Science Policy
I feel strongly that experts should use their knowledge to help organizations of all scales ranging from local to international to make informed policy decisions. Expert opinions hold a lot of weight, and even small gestures can have significant impacts.
I wrote a short whitepaper called The Future Impacts of Robotics on the Environment, and was selected as part of the committee on the 2020 US Robotics Roadmap. I participated in a two-day workshop with robotics experts in Fall 2020, and the updated roadmap was published in Fall 2020. I used the opportunity to push for more emphasis on the use of robotics for sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and to assist efforts to make renewable energy more affordable.
During my graduate studies I was part of the Science Policy Outreach Task Force (SPOT), and saw many ways that people can work to enact change. The group is in contact with state representatives in Illinois, and I compiled a 1-page summary of the state of recycling in Illinois that was distributed to members of the state legislature. I also presented the findings to graduate students at Northwestern, and emphasized the need to reduce consumption, but also the benefits of an effective recycling program. I am also a member of the National Science Policy Network where I connect with passionate scientists from around the country!
STEM Mentoring
I benefited from STEM education at an early age which led me to work with numerous youth education programs during my graduate studies in Chicago:
- I mentored multiple high school students working on engineering projects through the MORE program at Northwestern. Projects included designing autonomous robots for security systems, prototyping a helmet that measures impact forces to estimate concussion risk, and testing the effectiveness of different nutrition mixes for hydroponic gardening.
- I developed two single-day classes for the SPLASH high school education programs in 2014 and 2017 on the The Rise of Robotics and the Science of Sound.
- I partnered with Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry to film graduate students discussing their research as part of the Robot Revolution exhibit that traveled to science museums all around the country.
- I have also been involved in many one-off events such as judging science fair competitions and running design sprints.
In Chicago I was also involved with Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO), an outreach program of Sierra Club Outdoors that works to connect youth with limited access to the outdoors with outings that promote exploration, wellness & leadership in their own backyard.