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Tuesday, Jan. 12
9:00AM Networking and Open Discussion (optional)
9:30AM Where does Science Policy happen? Local, State, and Federal Perspectives
How does policy reform actually happen? The answer depends on a confluence of local, state, and federal institutional powers. In this session, we will discuss what happens at each level of government and provide insight into how science is used to inform policy decisions.
Moderator, Linnea Saby, UVA Science Policy Bootcamp Planning Team
Dr. Ali Nouri, a molecular biologist, is the President of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), an organization that for the last 75 years has been at the forefront of addressing global risks that range from nuclear weapons to pandemics. Nouri is co-chair of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s New Voices initiative; he is co-chair of the NAS Forum on COVID-19; and he serves on the National Academy’s Global Science Diplomacy Roundtable on which he is co-chair of the subcommittee on countering disinformation. Prior to assuming his role at FAS, Nouri served in Congress advising Senators Jim Webb and Al Franken, and served as an advisor in the office of then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Dr. Jared Mondschein is a researcher at RAND Corporation. His work focuses on helping city leaders address social and technological challenges. Jared has worked with stakeholders from cities across the country, ranging from Los Angeles, CA to Caldwell, ID. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University in 2018 studying materials for the transformation of water into fuels.
Del. Sam Rasoul was elected in January 2014 to represent the people of the 11th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. In his four terms in the General Assembly, he has consistently prioritized everyday Virginians and the future of our planet in the legislation he has supported.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Roanoke College and Master’s Degree in International Business from Hawaii Pacific University, Sam became a small business owner and later the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit healthcare firm. Sam channeled his passion for healthcare reform into finding more compassionate ways to care for our seniors and helping with maternal and child health in East Africa.
Sam's guiding philosophy starts with the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated. Sam leads with his values of respect, fairness, and liberty for all. He and his wife Layaly have three children.
Del. Rasoul is participating in his role as an elected delegate of Virginia rather than as a political candidate.
10:45AM Science in Community Advocacy: Working with Nonprofits and Grassroots Group
Nonprofit organizations often play a key role in advocating for science-based policy reform on issues from vaccines to climate change. In this session, you’ll learn how scientists use their skills to support community- based initiatives through data analysis, literature review, and comment writing. We will discuss real-world examples and opportunities for early-career scientists to engage with nonprofits in Virginia and beyond.
Moderator, Linnea Saby, UVA Science Policy Bootcamp Planning Team