportunity to renew) their fellowship for a second year?

Salaeha Shariff:

Executive Branch renewals are dependent on fit and funding availability. The number of EB fellows who renew varies each year.

2:22

[Comment From Steve Decina: ]

Barry and Salaeha, I will be applying next year, since I will be defending my dissertation this coming April. What kinds of post-PhD experience (for the year in between defense and the AAAS fellowship) would make a candidate more competitive?

Barry Williams:

Competitive applicants demonstrate the following skill set:
o Strong science & technology credentials.
o Problem-solving abilities.
o Commitment to public service.
o Demonstrate leadership.
o Flexibility .
o Excellent communication skills.

In terms of post-Ph.D. experience, there are many ways you can increase your skill set from a short postdoc position to volunteer opportunities.

2:22

[Comment From Eileen Oni: ]

Hi Denise, Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Can you give a sense of the skills that are most important to ensure a successful fellowship experience?

Denise Zannino:

Some of the skills that have been most useful to me is organization and communication. Being able to balance of lot of different projects that might be coordinated across your office, or agency, or even with other agencies. And being able to communication effectively with each.

2:23

[Comment From As a fellow, do you get a specific person as a mentor that helps guide you through the entire years experience?As a fellow, do you get a specific person as a mentor that helps guide you through the entire years experience?: ]

As a fellow, do you get a specific person as a mentor that helps guide you through the entire year's experience?

Salaeha Shariff:

Yes, every fellow is assigned a supervisor that guides you through your year as a fellow. Each program area also has an assigned program manager that helps guide you through your fellowship year and works with you and your host office supervisor.

2:24

[Comment From Nicole: ]

Denise, with the training you have received, do you have an idea of what you will do next, once the fellowship is completed?

Denise Zannino:

I came in interested in science communication and outreach and have found that I really do love it and want to pursue it further. The fellowship gave me a much better understanding of how to put together programs and activities that meet those goals, and a much better idea of what kind of jobs are out there in that line.

2:24

[Comment From AndreaAndrea: ]

What policy areas exist for science backgrounds?

Salaeha Shariff:

You can learn about the program areas and policy initiatives that fall under each program area here: https://www.aaas.org/stpf/f...

2:25

[Comment From Sara: ]

Do fellows have any choice about their placements? Is there an interview process or matching process to ensure fit?

Salaeha Shariff:

Yes, there is a matching process towards the end of the interview/selection process where you have an opportunity to interview with potential host offices.

2:26

[Comment From AmandaAmanda: ]

I have two academic references set. I am wondering if for the third, it would be best to ask another academic professor or to ask someone who knows me well through volunteer work, but was not a supervisor.

Barry Williams:

I like to encourage applicants to think creatively on how to use their reference letters as a means of framing what they would like the selection committee to think of them as a candidate and to demonstrate their diverse interests and talents. Many people have found that they can accomplish this through a mix of both academic and non-academic sources. Examples could be: someone from your volunteer experience, leader from a community group you participate in, etc.

2:27

[Comment From Michal: ]

One part of the statements section on the application asks to imagine how you might apply your scientific expertise in the fellowship area to which you are applying. This is a rather difficult question to answer without having policy experience and understanding how the process works. Can you give any indication as to what is being asked for here by those of us with no policy experience?

Denise Zannino:

Well, for me, I also had no policy background or real understanding of policy. But I knew I was interested in science communication and outreach. I love to talk about science and get people excited about science. So, I wanted to apply the communication skills (and my passion for science) that I had as a postdoc, and my understanding of science, to communicating science to the public. To media. To other entities.

2:27

[Comment From Angela: ]

Do most of the fellows have policy experience? Or is it something to be developed during the year?

Salaeha Shariff:

Competitive applicants demonstrate an interest in policy and what they’ve done to further that interest. Policy is broad and can be demonstrated through work at the regional and state levels, in addition to the federal level. Your application should speak to policy areas and initiatives where you can contribute and gain from the fellowship experience.

