March Newsletter

Good evening everyone!

Besides nice spring weather, March also brings Science Policy Group three very exciting events at the end of March, plus new leadership opportunities. Keep reading on for more details!

Call for Leadership Nominations!
Fill out nomination form by April 3rd at midnight

The Science Policy Group is currently accepting nominations for all leadership positions. Working with the SPG gives scientists-in-training valuable and unique experience organizing events, leading groups, and meeting politicans. If you want to help bring our group into the next academic year, you can fill out the Google form here. Nominations are due by midnight, April 3rd.

Science Policy Group Information Session
March 26, 5:30p-7p, 217 Noyes Lab. Contact spg.uiuc@gmail.com for more info

If you are interested in learning more about our group and want to get more involved with us, join us for an information session on March 26! During this session, we will meet the group’s executive board, learn a brief history of our fairly new group, and some of our future aspirations. We will also discuss the opportunities available for active group members. Pizza will be provided!

SPG Happy Hour at Legends!
March 27 at 6p at Legends Bar & Grill

After learning about our group at the info session, come join us in a more causal setting at Legends Bar & Grill on Green Street. We will have a sign up showing our location. Come hang out with the executive board and grab some dinner with us!

Save the Grid! Science Policy Game Night 2
March 29, 2-5p, 1265 DCL. RSVP here.

The Science Policy Group is bringing back its popular game night, featuring a revamped ruleset and a brand new opportunity to learn about how science and policy intersect. In this unique role playing game, a natural disaster has struck your city and has destroyed its power grid. You will work with your neighbors to design an energy and water policy while working with business and the environmental lobbies to restore power. Students/Faculty/Staff are all welcome. Pizza will be provided, but space is limited so please RSVP as soon as you can!

July Newsletter

View online: here.

Save the Grid! Policy Writing Game Night
July 11th, 4:30-5:30 PM, 1105 Beckman Institute

The UIUC Science Policy Group invites you to join our inaugural policy writing game night on July 11th at 4:30 pm at 1005 Beckman Institute! In this game, you and your friends will play the role of an advisory board in charge of rebuilding the power grid for your city after a natural disaster wreaks havoc on the old one. Can you design a proposal to save the grid that is both popular and under-budget?

Players will be given a budget and an idea of their constituents and will have to design a plan using a variety of energy sources to create a complete package. At the end of the event, attendees will present their ideas to the rest of the group for discussion. Dr Clifford Singer, the Director of the Program in Arms Control and Domestic and International Security at UIUC, will moderate the event. Refreshments will be provided!

 

S|GNS (Science | Government, Institutions & Society) Summit
July 6-8, Chicago IL

Did you know you can use poetry to engage the public in your research? What do you do if someone trusts “alternative facts” more than your data? Want to learn how to be a science comedian? March for Science is live streaming these and other plenary sessions during its S|GNS summit (July 7-8). Visit https://www.marchforscience.com/summit for details! Recordings will also be available after the meeting.

 

Wanted: Multimedia Skills for Designing a Webinar Series
Contact Libby Haywood at mayberr3@illinois.edu

The Professional Development Committee is designing a Webinar Series in which we interview Science Policy Professionals remotely. If you have multimedia skills, particularly in video processing/editing, and are interested in working on this project please contact Libby Haywood: mayberr3@illinois.edu

Networking Workshop- Save the Date!
September 4, 1:30-3:30 PM, 5062 Beckman Institute

The Science Policy Group is partnering with the Graduate College to offer a Networking Workshop on Tuesday September 4 from 1:30-3 pm at the Beckman Institute! Participants will craft elevator pitches, meet new people and brush up on their networking skills while enjoying some light refreshments.

 

Connect with us!

Follow updates from our group on FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn, and WordPress.

 

Join one of our committees!

Are you passionate about science policy? Want to organize our next speaker event? Maybe you want to help young scientists find careers in science policy? If so, all of our committees are actively recruiting new members! If you are interested, email spg.uiuc@gmail.com for more details!

June Newsletter

View online: here

Policy Writing Game Night
July 11th, 4:30 PM, 1105 Beckman Institute

The UIUC Science Policy Group invites you to join our inaugural policy writing game night on July 11th at 4:30 pm at 1005 Beckman Institute! Groups of participants will craft basic science policies around proposed scenarios (e.g. national security, public health, environment, etc). Then, groups will have an informal debate to discuss their ideas. These games will allow participants to develop the fundamentals behind writing policy in a casual setting. Dr Clifford Singer, the Director of the Program in Arms Control and Domestic and International Security at UIUC, will moderate the event. Refreshments will be provided!

