Hi SPOT,
Welcome to 2022! We’re back with plenty of opportunities to get involved this winter. Read on to learn more about what’s happening in the world of NU science policy.
SPOT News and Events
- SPOT Slack
Have you joined our SPOT Slack? Join to hear about science policy opportunities, share wins, and be in the know for all things SPOT! Email spotforcenu@gmail.com and we will add you.
- Don’t Look Up Lunch Discussion
Are you interested in discussing topics related to science communication and policy in a casual setting? We are resuming SPOT lunch discussions on Friday, February 4th from 1-2 pm with a discussion of the Netflix film Don’t Look Up! Watch the film (if you haven’t already) and join other students for a conversation about its portrayal of science. Although the discussion will take place over Zoom, we are offering lunch for pickup on the Evanston campus at 1 pm. Please register here.
- **New project** Collab with Citizens’ Greener Evanston
We are partnering with Citizens’ Greener Evanston to help educate our local community on climate change mitigation strategies. The product will be a series of one-pagers about topics like decarbonizing buildings including information on how residents can implement available tools in their own homes. To make these accessible, we will also convert information into infographics. Join this initiative here if you want to make an impact locally and gain skills on succinctly and thoroughly communicating science! This is the first phase of a potentially longer project to advise on policies in Evanston.
- Book Club Discussion
If you are interested in joining our regularly occurring Science Policy Book Club, please fill out this form. We meet bimonthly, starting in March to discuss Fatal Invention by Dorothy Roberts (2011)! Also, new this year, join the #book-club channel on our Slack if you’d like to share the book of the month to reduce purchasing/library reservations.
- Member Highlight
Starting this February, we will feature one exemplary SPOT member each month on our Twitter and Instagram. If you know a SPOT member with a recent accomplishment in the world of science policy or who deserves to be featured, you can nominate them using this form. Self-nominations and anonymous nominations are welcome!
Other Opportunities
- Volunteer Opportunity – Science Gallery Youth Symposium
The Youth Symposium is a four-day event that brings together young people across the globe to connect, exchange ideas and share knowledge. The theme is HOT AND BOTHERED – climate action. They are looking for proposals for workshops and sessions to contribute to the event. Learn more here!
- Internship Opportunity – Dept. of Energy ARPA-E Summer Scholar
The Dept. of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy is seeking applicants for the Technology-to-Market Summer Scholars program. Read the job postings and submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by the January 31st application deadline.
- City of Evanston Public Comments
Want to learn about and contribute to policies affecting our local community of Evanston? Attend and participate in an Evanston City Council meeting, held every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Submit a public comment to be given in person, via video, or via phone here! Find the meeting agenda here to learn when to tune in.
In the News
- NASA has completed deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope! The primary mirror is now fully deployed on the $10 billion telescope, which should reach its destination 1 million miles from Earth in the next few days. Once it has arrived and been aligned, the telescope will be used to study some of the oldest and most distant objects in the universe. You can read more about the deployment and the JWST here.
- The Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (PERRO) is calling on the city of Chicago to deny a new permit for a metal shredder due to possible violation of air pollution laws. The plant would be located less than a mile from three schools. Read more about this ongoing situation here.
- New York City Council bans natural gas in all newly constructed buildings. In an effort to cut carbon emissions, New York City follows cities like San Francisco and San Diego in a push towards electrification. Read more about the ban and proposed state legislation here.
Get Involved with SPOT
- Looking for a fun way to help people in our local Chicago community understand your science? SPOT’s outreach program, Science with Seniors, needs more volunteers for 2022! You’ll have the opportunity to present science topics of your choosing to elderly residents in both Evanston and Chicago, and practice your science communication skills along the way. Engaging with our local communities helps fight science misinformation and build public trust and appreciation of research, so we need YOU! Email emilyschafer2023@u.northwestern.edu to sign up.
- Do you think legislators could benefit from learning more about your research or scientific interests? We are currently looking for people interested in writing briefs for local representatives about scientific topics as part of our Legislative Outreach Team. Email kchintam@u.northwestern.edu if you are interested!
- Interested in contributing to local policy? SPOT is collaborating with Indivisible Northwestern and the Center for Civic Engagement to develop policy recommendations for the allocation of Evanston’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for COVID-19 relief. Opportunities to contribute include taking part in community assemblies and writing memos and policies on areas such as climate change and health care. This is a great opportunity to practice your policy-related writing skills and contribute to local policy! Email colleenoaposbrien2024@u.northwestern.edu if you are interested!
- Do you have any news/events/opportunities related to science policy that might be worth sharing? We welcome any items to add to the newsletter! Email spotforcenu@gmail.com if you want to share anything.
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