2:28

[Comment From Katie: ]

Salaeha and Barry: on the application how would you mark internships under the current employment? I

Salaeha Shariff:

Yes, internships could be listed under current employment.

2:28

[Comment From Raleigh Martin: ]

Barry, when you refer to Executive Branch placements, does this cover all of the program areas outside of Judicial and Legislative?

Tuesday October 11, 2016 2:28 Raleigh Martin

Barry Williams:

We also have an endowed fellowship called the Roger Revelle Fellowship in Global Stewardship (https://www.aaas.org/story-...) which can be placed in any of the three branches of federal government or a nonprofit. We are currently accepting applications for Revelle now.

2:29

[Comment From Steve Decina: ]

Denise, have you felt in your position, either with NSF, the high school, or both, like you've made an impact on policy or society at large?

Denise Zannino:

I believe I have. Some of the outreach activities that I've been a part of have been really successful, both in getting the public excited about science, but also gain an understanding of it. In terms of our budget rollout process, I helped shape major changes to how we ran it last year and I believe these changes will become a permanent part of how NSF does their budget rollout.

2:29

[Comment From Andrea: ]

That link for policy areas does not describe any policy areas, it only gives a short description about the fellowship, is there not a list of policy areas available?

Salaeha Shariff:

When you initially apply to the fellowships you are applying to program areas broadly and not to particular areas of policy. Programs areas descriptions do provide a sense of the type of policy work to which you will be contributing.

2:30

[Comment From Steve Decina: ]

Barry and Salaeha, I know that Health, Education and Human Services is one of the Fellowship Areas. Do you often or ever have fellows who work with the Department of Education? If not, where do fellows interested in education normally work?

Barry Williams:

Yes, we do have anticipated placement opportunities in the Department of Education. For other potential placements, please visit this page: https://www.aaas.org/page/s...

2:31

[Comment From Eileen Oni: ]

Denise, Can you tell us a little bit about your placement experiences? Are there certain qualities in a fellow that offices look for? And does your scientific background factor in to this?

Denise Zannino:

I think at a base level, each office is looking for someone who is motivated and organized. Many fellows get placed in offices outside their background. But as scientists, we're trained to think critically and learn new areas.

2:32

[Comment From Shanni Silberberg: ]

Thank you for taking the time to chat. Salaeha and Barry - should the CV strictly contain academic and employment experiences without volunteer roles?

Salaeha Shariff:

You should include your volunteer work, especially as to how it speaks to your leadership skills, communication skills and policy interest. All of which will help ensure a competitive application.

2:33

[Comment From Jordanya23: ]

Should we list specific agencies (like the Department of Education) in which we would like to work or keep our focus on the broader heading in which the Department of Education operates?

Barry Williams:

We encourage applicants to be flexible on their potential placement as a fellow. While DoE may be a good fit, there are many other offices where your skills can be used and where your interests can be met. With this in mind, I would suggest not being overly specific in your candidate statement.

2:33

[Comment From Jordanya23: ]

When applying to two tracks, the guidelines suggest tailoring the applications to the specific tracks. But, the areas are quite broad and difficult to apply to my research area (social psychology). Could you speak to how you applied your area to the application (tailoring to the specific track) and the fellowship itself?

Denise Zannino:

I applied to 2 programs. One was the HEHS (which was a little more specific because of my bio/neuro background) and the other was the EEA program because I knew some of the agencies under EEA also had offices that did a lot of science communication and outreach, which was the area of policy I was most interested in. But, that said, my applications had lots of areas of similarities.

2:35

[Comment From Amanda: ]

When applying to a program, such as the Health, Education, and Human Services, is it better to apply broadly to that program or focus your essay more towards the agency within the program you are most interested in?

Salaeha Shariff:

You want to tailor your application broadly to the program area to which you are applying. You can indicate an agency or area of policy that you are interested in within your application, but you also want to highlight how you hope to contribute to the program area broadly.