New York Academy of Sciences Panel: Science Denialism, Public Policy, and Global Health
June 28th, 6:00 PM, live stream link here

From climate change denial, to vaccine fears, to the rejection of the viral cause of HIV/AIDS, science denial has devastating implications for global health. This evening panel discussion for the general public will raise awareness of this issue, explore its causation, and provide a transparent dialogue for enacting meaningful responses to denialism today. The panel will be live streamed on Jun 28th at 6:00 pm and can be viewed here.

S|GNS (Science | Government, Institutions & Society) Summit
July 6-8, Chicago IL

The S|GNS summit is a network-wide meeting for emerging and established leaders across fields to share knowledge, build community, and develop their skills as science advocates, educators, and organizers. It will be held in Chicago, IL on July 6-8, 2018 and is an initiative of March for Science and will be co-hosted by the Field Museum and Hilton Chicago. It is going to be a weekend full of networking, skill-building, and idea-sharing at the intersection of science and society. In addition to talks, there will be workshops, panels, a project expo, and a number of community-building events! The registration fee will be waived for SPG participants–please contact Robby Goldman at rgoldma3@illinois.edu if you are interested in attending!

Connect with us

Follow updates from our group on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and WordPress.

Join one of our committees

All of our committees are recruiting new members! If you are interested in having an active role in planning SPG’s 2018 events, email spg.uiuc@gmail.com for more details!

May Newsletter

Link

Visit our newsletter online

Inform Committee Meeting
Help us organize lectures by science policy scholars and practitioners by attending our Inform Committee Meeting this Wednesday, May 9 from 5 – 5:45 PM. Please e-mail the committee chair in advance for the location on campus. Contact Sudharsan Dwaraknath at dwarakn2@illinois.edu.

Date: Wednesday May 9
Time: 5- 5:45 PM
Location: For more details, email dwarakn2@illinois.edu

Union of Concerned Scientists Webinar Screening- How to Organize an Event that Makes an Impact!
Come join your fellow SPG members and learn how we can enhance our events and our group! The webinar will include discussion on the types of events that will help achieve our goals, get the attention of our elected officials, and have the most impact on federal or local science-based policies! Plus recruiting people for our events and ensuring that participants feel inspired and are able to stay involved.

Date: Wednesday May 16
Time: 6pm
Location: A446 CLSL

Please sign-up here so we have an estimated number for food/refreshments!
If you wish to screen remotely on your own you can register with UCS here.

Upcoming Celebration of our Graduating SPG members!
We are planning a celebration the week of May 14 to thank and celebrate our graduating SPG members! We’d like to hold a happy hour to wish them well on the next chapter of their lives! If you are graduating and want to take part please fill in your information here.
Please keep an eye out on Slack and Facebook for announcement regarding this developing event!

Date: TBA (week of May 14)
Time: TBA
Location: TBA

Policy Writing Game
The Science Policy Group will be hosting a summer policy writing game similar to a model UN activity in July 2018. Dr. Clifford Singer, the Director of the Program in Arms Control and Domestic and International Security at UIUC, will act as moderator for the event. SPG members will gather into groups, and will be presented with a scenario on which they must craft a very basic piece of science policy. Students will then debate and refine their crafted policy with the advice of the moderator as well as more experienced members of the science policy group. This event will give members an opportunity to explore the fundamentals and complexities behind policy writing in an informal and fun setting. Refreshments will be provided.

When and where: July 2018 (Location, date, and time TBD)

MRSEC event – The Intro: Connection is a Choice
Illinois MRSEC presents a plenary by an expert from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
This interactive session introduces participants to general principles in how to craft short, clear, conversational statements, intelligible to non-scientists, about what you do and why it matters. The session consists of an interactive presentation and discussion on interpreting technical material using examples and analogies to illuminate unfamiliar concepts to your audience. This plenary will address problems and solutions in public interactions as well as peer-to-peer communication. Participants will be actively engaged in improvisation exercises and will practice clarity in speaking to non-scientists about their work.

Date: Friday May 18
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
Location: 204 Loomis (Physics Interaction Room)

Join one of our committees!
All of our committees are recruiting new members! If you are interested in having an active role in planning SPG’s 2018 events, email us at spg.uiuc@gmail.com for more details!

Connect with us!
Follow updates from our group on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and WordPress!

March Newsletter

View our newsletter online

How to Write your Representative

Want to make a positive impact on Congressional science policy, but unsure how? Come to our evening workshop and learn how to write a personalized letter to your Congressional Representative! The workshop will be led by J.C. Kibbey, Midwest Outreach and Policy Advocate at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Food and drink will be provided. More information here.

