2023 Diplomatic Skills Training for Emerging Scientists

THE AUTHORS

Chia Chun Angela Liang1; Rohini N. Guin2; Grace E. Tietz3, Marianne S. Meyersohn4, Ankita Arora5, Hao Nick Zhang6, Amy S. Ralston7

Affiliations:

1 Department of Earth System Science, University of California Irvine, USA

2 Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, USA

3 Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, USA

4 Department of Chemistry; University of Minnesota Twin Cities, USA

5 National Science Policy Network, Science Diplomacy Committee, USA

6 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, USA

7 Department of Physics, University of California Irvine, USA

ABOUT MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER

We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center with the vision that greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world leads to a more secure, prosperous future for all. Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Washington, DC, we have long served as a place where global leaders gather, future leaders are found, and international collaboration thrives. We believe we are stronger at home when globally engaged, so our mission is to strengthen engagement between the U.S. and the world to find solutions on shared global challenges. We do this by partnering with the U.S. government, the private sector, and the diplomatic community on four core pillars of focus in our work: global leadership, diplomatic engagement, culture, and corporate diplomacy.

EDITOR'S NOTE

This comprehensive report delves into the impact of the 2023 Diplomatic Skills Training Course for Emerging Scientists, a collaborative effort with the National Science Policy Network to empower early-career scientists with the essential tools of diplomacy.

While scientists are experts in research and analysis, diplomacy often requires leveraging skills in communication, networking, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Understanding the complex inner workings of the diplomatic apparatus, including the U.S. Department of State, embassies, and multilateral organizations can aid scientists in successfully leveraging their expertise in science and technology, environmental issues, and public health into a career in foreign policy. To bridge the gap between technical expertise and the soft skills needed for success in the diplomatic arena, Meridian partnered with the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) in 2022 to create a Diplomatic Skills Training for Scientists.

Meridian International Center and its Center for Diplomatic Engagement are privileged to present an insightful overview of this initiative, put together by 2023 course participants, which marks an ongoing stride in bridging the gap between science and diplomacy.

Summer 2024 marks the third year of this program, where participants will delve into the world of international relations, learn about the fundamentals of diplomacy, explore the nuances of multilateral and public diplomacy, study the art of diplomatic protocol, and develop negotiation strategies and tools for effective cross-cultural communication. The genesis of this endeavor dates to 2018, when the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) embarked on its mission to nurture the next generation of leaders in science policy, advocacy, and diplomacy. Building on the success of previous engagements, the collaboration with the Meridian International Center in 2022 saw the inception of a pilot Diplomatic Skills Training Course, laying the groundwork for a transformative educational journey.

To our esteemed readership comprising the Meridian International Center, NSPN stakeholders, aspiring science diplomats, and institutions contemplating similar endeavors, we invite you to delve into the wealth of insights from former course participants offered within these pages. May this report serve as both a testament to the power of collaboration and a catalyst for future initiatives to empower the next generation of science diplomats.

- Frank Justice, Vice President, Diplomatic Engagement, Meridian International Center

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Launched in 2018, the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) is a non-profit whose mission is to support and create opportunities for early career scientists in science policy, advocacy, and diplomacy. Since 2022, NSPN has hosted a diplomatic skills training program in partnership with the Meridian International Center, a non-partisan, nonprofit diplomacy center whose mission is to strengthen engagement between the United States and the world to find solutions to shared global challenges.

The goals of the 2023 program were: (1) to fill the gap in essential diplomacy knowledge for NSPN members who come from STEMM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) backgrounds, (2) to train NSPN members in soft skills that are required in diplomacy, and (3) to launch the careers of next-generation leaders in science diplomacy. This workshop report covers the motivation and structure of the program, course highlights, key takeaways from the class sessions, and a conclusion assessing the program's effectiveness in reaching its goals. As 2023 course participants, the authors conclude that the course effectively trained participants to meet the above strategic goals.