2:35

[Comment From Megan: ]

Good afternoon! I am currently preparing my application for this cycle so have a few application questions: How specific or scientific would you recommend being in the bio section and in describing area of expertise in the candidate section? Secondly, how specific/ detailed should I be about policy areas of interest? Is it frowned upon to have areas of interest that don’t directly reflect your scientific or extracurricular experience (some of mine do, some don’t)?

Denise Zannino:

For you bio, I think you can be specific, but I wouldn't be overly scientific. The panel reviewing your application will likely have a diverse background.
For the areas of interest. I don't think it's frowned on to have areas of interest not covered by your experience. Many fellows get placed in offices that are not within their background.

2:36

[Comment From Amanda: ]

When applying to two tracks, would it be detrimental if parts of the applications are identical, such as my work experience, while other are more tailored to the track?

Salaeha Shariff:

No, work experience, etc is fine. Candidate statement of interest is where you want to ensure you are tailoring to the program area.

2:38

[Comment From Sara: ]

What kinds of positions to Fellows typically take after completing the fellowship? What proportion stay in government versus return to academia?

Salaeha Shariff:

Fellows pursue career paths in all sectors. The network and professional experience you gain from the fellowship is invaluable and allow you to truly transform your career. In the year after the fellowship:
• 40-50% remain in public policy.
• 20-25% return to work in the same sector.
• 20-25% do something completely different.

2:38

[Comment From As a fellow, do you get a specific person as a mentor that helps guide you through the entire years experience?As a fellow, do you get a specific person as a mentor that helps guide you through the entire years experience?: ]

If we apply this cycle for a S&T policy fellow position, and are not selected, are we allowed to re-apply next year?

Salaeha Shariff:

Yes, you are encouraged to reapply if you are not selected.

2:38

[Comment From Anne Kornahrens: ]

Thanks for this great Q&A everyone! For Denise - what has been the hardest part / biggest challenge of your fellowship?

Denise Zannino:

It's a completely different feel that the lab! I basically came straight from my postdoc. I knew almost nothing about policy or the gov. The orientation at the start of the year was SO useful and interesting, even if my head was completely full by the end. The learning curve of just how things work in the gov, how offices work, was an unexpected challenge. I have never received so many emails in my life. But it didn't take too long for me to figure this all out. There is also no shortage of activities you can be involved with, both within your agency and through AAAS. And while you should be open to trying new things and getting involved, I also, at the beginning, was almost over-committing myself.

2:38

[Comment From Jordanya23: ]

Are there agencies beyond the list of potential placements who may be interested in taking on a fellow?

Barry Williams:

Yes, those are just a sample of anticipated placements. There will potentially be other opportunities when you apply.

2:39

[Comment From Sara: ]

As a fellow, are we technically federal employees? Or outside contractors?

Salaeha Shariff:

It varies from agency to agency.

2:40

[Comment From Becca: ]

Denise, what advice would you give someone planning to apply in a future cycle. Are there experiences you had or wish you had during your PhD training/post-doc that was helpful to your fellowship experience?

Denise Zannino:

Get involved early! Find things you like doing, or thing you might like, and get involved. If there isn't something available, see if you can make it available. Like, join a postdoc association, if there isn't one, make one. Start a blog. Volunteer to write for a school paper, ect. I wish I had gotten out of the lab sooner in terms of these kinds of activities.

2:40

[Comment From Eileen Oni: ]

About recommendation letters. If you select the same recommendees for two tracks will they have to write two separate letters?

Barry Williams:

If you are applying for more than one fellowship opportunity you may:

1. Designate different references for each application.

2. Request that your references submit a separate letter addressing your qualifications for each fellowship program area to which you are applying.

3. Instruct your references to use the same letter and either a) not mention the specific fellowship areas, or b) list them both, and indicate how you are qualified for multiple fellowships.

