Josh is ESPA's President. He is a 4th year chemistry PhD student in the Sanford lab. He studies palladium and sulfur catalysis and looks at organometallic intermediates to study reaction profiles. He is interested in connecting scientists with the government to better enact change within society. Outside of lab, he enjoys music, reading, and exercising.  

Emily (she/her) is ESPA’s Vice President. She is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Chemistry Department. Her research focuses on characterizing individual aerosol particles based on their morphology and elemental composition.  Emily is interested in working at the intersection of science and policy, and is passionate about making scientific ideas more accessible to the public. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors.

Maddie (she/her) is ESPA's Secretary. She is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the Chemistry Department with research focusing on the development of new biocatalytic transformations using PLP-dependent enzymes. Maddie is passionate about bridging the gap between scientists and government officials to bring about change in a more effective and efficient manner. In her free time, Maddie enjoys reading, hanging out with her friends, and spoiling her cat Archer (yes after the Taylor Swift song). 

Maddie (she/her) is ESPA’s Treasurer. She is a 4th year Ph.D. candidate in the Chemistry Department. Her research focuses on identifying and quantifying atmospheric microplastics in Michigan. Maddie’s research with community partners around the state fuels her interest in policy to address environmental justice concerns. Outside of the lab, Maddie enjoys reading, crafting, and camping.  

Txai (she) is a 5th year PhD candidate in Materials Science and Engineering, pursuing a certificate in the Science, Technology, and Public Policy certificate program. Her research focus is on deep-learning driven image analysis of materials for civilian nuclear energy use. Working at the intersection of AI and nuclear power, Txai recognizes the importance of conscientious and reflective scientific work and hopes to encourage conversation around ethical and policy-oriented science. In her free time she enjoys creating art, foraging, and taking long walks.  

Anya is ESPA's public engagement chair. She is a 2nd year Chemistry PhD student studying how Arctic gas-phase chemical cycles have been impacted by the extensive oil and gas production in the region. Anya is passionate about making scientific findings more accessible to the public and opening avenues of communication between policy makers and the scientific community. Outside of work, Anya enjoys traveling, being outdoors, reading, and writing.  

Ally (she/her) is ESPA's Government Engagement Chair. She is a 2nd year PhD student in the Chemistry Department studying semiconductor photoelectrochemistry. Ally is passionate to aid in fostering a supportive environment for scientists to communicate their work, influence policy decisions, and drive positive change. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time outdoors! 

Taylor is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering. He recently got his PhD from Boston University where he studied urban NO2 pollution and evaluated the effectiveness of remote sensing for monitoring this trace gas in coastal urban areas. Taylor’s current research focuses on developing novel methods to infer nitrous oxide emissions, a greenhouse gas, and assessing the capabilities of space-based instruments to quantify methane emissions. Outside of work Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors through running, walking his dog, and camping.  

Sara (she/her) serves as ESPA’s National Science Policy Network (NSPN) Liaison and Social Media Coordinator. She is a 4th year Ph.D. Candidate in Pharmacology and an M.S. Candidate in Bioinformatics studying candidate therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Sara is particularly interested in informing health, drug, and biotechnology policy and is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of science for non-scientific audiences.