Since its inception in February of 2017, SPOT has organized science education seminars at retirement communities, in which students present topics related to their research that support understanding of current events or policy while conveying the importance of public research funding to achieve societal impacts. Through SPOT, members have also participated in legislative visits to Washington, D.C., attended a United Nations Science Diplomacy meeting in New York City, helped coordinate a local town hall to educate voters about environment and energy legislation, and have organized a student visit to the Chicago offices of state representatives and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. These initiatives have been strengthened by training from outreach experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists in developing compelling narratives that connect with policymakers and the voting public.
FIRST FRIDAY DISCUSSIONS SERIES 2019
Each month, SPOT hosts a discussion on a topic related to science policy or science in the news. Discussions are typically held on the first Friday of each month at noon. There is pizza!! Thanks to MRSEC for their support of this series.
JUNE 7, 2018 – UN FORUM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOR ACHIEVING SDGS
APRIL 24TH, 2018 – SPRINGFIELD VISIT
SPOT visited the State Capitol! We met key state legislators, including a dinner with Sen. Daniel Biss, to advocate for evidence-based policy and discuss science-related issues.
MARCH 7, 2018 – OP-ED WRITING WORKSHOP WITH PROF. DONNA LEFF
SPOT and our advisor, Professor Donna Leff (Medill School of Journalism), held an op-ed writing workshop, with an emphasis on science and science policy related issues.
Participants should brought two op-eds with them to the session (one they liked and one they didn’t), as well as an idea for an op-ed they would like to write. We then discussed what makes a good op-ed, tips for good writing, pitching your story, and coming up with good op-ed topics. The session closed with a brief writing exercise.