2:40

[Comment From Amanda: ]

To follow up, I meant to ask about parts of essays that discuss work experience,'volunteer experience, etc, that will be the same for both tracks being applied to. If those essays or paragraphs are exactly the same, is this ok?

Salaeha Shariff:

Yes, each program area has different sets of committees that review the application.

2:42

[Comment From Brandon: ]

Salaeha, I see that AAAS sponsors two Congressional Fellowships, while other congressional fellowships are sponsored by partner societies. If I apply through AAAS for the Congressional Science & Engineering Fellowship, will I also be considered for the fellowships sponsored by partners? Or would I need to apply separately to the partner societies?

Salaeha Shariff:

You are welcome to apply to both AAAS Congressional Fellowships as well as one of our partner societies. You will need to apply to partner societies directly as their requirements, deadline, and selection process are managed separate from the AAAS selection process.

2:43

[Comment From Steve Decina: ]

Salaeha and Barry, are there specific events, other than these Q&A sessions, which you would suggest we attend in our year before applying?

Barry Williams:

There are a variety of opportunities to engage with us before you apply to the program. We attend roughly 30 scientific conferences throughout the year, visit campuses and labs throughout the country, have public events at AAAS (on October 26th, we have the Robert C. Barnard Environmental Lecture), and are always happy to answer questions that come in at our [email protected] email address.

2:43

[Comment From Megan: ]

Denise, to jordanya's point, can the non-program-specific sections (i.e. reason for applying, qualifications, career interests) of my 2 candidate statements be identical?

Denise Zannino:

I don't remember my exact application now, but I think what I wrote for each program was very similar. I think my bio was identical. I just tailored some of the specifics about what I was interested in for each. Like for HEHS I specifically said I was well poised to talk about BRAIN initiative activities because that was my background, but for EEA I talked about a general interest in science communication across all areas of science and high-lighted the different depts and programs I'd been involved with as a grad student and postdoc

2:44

[Comment From afpMoore: ]

I am a marine ecologist specifically interested in learning about and influencing environmental policy. Should I plan to apply just to EEA or are there other fellowship areas where I might accomplish my goals? Thanks all!

Salaeha Shariff:

You should consider the Roger Revelle Fellowship in Global Stewardship which focuses specifically on environmental policy. You also have the opportunity to tailor your fellowship experience as a Revelle fellow: https://www.aaas.org/story-...

2:45

[Comment From Raleigh Martin: ]

Salaeha, as a follow-up to the question on application review committees, what are the backgrounds of the people typically reviewing the applications?

Salaeha Shariff:

Varied backgrounds, including alumni fellows, agency administrators, faculty, etc

2:45

[Comment From Jordanya23: ]

What do you like most about being a policy fellow?

Denise Zannino:

I love the networking and the people I get to work with! I found my postdoc very isolating. I moved to a region of the country where I knew no one. But as a fellow you come in with a whole class of people and there are so many opportunities to get involved, both professionally and socially.

2:45

[Comment From Jordanya23: ]

I'm not sure if this was asked already, but what do you look for most in a fellow?

Barry Williams:

Competitive applicants demonstrate the following skill set:

Strong science & technology credentials.
Problem-solving abilities.
Commitment to public service.
Demonstrate leadership.
Flexibility.
Excellent communication skills.

2:46

[Comment From Christina: ]

Do you know the success rate for getting a congressional fellowship? How many apply, for the 2 spots that AAAS offers?

Salaeha Shariff:

It varies from year to year. It is one of the more competitive areas due to the two placements. I would approach program areas in terms of what you want to gain from the experience and how it will impact your long term career path.

2:46

[Comment From Nicole: ]

Denise, could you discuss the work-life balance?

Denise Zannino:

Sure! It is much better than being a postdoc! I basically work 40hrs a week, and I'm not expected to respond to emails at night or over the weekend. That doesn't mean when there's a big project that I don't do some work at home, but it's minimal. And optional. You can also get involved with other professional groups after hours, but again, not required (though, they are fun!)

