A program dedicated to placing scientists and engineers into state government to become more integral in the decision-making process has added more people to its roster, boasting the largest cohort in its history.
The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) announced its fifth cohort of nine fellows is its biggest yet.
Two of the fellows, Cailin Casey and Ellen Upton, will spend this year at the Idaho Legislative Services Office, Kimberly Gardner continues her joint appointment with the Idaho Department of Labor and Idaho Workforce Development Council, ISTPF announced. Both Casey and Upton are incoming to the program and Gardner is a second-year fellow.
“LSO is excited to host to ISTPF fellows for the next year,” said Paul Headlee, LSO deputy director. “They will bring research skills to our office and at the same time gain valuable insights into the policymaking process. They will provide additional resources to assist legislators during the 2025 session.”
According to ISTPF, Casey is an interdisciplinary researcher, specializing in bio-inspired mechanical engineering, and Upton specializes in immunology within biomedical science research. Both hold bachelor’s degrees and doctorates.
Gardner, who also holds a bachelor’s degree and doctorate, has a master’s degree as well. Her first year in the program made her an “integral part of the team developing metrics for Idaho LAUNCH, a $75 million grant program that aims to prepare Idaho’s students for the state’s workforce needs.”
Past fellows who participated in the program are Sarah Maher, Jared Talley, Anna Briggs, Samantha Werth, Sarah Hendricks and Veronika Vazhnik.
Along with placing scientists, social scientists and engineers into government to learn about policymaking and to use their specialties to address issues affecting the state, ISTPF also offers training to government, business and educational professionals. ISTPF is a partnership of University of Idaho, whose McClure Center for Public Policy Research serves as lead, Boise State University and Idaho State University.
“The ISTPF advances the connection between science and policy,” said Scott Green, president of U of I. “The U of I is proud to have partnered with Boise State and Idaho State on this joint endeavor for five years. “The ISTPF provides a great service to our state and aligns with our land grant mission by providing excellent opportunities for Idahoans to gain experience in science and technology policy.”
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