The intended audiences of this review are the Meridian International Center, NSPN staff and its members, individuals interested in science diplomacy, and organizations that intend to host similar training opportunities in the future.

I. INTRODUCTION

The National Science Policy Network (NSPN) is a non-profit whose mission is to provide resources for early career scientists in science policy, advocacy, and diplomacy. In the summer of 2022, NSPN and the Meridian International Center, a Washington DC-based non-profit with expertise in international relations and innovative solutions in transboundary challenges, launched a pilot Diplomatic Skills Training for Young Scientists course. Recognizing the importance of developing a workforce that speaks the languages of science and diplomacy to solve modern global challenges, the 2022 course aimed to provide early career scientists with foundational training in diplomacy and train the next generation of science diplomats. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 2022 pilot program, NSPN and the Meridian International Center updated and continued their program in the summer of 2023. Nineteen early-career scientists from NSPN were selected to join the program from across the United States. Because the program’s content catered to the intersection of science and diplomacy—a subject matter not typically covered in traditional STEMM programs.

In addition to covering essential knowledge in diplomacy—including protocol, public diplomacy, and internal diplomacy,—the program also trained participants in diplomatic soft skills like negotiation and cultural competency In this workshop report, we outline the 2023 course structure, discuss program highlights, compare the 2023 program to the 2022 pilot program using survey data from both years, identify key takeaways, and assess the program’s success in meeting its strategic goals. As class participants from the 2023 NSPN x Meridian Diplomatic Skills Training Course, we feel that the 2023 course has effectively trained participants in essential skills and knowledge of diplomacy. We also believe that this program would serve as an effective template for similar workshops in the future.

II. PROGRAM STRUCTURE

OVERALL PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The NSPN x Meridian Science Diplomacy Training Course (July 10 through August 28, 2023) was designed to provide a learning experience for early career scientists interested in diplomacy and international affairs. Members of NSPN representing a wide range of scientific backgrounds submitted applications to participate in the course, with candidates being assessed on their interests, goals, and past experiences in science diplomacy. Prior to each session, participants were assigned one to three readings. Six sessions were conducted online over Zoom, followed by a final in-person session in Washington, D.C.. Each Zoom session lasted 2 hours, starting with a 30 to 45-minute presentation from the course's primary instructor, Tania Chomiak-Salvi—a former foreign service officer currently working as an instructor at the Department of State—and invited speakers. After the presentation, there was a 20 to 40-minute discussion. Following the discussion, trainees took a 15-minute break, after which they reconvened to work in small groups on a practical exercise simulating real-life diplomatic situations. This exercise lasted approximately 45 minutes, with groups then sharing their respective findings with the entire class. Finally, after 6 virtual sessions, the last session of the program included in-person visits to the Department of State and 3M’s corporate office, an American multinational corporation producing consumer and life science products. A negotiation simulation was held during the in-person visit to the 3M office. The full program curriculum is included in the table on the following page:

Session Date

Session 1

(Monday, July 10th, 2023)

Session 2

(Tuesday, July 11th, 2023)

Session 3

(Monday, July 17th, 2023)

Session 4

(Monday, July 24th, 2023)

Session 5

(Monday, July 31st, 2023)

Session 6

(Monday, August 21st, 2023)

Session Title Description

What is Diplomacy?

Multilateral Diplomacy

Public Diplomacy

Internal Diplomacy

Protocol

This session introduced the course structure and provided an overview of U.S. diplomacy practices.

This session introduced the framework of the United Nations system and other multinational structures.

This session discussed the role of the government in engaging with foreign public audiences to advance foreign policy goals.

This session discussed the diplomatic skills that are needed to advance priorities within an organization.

This session highlights the role of protocol in building diplomatic relations and its power to advance national interests.

Guest Speakers

Fernando Marani, Deputy Chef de Cabinet of the General Assembly of the United Nations

In-person session (Monday, August 28th, 2023)

Connecting Across Cultures

Diplomacy in DC

This session introduced crosscultural communication, applied in the context of academia, national traditions, and diplomacy.