2:47

[Comment From Steve Decina: ]

Salaeha and Barry, will you be at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco this December?

Barry Williams:

Yes, we will!

Two of our colleagues will be at booth 325 to chat in person.

2:48

[Comment From Denise, what made you apply for the executive branch fellowship area instead of the others?Denise, what made you apply for the executive branch fellowship area instead of the others?: ]

What other areas were you interested in?

Denise Zannino:

Do you mean what program areas I was interested in? I knew I was interested in HEHS and EEA. I actually didn't know much about the DSD program and which I had because now that I'm here that program looks quite interesting to me. I'm interested international work as well, and DSD covers State Dept and USAID

Salaeha Shariff:

To see the full list of agencies in the DSD program area: https://www.aaas.org/story-...

2:50

[Comment From Steve Decina: ]

Salaeha and Barry, are all fellows based out of Washington D.C.?

Barry Williams:

Yes, all opportunities are based in Washington, D.C., but some do offer travel opportunities as well. You'll know these expectations when you see the position descriptions during finalist week (when you meet with the offices).

2:50

[Comment From Gayle: ]

Denise, Salaeha and Barry What have you done since completing your S&T Fellowship? How has the experience help prepare you for future work?

Denise Zannino:

I'm still a current fellow, but this fellowship has really given me a better understanding of how science communication and outreach (what I'm most interested in) works, how do you establish programs, evaluate them, promote them, ect. I also have a much better understanding of where these kinds of jobs exist. The networking is also unparalleled, I have gotten to work with so many really cool people and organizations.

Denise Zannino

2:54

[Comment From Michal: ]

If you make it to the first interview round, what types of questions are asked and how large is the panel?

Salaeha Shariff:

You will be asked to present a brief memo you will have drafted in advance and then you will be asked policy questions as well as general interview questions as the committee learns more about your background and commitment to public service.

Salaeha Shariff

2:54

[Comment From Brandon: ]

Salaeha and Barry, do you have any suggestions for how we can demonstrate an interest in science policy in order to strengthen our future applications? I am involved in outreach and community service, but is there anything else I could do that's more directly related to public policy?

Denise Zannino:

I didn't have anything directly related to policy when I applied. I think being engaged in activities, having leadership roles, taking that kind of initiative, is really the key. Being a good communicator. The fellowship will teach you the policy part.

2:55

Salaeha Shariff:

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

2:55

[Comment From Eileen Oni: ]

What types of outside training (workshops etc.) are offered to you as a fellow? Are they sponsored by AAAS or within your office?

Denise Zannino:

AAAS hosts a lot of activities. There is a whole professional development calendar. You agency might also have training opportunities (NSF does). In addition, other outside opportunities might exist that you can use your training/travel money for.

2:56

Salaeha Shariff:

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

Denise Zannino:

Start looking for local opportunities and get involved. Be engaged. If you’re a grad student or postdoc join the grad student or postdoc association at your university. If there isn’t one, start one. If there are particular areas you’re interested in, pursue those. I was interested in science communication, so I volunteered with a local science café organization and started a science blog. I also volunteered with local outreach activities, like science fairs and working in schools to do hands-on science experiments. Volunteer your time.

2:56

Salaeha Shariff:

That wraps up the final chat in this year’s series. We are just 2.5 weeks away from the November 1 application deadline for the 2017-18 fellowship year. There’s still time to submit your application, but hurry! An archived transcript of this chat will be available on the chat page shortly.

2:57

Salaeha Shariff:

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].

2:57

Salaeha Shariff:

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

2:58

Denise Zannino:

Thank you all for joining us today! Best of luck with your applications!!

2:58

Barry Williams:

Good bye! Thanks for all of the wonderful questions!

2:58

Salaeha Shariff:

Great questions everyone, have a wonderful afternoon!

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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