Moscow, Idaho (KIFI) — An expanded fellowship program at three Idaho universities is placing two scientists at Idaho government agencies to put scientific expertise to work. on decision-making.
The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) is a nonpartisan program that provides state scientists, social scientists, and engineers with first-hand access to policymaking, while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges facing Idaho. This scholarship is a third-year partnership between Boise State University, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho. My McClure Center for Public Policy Studies is the director of the project.
New researchers, Dr. Anna Briggs and Dr. Sarah Maher, began their fellowships in late August. Briggs will spend her fellowship year at the Idaho Office of Legislative Services, while Maher will spend her fellowship year at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This is the first year ISTPF has placed a fellow in the Office of Legislative Services. Previously, fellows were placed with the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the Idaho STEM Action Center.
“The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship provides Idaho scientists, social scientists, and engineers with a unique experience in participating in Idaho policy development and policy implementation,” said Idaho State University President Kevin Satterley Say. “In return, the government of Idaho benefits from the expertise and creativity these fellows bring. The expansion of this program provides fellows with an opportunity to put their vast talents to work on timely issues facing our state. “
Briggs received his Ph.D. in entomology, and his M.S. and B.S. degrees in animal and veterinary medicine from the University of Idaho. Her research focuses on vector diseases, studying the biological factors that influence the transmission of malaria parasites.
Maher is an interdisciplinary researcher with expertise in magnetism research and data analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, an MS in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a BA in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Victoria.
“The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is proud to partner with the ISTPF program to provide exciting opportunities for fellows interested in the intersection of policy and science,” said Mary Anne Nelson, DEQ Surface and Wastewater Division Administrator, former DEQ Host office with a seat on the ISTPF Advisory Board. “The program has recruited excellent candidates who have provided valuable insights and assistance to our department and gained experience in policy evaluation and implementation. DEQ looks forward to continuing our collaboration for many years to come.”
ISTPF has raised over $1 million to launch and grow the program. Sources of financial support for the third year include the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Idaho National Laboratory on behalf of the Battelle Energy Alliance, Idaho STEM Action Center, Micron Foundation, POWER Engineers, Boise State University, Love Daho State University, University of Idaho and individual donors.