This session highlighted the history of American Diplomacy and included a closed-door session on science diplomacy with experts from the State Department. The role of the private sector and methods in multilateral negotiation were also introduced. A negotiation simulation was held at the end.

Deneyse Kirkpatrick, Senior Advisor- U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State

Natalie Jones, Executive Vice President, Meridian International Center

Former Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States

Moradeke Bamgboye, Science & Technology Fellow, American Associatation for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); U.S. Department of State

U.S. Department of State:

- Allison Schwier, Deputy Director, Science & Technology, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser

- Jennifer “J.R.” Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

- Rod Schoonover, Founder and CEO, Ecological Futures Group; Former Senior Scientist and Senior Analyst, Bureau of Intelligence and Research

- Rebecca Peters, Senior International Water Policy Advisor, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Conservation and Water

- David Reinecke, Science and Technology Policy Fellow, AAAS; Office of Space Affairs and International Environmental and Scientific Affair

- Kathleen Stevens, Foreign Affairs Officer, Office of Science and Tech Cooperation

- Jonathan Margolis, Former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science, Space, and Health, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

3M:

- Tom Geier, Head of Federal Government Affairs, 3M

- Emilia Valbum, Head of Commercial Diplomacy & Trade, Government Affairs, 3M

STRUCTURE OF EACH SESSION

Session 1 (July 10th, 2023): What is Diplomacy?

In the first session, Patricia Gruver-Barr, Science Diplomacy Program Coordinator at NSPN, and Vishva Bhatt, Senior Associate at Meridian’s Center for Diplomatic Engagement, delivered opening remarks and brief introductions of their organizations. Afterward, Tania Chomiak-Salvi, the primary course instructor, introduced the definition of diplomacy, along with its various forms and key actors. She also provided a brief overview of the Department of State. After a 15-minute break, the final 30 minutes were used for a group exercise to practice advocacy and negotiation. In the exercise, group members were each tasked with advocating for a specific project; groups then had to negotiate and agree upon a budget to fund their respective projects. Afterwards, Ms. Chomiak-Salvi reconvened the class in the main session and answered any questions from the simulated negotiation. Providing participants with the opportunity to discuss and receive feedback immediately after the negotiation enabled them to improve their communication strategies in a diplomatic setting.

Session 2 (July 11th, 2023): Multilateral Diplomacy

The second session focused on multilateral diplomacy, shedding light on its benefits and challenges within the United Nations system and other multinational structures. The session commenced with a thoughtprovoking talk by Fernando Marani, Deputy Chief of Staff for the President of the United Nations for its 76th – 78th sessions. Marani emphasized the complexity and cultural diversity of actors in the international policymaking arena. This session underscored the significance of comprehending the subject matter and the diplomatic environment, highlighting the importance of face-to-face, confidential interactions to cultivate mutual trust. Furthermore, the session the importance of tact and composure in effective diplomacy, as well as the role of cultural connections in facilitating successful negotiations.

The interactive activity for this session simulated a public health scenario in the form of an infectious disease outbreak, forcing participants to contemplate the role of embassy staff in a situation with limited available

knowledge. Factors such as disease transmission, common transportation hubs, surveillance testing, and technology implementation were considered. The timeline for receiving support from intergovernmental organizations like the WHO, handling emergency triage in less developed countries, and assessing the accuracy of case reports on the ground were also explored. Moreover, participants discussed the impact of regional distrust on science communication and information dissemination, suggesting the importance of involving local institutions. This session provided valuable insights into the complexities of multilateral diplomacy and the skills required to navigate the terrain.

