Three UConn graduate students from the School of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recently participated in a science policy workshop sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The program was organized to educate graduate students about the role of science in policy making, to introduce them to the federal policy-making process, and to empower them with ways to become a voice for basic research throughout their careers.

Tanisha Williams of ecology and evolutionary biology, Manuel Rivas and Tulsi Patel in materials science and engineering, participated in the three-and-a-half day program in Washington, D.C., last month, where they learned about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement.

In addition, they participated in interactive seminars about policy-making and communication.

The program was funded by a coalition of scientific and engineering societies, universities, and academic organizations to offer an opportunity for upper-class undergraduate and graduate students in science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines to learn about science policy and advocacy.