Recap of the first meeting of the fall semester

The first FOSEP meeting was kicked off by President Victoria DiStefano, who gave an overview of the organization and the upcoming aims for the semester. Scott Satinover volunteered for the open interim position of Recruitment Officer – welcome, Scott, and thank you!

Mark Christian talked about his experience developing the house bill HB2151, giving tips and guidance about the most effective way to get things done in the political environment (remember to wear a suit, get there early, and know your stuff!). He also went in to how to develop the message behind a bill like that, details of which can be found in our minutes below, or by emailing us at fosep_UT@utk.edu.

Guinevere Shaw then discussed her experience with Knoxville’s Volunteer Community Network and her success winning 3rd place in the Howard Baker Public Policy Challenge. She gave advice on how to create a policy pitch for the panel, and the lessons she learned trying to create something to bridge the gap between students and volunteer opportunities in schools. Guinevere also named current outreach programs like GAME and Volunteer Knoxville, for those interested in pursuing such opportunities. Once again, more details can be found in the minutes or by emailing us with your questions.

Future events were discussed, including the upcoming big event for the semester: our invited science policy speaker Gregory Mack! The event will be held October 25th at 5pm in the Baker Center Toyota Auditorium. Keep an eye out for more information as well as for other upcoming events we will be hosting regularly.

A survey is available for you to fill out what meeting times and topics you would like to see from FOSEP. Follow this link https://utk.collegiatelink.net/form/start/108790 and thank you in advance for providing us with valuable feedback! We look forward to tailoring this chapter of FOSEP to meet your interests!

Some additional events that may be of interest include:

Wed., Sept. 28, 5 pm Voterpalooza! – Hear from students representing the Presidential candidates in a fun and open atmosphere! Sponsored by UT Political Science students.

Thursday, September 29, 1-2:30 pm – E&E FORUM: Michael Hutchins, Director of American Bird Conservancy’s (ABC’s) Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign

Thursday, September 30, from 10 am–12 pm the Office of Research & Engagement Open House in Blount Hall

Tuesday, October 4, 6:30 pm Science Policy and the Election – a roundtable discussion of current issues in science and where the presidential candidates stand

fosep_minutes-from-first-meeting-of-fall-semester-2016

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Published by FOSEP at UTK

"The UTK Forum of Science Ethics and Policy (FOSEP), founded in 2015, is a group of graduate (and some undergraduate) students who work closely with UTK Faculty, the UTK Washington DC Office, and other science policy advocates to better understand how scientists can play a central role in the framing of science and technology policy legislation and public discourse. We strive to create better scientists and engineers as well as a better society through rigorous research and authentic engagement with public policy. Our programming includes monthly meetings, lunch seminars, a 5 day short course during the summer, and student trips to meet with lawmakers in Washington DC. We focus on educating science students on challenges facing our community at the institutional, local, and national level, to enable them to be better researchers and advocates, who are capable of effecting change in support of scientific progress. Our mission is to foster connections between researchers to policy makers. We work to place UTK’s young researchers at the intersection of rigorous scientific research and public policy, such that they are well equipped to contribute to the development of both fields." ~Guin Shaw, 2017 Vice President, FOSEP