2014 AAS CVD

My participation in the  2014 American Astronomical Society Congressional Visits Day (AAS CVD) gave me the opportunity to learn a great deal about the federal budget making process and communicating with congress. My experience in Washington, DC culminated with a meeting with my district’s representative, Tom Cole, where I talked with him about the research I do and what federal support of the sciences has meant to me.

Organizing a Local Visit

My visit to DC for the 2014 AAS CVD inspired me to organize a tour of my department’s basement research labs. This visit was publicized in our campus newspaper as well as the American Astronomical Society Policy Blog.

I hope to have more opportunities to explore the intersection between science and public policy in the future. I feel strongly that an enduring partnership between members of these two arenas will mutually benefit all involved. My limited experience in Washington has sparked a keen interested in the mechanics of this interdependency and I am eager to learn more.