Session 3 (July 17th, 2023): Public Diplomacy

In the third session, the class discussed public diplomacy. Ms. Chomiak-Salvi led the session. While diplomacy can be defined as the practice of governments engaging other governments, public diplomacy focuses on how governments engage citizens of other nations. Effective public diplomacy comes from a bidirectional exchange of information— the public engages reciprocally with the foreign government. Public diplomacy is transparent (distinguishing it from intelligence) and done with the goal of influencing or informing global audiences to promote national interests.

These definitions spurred a productive conversation on the scope of public diplomacy, distinguishing it from propaganda and illustrating examples of cultural exchange (e.g., sharing a local dance form with the public of another country) or educational exchanges (e.g., state-sponsored exchange programs). The class also explored the role of mass media and social media in expanding the reach of public diplomacy. Further, the discussion highlighted ways that public diplomacy percolates into the everyday lives of scientists, citing examples of foreign research training opportunities. The session concluded with a group activity where participants crafted a communication plan to solicit government investments for their scientific research. Together, the groups considered the vested parties, practiced developing concise takeaway messages, and outlined what media platforms or levels of engagement they would use to share the final message.

Session 4 (July 24th, 2023): Internal Diplomacy

The fourth session focused on how to communicate like a diplomat. Just as each scientific field has its own language, diplomacy does as well. It is imperative for diplomats to communicate their message simply, concretely, and concisely. The session discussed the importance of preparing for meetings, researching the stakeholders in attendance, listing the goals of your participation and points to address, and following up with a key message summarizing the meeting’s key takeaways. These steps follow the ABCDEF model of communication, which stands for Audience, Behavior, Content, Delivery, Effect, and Follow-up.

Next, participants gained an understanding of various communication tools—including policy memos, press releases, social media posts, telegrams, demarches, or speeches—used in both external and internal diplomacy channels. Audience, takeaway message, and available resources dictate which tools diplomats employ.

During the second half of the session, the class continued learning about public diplomacy from Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick, Senior Advisor of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Kirkpatrick recapped her professional career and shared key insights into the day-to-day challenges of public diplomacy. Lastly, as a skill-building activity, participants were asked to prepare a 30-second elevator pitch describing the purpose and impact of their research projects. The attendees then delivered their pitches and received constructive feedback from both Ms. Kirkpatrick, Ms. Chomiak-Salvi, and their peers. To practice their written communication skills, the participants were assigned a short decision memo to request funds for the next phase of their research projects. Ms. Chomiak-Salvi provided individual feedback on the writing assignments before the next session.

Session 5 (July 31st, 2023): Protocol

In the fifth session of the course, participants learned about diplomatic protocol, often considered the uniting language of diplomacy. Protocol is defined as the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions. Students learned these foundational definitions from Natalie Jones, Meridian’s Executive Vice President who served as Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Department of State from 2011 to

Department of State may differ from those gained by scientists during their PhD program. For example, scientists working at the Department of State apply their knowledge to a broad range of issues, whereas PhD students dedicate themselves to a highly-specific topic.

In-Person Session (August 28th, 2023): Diplomacy in Washington D.C.

After six online sessions, participants gathered in person in Washington, D.C. to learn about diplomacy from experts at the Department of State and 3M.

The in-person session started in the morning at the National Museum of American Diplomacy, where participants heard stories about the history, practices, and challenges of American diplomacy. Later, the class gathered at the Department of State for a closeddoor session with department officials. The opening remarks were given by Allison Schwier, the Deputy Director of the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser. Schwier discussed the importance of training the next generation of science diplomats to leverage science as a tool to inform and craft policies for the public good. Immediately afterward, a panel discussion was held with other civil and foreign service officers at the Department of State, including Rod Schoonover, Rebecca Peters, David Reinecke, Kathleen Stevens, and Michael Masuda. Many of the panelists had transitioned into foreign service careers from a scientific background. During the panel discussion, participants asked the panelists about careers at the Department of State, the most recent projects at each office, and international cooperation occurring in scientific affairs. The closed-door session ended with closing remarks from Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES). She introduced OES' mission of providing American leadership, diplomacy, and scientific cooperation to conserve and protect the global environment, ocean, and space for future generations. Then, she described the work of the various offices within OES. Littlejohn ended her remarks by encouraging trainees to leverage scientific skills to deepen international cooperation in the fields of ocean, environment, and space.

