The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) is a year of service and learning. It’s also an opportunity to explore career pathways and enhance professional networks.
“How does the program impact a fellow’s career trajectories?” We’re dedicating the fourth live chat in our 2021 series to explore this question. Join us on August 18 at 1 p.m. ET for Career Exploration & Professional Opportunities for Fellows.
Hear stories about how fellows used the fellowship to explore career paths they had not previously considered. And find out how they leveraged their experiences, skill sets and networks after their fellowship. Plus, we’ll share information about career trends for alumni fellows.
You will also have the chance to ask fellows your questions about the chat theme.
View the full chat schedule here.
CHAT PARTICIPANTS
Gillian Bowser, 2011-12 Executive Branch Fellow, U.S. Department of State, Office of Marine Conservation
Dr. Gillian Bowser is a research scientist in the Natural Resource Ecology Lab and Associate Professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on ecological indicators of climate change, specifically in Brazil and Peru, looking at the linkages between changing ecological conditions, local community livelihoods and climate. Dr. Bowser previously worked as a wildlife biologist and ecologist for the U.S. National Park Service in Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Joshua Tree and Wrangell St. Elias. She currently serves on the board for the Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network, and participated in the U.N. Framework on Climate Change Convention and U.N. Global Environmental Outlook.
Anita Burgos, 2018-19 AAAS Congressional Science & Engineering Fellow, Office of Senator Tina Smith
Dr. Anita Burgos is the Senior Health Policy Advisor for Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly. Dr. Burgos worked as a senior policy analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, leading the behavioral health portfolio. Before joining BPC, Dr. Burgos worked on health care policy for U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) as a AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow. During her time with Senator Smith, Dr. Burgos focused on drug pricing reform, increasing insulin access and affordability, reducing health care costs, and rural health. Prior to doing health policy, Dr. Burgos was a research scientist at Columbia University. Dr. Burgos obtained her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Columbia University. Her research focused on how sensory information, such as pain and touch, converges in the nervous system.
Don Ufford, 2020-22 Executive Branch Fellow, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Advanced Manufacturing (NIST)
Originally from a farm in South Dakota, Don left to study engineering job at Ford Motor Company in Michigan. During his 30 years at Ford, he had the opportunity to lead product development and manufacturing teams around the world creating great vehicles like the Ford Escape, F150 and Mustang. Don lived in Japan and Germany while leading teams in those regions. Since retiring from Ford, he has consulted in the manufacturing and start-up space. He is also a member of the Michigan FIRST Robotics board of directors and has focused on starting elementary school level robotics teams in under-served communities and volunteering with SCORE to provide guidance and solve issues for small and medium sized businesses. He and his wife live near Detroit, MI and have a son who is at Westpoint, a daughter who just completed her BS Bio-Med Eng at Vanderbilt and a new puppy. In their non-COVID-19 life, they enjoy restaurants with friends, international travel, outdoor bicycling, hiking, camping, and helping others.