Date: Wednesday, March 7th
Time: 4:00-5:50 pm
Location: English Building, Room 108

Get-out-the-vote

The March primary elections are just around the corner! Your vote is crucial for positively impacting science-based policy. Early voting begins March 13th, the Tuesday before Spring Break, at several locations, including Illini Union Room 213. Polling places will be open every day from March 13th through March 20th. Voter registration instructions, voter guide, and polling locations will be posted on our facebook event page here.

Fellowship Workshop

Interested in learning more about national science policy fellowships? Come join us and previous AAAS Science Policy Fellowship recipients Dr. Gay Miller and Dr. Melissa Cragin for a workshop providing first-hand insight in to one of the premier science policy fellowships! We will also provide an overview of some of the major science policy fellowships, application dates to know, and tips on how to strengthen your application over the summer. More information here.

Date: Monday, March 12th
Time: 3:30-5:00 pm
Location: ACES Library Monsanto Room

Join one of our committees!

All of our committees are recruiting new members! If you are interested in having an active role in planning SPG’s 2018 events, contact Suds Dwaraknath (dwarakn2@illinois.edu – Inform Committee), Libby Haywood (mayberr3@illinois.edu – Professional Development Committee), or Robby Goldman (rgoldma3@illinois.edu – Advocacy Committee) for more details!

December Newsletter

SPG Welcomes the 2018 Executive Board

We are excited to welcome the 2018 Executive Board and thank the 2017 Executive Board for their year of service!

2018 Executive Board:

  • President – Kali Serrano (Chemistry)
  • Vice President – Alif Laila Tisha (Kinesiology)
  • Treasurer – Ryan Rooney (Chemistry)
  • Professional Development Committee Chair – Libby Haywood (Microbiology)
  • Inform Committee Chair – Austin Weigle (Chemistry)
  • Advocacy Committee Chair – Robby Goldman (Geology)
  • Advertising – Katie Chiang (Comparative Biosciences)
  • Partnerships Chair – Tony Griffin (Materials Science)
  • Webmaster – Christian Ocier and Corey Richards (Materials Science)
  • Faculty Advisor – Prof. Greg Girolami (Chemistry)

2017 Executive Board:

  • President – Suds Dwaraknath (Chemistry)
  • Vice President – Courtney Ford (Chemsitry)
  • Treasurer – Ryan Rooney (Chemistry)
  • Professional Development Committee Chair – Libby Haywood (Microbiology)
  • Inform Committee Chair – Noah Schorr (Chemistry)
  • Advocacy Committee Chair – David Stevens (Chemistry)
  • Advertising – Kevin Harnden (Chemistry)
  • Partnerships Chair – Zack Gordon (Chemistry)
  • Webmaster – Kali Miller (Chemistry)
  • Faculty Advisor – Prof. Greg Girolami (Chemistry)

Join one of our committees!

All of our committees are recruiting new members! If you are interested in having an active role in planning SPG’s 2018 events, contact Austin Weigle (aweigle2@illinois.edu – Inform Committee), Libby Haywood (mayberr3@illinois.edu – Professional Development Committee), or Robby Goldman (rgoldma3@illinois.edu – Advocacy Committee) for more details!

View our newsletter online: here

October Newsletter

2018 Executive Board Elections

We are soliciting self-nominations for the 2018 SPG Executive Board! The Executive board includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Webmaster, Advertising Chair, Professional Development Committee Chair, Inform Committee Chair, Advocacy Committee Chair, and Partnerships Chair. Descriptions of the responsibilities of each position can be found on our website. If you are interested in running for a board position and would like more information, feel free to set up a meeting with our president by emailing spg.uiuc@gmail.com.

Nominations will be accepted through October 27th. Ballots will then be sent to voting members and the results announced shortly after.

Springfield Visit

On Wednesday, October 25th, SPG is going to Springfield to learn more about the state legislative process. There will be discussions on how to advocate effectively with the University of Illinois’ Office of Government Relations and Senator Scott Bennett. We will have a chance to watch a legislative session on the assembly floor and have several meetings with Illinois Representatives and Senators.

We will be leaving campus at 8:15 am and returning to campus around 6 pm. Attendees are expected to attend the entire trip and will need to bring money for lunch. Spaces on this trip are limited. If you are interested in attending, please contact David as soon as possible!