After the visit to the Department of State, participants traveled to the 3M Science’s DC Office to meet with Tom

Geier, Head of Federal Government Affairs, and Emilia Valbum, Head of Commercial Diplomacy and Trade. During the visit, participants toured the 3M innovation center, which showcased 3M technologies across consumer products, medicine, space exploration, and defense. Then, participants discussed the private sector's role in shaping policy, along with how the private sector creates products that meet current policy guidelines and fulfill public interests. Lastly, participants engaged in a negotiation simulation about global fisheries. Participants were divided into groups representing foreign governments, the United Nations, and nonprofit organizations. Each group gave opening remarks on its stance on the issue and the expected outcome of the negotiation. Then, groups communicated with each other to establish mutual agreements. The simulation lasted three rounds; each time, the negotiations became increasingly complex. Ms. Chomiak-Salvi monitored and facilitated all rounds of the negotiation, and Dr. Jonathan Margolis—Professor at the University of Maryland— offered his insights to the cohort and cited relevant examples from his past work.

III. DISCUSSION

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Real-life diplomatic scenarios through weekly breakout room activities

The breakout room format facilitated peer engagement on weekly diplomacy-centered exercises, helping participants voice their perspectives and argue for or against simulated scenarios. Participants learned how to effectively integrate science communication into the language of diplomacy. The additional feedback from the course instructor, Ms. Chomiak-Salvi, augmented learning and provided first-hand experience from a successful career diplomat.

In-person visit to prestigious locations such as the Department of State and 3M

The in-person class session provided a unique window into the lives of diplomats. The tour at 3M also revealed the role of diplomacy in the private sector. From sitting inside formal meeting rooms conducting mock negotiations to hearing from seasoned diplomats at the Department of State, participants gained a better sense of the soft skills possessed by American diplomats. Through the end-of-course survey data, most students identified the in-person visit to be the highlight of the course. One point of feedback was that funding opportunities to attend the inperson session needed expansion. We suggest establishing additional travel awards for participants of the program, particularly for those with financial needs and those from the Midwest and West Coast.

Wide range of topics in diplomacy

Throughout the online sessions and the in-person event, participants were exposed to a wide array of topics and careers in science diplomacy. In this way, the organizers of the course reinforced the many avenues available for participants to engage in science diplomacy. For example, the in-person event showed the role of science diplomacy in both the government and private sector. Further, during the virtual sessions on public diplomacy and protocol, participants were reminded that diplomacy is a core tenet of scientific collaborations and academic exchange programs. The end-of-course survey data demonstrated participants gained the most comprehension in the five following areas: 1) the purpose of embassies; 2) the role of diplomats; 3) the primary actors in U.S. foreign policy; 4) conducting professional interactions with foreign nationals; and 5) dealing with protocol pitfalls.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS

In general, the 2023 course provided an appropriate schedule given the availability of participants, organizers, speakers, and resources. Two suggestions for the 2023 course or organizations that plan to hold similar activities in the future are:

More perspective from outside the U.S.

Overall, the program introduced diplomacy knowledge and cultivated the development of diplomatic soft skills for early career scientists. The authors here suggest that in addition to highlighting the American diplomacy career path and perspective, the program could also introduce class participants to perspectives on diplomacy from other countries or other paths to diplomacy for non-U.S. nationals. By diversifying the paths to diplomacy, more students will hopefully identify a diplomatic career as a viable option going forward.

More emphasis on non-governmental careers in diplomacy

The course highlighted important career trajectories in the Foreign Service and the Department of State but only briefly mentioned opportunities in the private sector during the final in-person session. The authors of this paper recommend that other career trajectories be introduced earlier in the course. Highlighting opportunities in international non-governmental organizations and think tanks would also bolster the course.

