Most issues that politicians address are not focused solely on science, but scientists bring many valuable tools to the political environment.  We are comfortable with uncertainty and often able to recognize important trends in complicated data.  In order to join the political arena successfully, we need to stress the tools we bring which will apply to a variety of situations, not just the technical knowledge we also posess.  I served as an ACS/AAAS Congressional fellow in 2010-11 working in Senator Rockefeller's office.  While there were a few mining and other chemical related issues during my year of service, far more time was spent on science funding issues and education issues at every level.  My tools served me well.  I currently serve on the Gunnison Watershed RE1J school board.  Our district has a strong STEAM program and a great Project Lead the Way partnership, but serving as a successful school board member requires input on much more than just these programs.  This presentation will focus on my experiences and the tools I think we can highlight as scientists seek to get elected to public office.<br/>

It's not what you know, it's what you can do: Tools to succeed in public office

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.