Intersectionality within the Sciences Reading Group

Have you ever questioned how gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, and disabilities play into STEM? Our Reading Group includes readings from critical race theory and feminism and will examine how the inclusion and exclusion of marginalized groups shape STEM education and scientific policy-making. Open to both undergraduates and graduate students, participants need no background in social sciences or cultural studies. Join us from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Asian American Cultural Center conference room on October 24th, November 14th, and November 28th. We will be fininsing the unit on gender in October and starting the unit on sexuality in November.

August Newsletter

Full newsletter can be found here: http://illinois.edu/emailer/newsletter/137775.html

Fighting Gerrymandering with Blue Waters

Professor Wendy K. Tam Cho from the Departments of Political Science, Statistics, and Asian American Studies will be discussing her research on analyzing and reforming redistricting to prevent gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is when politicians manipulate district lines within a state to gain an advantage over the opposition party. Politicians can use redistricting to aggregate voters in one district that benefit their own political platform. Alternatively, they can neutralize a person’s vote by aggregating them into a district that will ensure their vote becomes part of the minority group of people.

Gerrymandering has a palpable consequence for eligible voters. Political parties in charge can keep their power even after losing a popular vote. This causes representatives to not properly represent their constituents, furthering the partisan divide.

This talk discusses how the computational power of Blue Waters, along with mathematical methods, can tackle the problem of gerrymandering. Additionally, it will illustrate how STEM disciplines, which are unrelated to politics, can be used to address political issues.

Thursday August 31, 2:30 PM, CLSL B102

Intersectionality within the Sciences Reading Group

Have you ever questioned how gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, and disabilities play into STEM? Come to our Reading Group affiliated with the Science Policy Group. Introducing readings from critical race theory and feminism, we will examine how the inclusion and exclusion of marginalized groups shape STEM education and scientific policy-making. Open to both undergraduates and graduate students, participants need no background in social sciences or cultural studies. Starting September 12, we will have bimonthly meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in the conference room, Asian American Cultural Center to discuss the readings.  For more information, visit the Science Policy Group Reading Group website.

Sustainability and Science Policy Workshop

The Science Policy Group and the Students Sustainability Committee will be offering a day-long workshop that will help students learn more about how science and sustainability policies are developed, implemented, and advanced. The workshop will include lectures and interactive sessions led by facilitators from a range of backgrounds. Registration for the interactive sessions is required and will be filled on a first come, first served basis up to 50 people! Morning and afternoon lectures are open to the general public.

Thursday September 21, 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Illini Union 314 A & B

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Lecture) Introducing Scientists to Science Policy

2:00 PM to 3:45 PM (Interactive Sessions) Effective Lobbying Strategies & Economic Trade-offs of Creating New Policies

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Lecture) Sustainability in Research and Policy

Executive Board Elections in October

Elections for the 2018 Science Policy Group Executive Board will take place in October.  In order to run for a position or cast a vote, you must have attended 2 SPG events in the calendar year or served on a committee for 6 months.  If you have questions regarding your eligibility, please contact Courtney (clford2@illinois.edu).

Interested in joining one of our committees?  Visit our website for more information!

May Newsletter

Upcoming Science Policy Fellowship Workshop

The Professional Development Committee is planning a Science Policy Fellowship Workshop to take place this summer. We would like to know the policy fellowships you are interested in so we can build our workshop around your interests! Please fill out our survey by Friday, May 12th to give your input.

State Senator Scott Bennett to give a talk in June

Sen. Scott Bennett will be coming to campus to give a public talk on lawmaking for science Thursday, June 15th at 4 PM. Stay tuned for more details!

April Events

Our monthly email can be found here: http://illinois.edu/emailer/newsletter/126214.html

Subscribe here: https://illinois.edu/gm/subscribe/43447

Call a Representative Day

The Advocacy Committee has organized Call a Representative Day for members of our campus community to contact their elected officials because of significant cuts to federal funding for research in President Trump’s budget proposal. Stop by for a few minutes to receive the contact information for your representatives and talking points for urging your representatives to stand up for science funding!

Date and time: Monday, April 10th 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Venue: 104 Illini Union

Brown Bag Lunch – Diversity Initiatives in STEM

Science Policy Group is hosting a brown bag lunch discussion on diversity policy initiatives in STEM.  The goal of this discussion is to introduce policies that promote diversity in STEM (such as NSF’s Broadening Participation Initiatives), to understand how these policies were drafted, and to evaluate their ability to recruit underrepresented groups to STEM fields.

Prof. Jennifer Greene from the Educational Psychology Department and Dr. Ellen Wang Althaus, Director of Graduate Diversity in the Department of Chemistry, will be guiding the discussion.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 19th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Venue: Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL

Bring your own lunch (if desired), coffee and cookies will be served

RSVP: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/3313674 (space is limited!)