A COMPARISON OF THE 2023 COURSE TO THE 2022 PILOT COURSE

The NSPN x Meridian course organizers prepared pre and post-course evaluations which were used in the 2022 pilot course and the 2023 course. The findings helped identify trends across the two years. With respect to demographics, each cohort consisted of around 20 participants based in the United States, with the majority of participants located in the Eastern time zone. One key difference in the two iterations of the course was their structure. In 2022, the pilot course featured 4 sessions spanning 4 hours, while the 2023 course consisted of 6 virtual sessions lasting 2 hours each. The change in session timing in 2023 was a direct response to feedback stating that four-hour sessions were too long. Participants in 2023 found the sessions to be appropriate in length. Another change in the program was the topics chosen for each session. Compared to the pilot program in 2022, the program in 2023 expanded diplomacy into a few subfields (e.g., public diplomacy and internal diplomacy) and discussed each subfield in detail. Finally, for both the 2022 and 2023 programs, guest speakers contributions were valued by participants, who felt that the reading material helped them better understand the session topics. Overall, participants in both years felt the courses helped them reflect on whether they envisioned themselves in a diplomacy career. Interestingly, in both years, the course did not drastically change the career aspirations of most participants, and instead further confirmed them.

IV. KEY TAKEAWAYS

• DIPLOMACY CAN TAKE PLACE IN MANY SHAPES

Diplomacy is not just limited to formal engagements at the Department of State. International exchange research programs, cross-national collaborations, and even entertainment events are forms of public diplomacy. Diplomacy can also occur in many different settings with different goals. Public diplomacy, multilateral diplomacy, and protocol are ways to build respect and trust between nations.

• DIPLOMACY IS IN THE DETAILS

Protocol encourages respect between parties and, when utilized with cultural competency, it can foster and strengthen connections between nations. Diplomacy is often most successful when parties can engage in conversation that acknowledges underlying cultural details. These can be different cultural beliefs, values, biases, and communication styles. Beyond diplomacy, real, lasting agreements are ultimately made through personal connections.

• SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE DIPLOMACY NEGOTIATION TIPS

The most successful negotiations in diplomacy start with finding common ground. Diplomacy also requires risk-taking, persistence, and adaptability when conflicts arise to successfully diffuse tensions, build trust, and create peaceful solutions to global challenges.

V. CONCLUSIONS

The 2023 NSPN x Meridian Diplomatic Skills Training Course was well received by participants and organizers alike. The 2023 course effectively trained participants from various science backgrounds in the essentials of diplomacy and exposed them to possible career paths. Participants were able to expand their network, learn from highly decorated career diplomats, and pass on their newly gained knowledge to their communities.

We hope the format, content, and logistics of this 2023 course will inspire similar programs to sprout from universities, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities. As the second iteration of the Diplomatic Skills Training Course, the 2023 program evolved from its first launch and is a testament to the growing need for science diplomats. Science diplomats need to be at the forefront of key issues like responsible AI use, climate change, and space exploration. Through science, diplomats around the world will be empowered to reach multilateral solutions for complex, global issues. We hope this paper highlights the value of investing in early-career scientists to build a stronger diplomatic workforce.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We thank the organizers, the National Science Policy Network and Meridian International Center, for staging the Science Diplomacy Skills Training Course. We thank the primary lecturer, Tania Chomiak-Salvi, for providing such a wonderful learning environment to the participants. We want to thank all the guest speakers for taking the time to provide their wonderful insights. In addition, we want to thank Vishva Bhatt, the Senior Associate of Diplomatic Engagement with the Meridian International Center, Patricia Gruver-Barr, the Science Diplomacy Program Coordinator at NSPN, and Lauren Wagner, the current Science Diplomacy Chair at NSPN, for providing feedback and sharing their survey analyses from the first and second iterations of this course to augment our feedback and analysis. Lastly, we want to thank the Department of State and 3M for providing the cohort with a first-hand look at diplomacy in action and the day-to-day lives of diplomats.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Chia Chun Angela Liang

Chia-Chun (Angela) is a PhD candidate at the UCI Earth System Science Department. Her research focuses on better quantifying the Antarctic ice loss and its contribution to sea level using remote sensing, ground observations, and models. Besides her academic work, Angela is passionate about a science diplomacy career. Born and raised in a small coastal village in Taiwan, an island country that faces the challenge of rising sea levels, Angela understands the importance of advocating for evidence-based policy, particularly on climate change topics. Currently, Angela is the Science and Technology Advisor at Open Dialogues International Foundation and the Western Onboarding Chair at the National Science Policy Network. In addition, she is a co-founder of the Science Policy and Advocacy Network at UC Irvine (a chapter of the National Science Policy Network) and served as the president.

Rohini Guin

Rohini Guin is a second-year MD/PhD candidate at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and pursuing an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Science Communication through the Alan Alda Center. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Emory University and aims to pursue PhD work focused on the immune determinants of infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. She is the current Vice Chair of the Science Diplomacy Committee at NSPN and is pursuing diplomacy-centered research with the Global Health Security Agenda Consortium. Her policy interests domestically focus on healthcare economics, improving access to medicines crisis, and refugee health. She advocated for these causes through various roles within the American Medical Association, Physicians for Human Rights, and Students for a National Healthcare Program.

Grace Tietz

Grace Tietz is a Ph.D. student in the Genetics & Genomics Program at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to starting her graduate studies, she worked at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases where she facilitated data-sharing activities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and obtained her B.S. at the University of Maryland College Park. Her current research aims to improve the transferability of genetic testing across ancestries using population genetics approaches. Her policy interests are centered around the importance of improving diversity in genetics, both in the workforce and in the cohorts that are studied. She additionally has interests in data diplomacy and is the current vice president of the Houston Science Policy and Advocacy Group.

Marianne Meyersohn

Marianne is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Her work in the Center for Sustainable Polymers focuses on the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials from renewable feedstocks for high-performance elastomers that can be chemically recycled or degraded. Marianne is passionate about community and civic engagement especially surrounding environmental justice and sustainability topics. She is currently a board member of the Twin Cities Science Policy Network and enjoys engaging students in science policy spaces.

Ankita Arora

Ankita Arora is an RNA researcher turned science writer passionate about rare diseases, genomics, global health policy, and diplomacy. She has scientific expertise in all things molecular biology — genome editing, nextgeneration sequencing, genomics, and RNA transport. Her policy interests include the intersections of climate change and health, health equity, diversity in clinical trials and genomic data, and immigration. In addition, she loves to share her passion for science with nonscientists by bridging the gap between researchers and the public. She has written numerous pieces, including online blogs, feature articles, profiles, and opinions in local outlets. She is an ASBMB Advocacy Training Program and an eLife community ambassador alumnus. As a woman in STEM with lived experience in three continents (Asia, Europe, and North America), she has advocated for implementing DEI practices in STEM with a focus on international scholars.

Hao Nick Zhang

Hao Nick Zhang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, funded by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP). His research focuses on carbon utilization, aiming to design processes to reduce greenhouse gasses with a high degree of tunability and efficiency so it can mitigate the effects of climate change. Currently, Nick is the Vice President at the Johns Hopkins Science Policy and Diplomacy Group (JHSPDG) and working on diplomacy projects that connect students with diplomats/policymakers and writing science policy reviews.

Amy Ralston

Amy Ralston is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of California Irvine. Her current research focuses on combining Hubble Space Telescope images with hydrodynamic simulations to uncover the mechanisms of star formation within the dense environments at nodes in the Cosmic Web. At UCI, she serves as the Vice President of the Science Policy and Advocacy Network, a National Science Policy Network Chapter.

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