When Science Speaks

When was the last time a science and policy article went viral? If you are struggling to think of one, you aren’t alone. With the help of skilled professionals like Dr. Jeffrey Toney, the tide might be changing.

What does it take to kickstart a career in science advocacy? Do you need to make the right connections and relationships at the right time or is a "make it up as you go" type of endeavor? If you've wondered about getting involved with this critical work, you've come to the right place. Here to share her experience getting involved with science advocacy is Dr. Adriana Bankston. Dr. Bankston is a skeletal muscle biologist turned science policy researcher. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Future of Research, a nonprofit organization with a mission to champion, engage and empower early career scientists with evidence-based resources to improve the scientific research endeavor. Her goals are to promote science policy and advocacy for junior scientists and to gather and present data on various issues in the current scientific system. Previously, Dr. Bankston was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Louisville. She obtained a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and a Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology from Emory University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Adriana Bankston.
• [3:15] What led Dr. Bankston to work in policy and advocacy?
• [5:30] How did Dr. Bankston's policy work resonate with her peers in the lab?
• [7:15] Why is mentorship so important?
• [11:30] How has Dr. Bankston's Ph.D. experience impact her current work?
• [15:00] An important lesson, find the subject that you are passionate about.
• [17:30] What are Dr. Bankston's future plans? What does she want to be working on?
• [20:45] Interacting with policymakers and advocating for science.
• [26:00] Dr. Bankston talks about her role at the Journal of Science Policy & Governance.

Connect with Dr. Adriana Bankston

• Dr. Bankston's website
• Follow Dr. Bankston on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned

• Future of Research
• Journal of Science Policy and Governance

Getting involved with science advocacy

While there may be some individuals out there who lock on to science advocacy work early, for Dr. Adriana Bankston it was more of a "pulling at a loose thread" type of scenario. When she was working on her postdoc research, Adriana came across some fascinating information about her postdoc peers and their efforts securing employment. From that moment on, Dr. Bankston was hooked, she went on to connect with several organizations that were involved with science advocacy and preparing science professionals for the workplace. One big takeaway from Dr. Bankston's work is following that thread that captures your interest. Too often people either get pigeonholed or pigeonhole themselves into a specific arena where they lack a driving interest or passion. Don't let practicality supplant your innate drive for curiosity, who knows, that thread you unravel could lead you to important work like Dr. Bankston's. Make sure to follow Dr. Bankston's fascinating work in science advocacy by checking out the links in the resource section at the end of this post.

Mentorship and planning for the future

Throughout your education or career, have you benefited from a mentoring relationship? Have you had the opportunity to act as a mentor for someone else? Mentorship is one of those vital aspects of professional development that many people fail to appreciate or understand. Let's face it; mentorship is not for the faint of heart. If you are going to engage in this sort of robust professional development you've got to carve out the time. Dr. Bankston recognized the value of learning from a mentor, so she made it a priority on her calendar, sacrificing time after work and even during lunch breaks. In the end, Dr. Bankston is convinced that all that sacrifice was worth it. Not only did she grow as a professional, but her mentoring relationship also allowed her to see the value of looking ahead with a bold vision for the future. Looking forward, Adriana is intrigued by two paths in her field. On the one hand, she is considering the value of staying local with her advocacy work and focusing her efforts with university administrations to create new programs for postdocs. Then there is the more flashy and popular route of working specifically in the policy sector and seeing her work have a more wide-reaching impact.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

What does it take to kickstart a career in science advocacy? Do you need to make the right connections and relationships at the right time or is a "make it up as you go" type of endeavor? If you’ve wondered about getting involved with this critical work, you’ve come to the right place. Here to share her experience getting involved with science advocacy is Dr. Adriana Bankston. 

Dr. Bankston is a skeletal muscle biologist turned science policy researcher. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Future of Research, a nonprofit organization with a mission to champion, engage and empower early career scientists with evidence-based resources to improve the scientific research endeavor. Her goals are to promote science policy and advocacy for junior scientists and to gather and present data on various issues in the current scientific system. Previously, Dr. Bankston was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Louisville. She obtained a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and a Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology from Emory University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Adriana Bankston.
• [3:15] What led Dr. Bankston to work in policy and advocacy?
• [5:30] How did Dr. Bankston’s policy work resonate with her peers in the lab?
• [7:15] Why is mentorship so important?
• [11:30] How has Dr. Bankston’s Ph.D. experience impact her current work?
• [15:00] An important lesson, find the subject that you are passionate about.
• [17:30] What are Dr. Bankston’s future plans? What does she want to be working on?
• [20:45] Interacting with policymakers and advocating for science.
• [26:00] Dr. Bankston talks about her role at the Journal of Science Policy & Governance.

Connect with Dr. Adriana Bankston

• Dr. Bankston’s website
• Follow Dr. Bankston on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned

• Future of Research
• Journal of Science Policy and Governance

Getting involved with science advocacy

While there may be some individuals out there who lock on to science advocacy work early, for Dr. Adriana Bankston it was more of a “pulling at a loose thread” type of scenario. When she was working on her postdoc research, Adriana came across some fascinating information about her postdoc peers and their efforts securing employment. From that moment on, Dr. Bankston was hooked, she went on to connect with several organizations that were involved with science advocacy and preparing science professionals for the workplace. 

One big takeaway from Dr. Bankston’s work is following that thread that captures your interest. Too often people either get pigeonholed or pigeonhole themselves into a specific arena where they lack a driving interest or passion. Don’t let practicality supplant your innate drive for curiosity, who knows, that thread you unravel could lead you to important work like Dr. Bankston’s. Make sure to follow Dr. Bankston’s fascinating work in science advocacy by checking out the links in the resource section at the end of this post.

Mentorship and planning for the future

Throughout your education or career, have you benefited from a mentoring relationship? Have you had the opportunity to act as a mentor for someone else? Mentorship is one of those vital aspects of professional development that many people fail to appreciate or understand. Let’s face it; mentorship is not for the faint of heart. If you are going to engage in this sort of robust professional development you’ve got to carve out the time. Dr. Bankston recognized the value of learning from a mentor, so she made it a priority on her calendar, sacrificing time after work and even during lunch breaks. 

In the end, Dr. Bankston is convinced that all that sacrifice was worth it. Not only did she grow as a professional, but her mentoring relationship also allowed her to see the value of looking ahead with a bold vision for the future. Looking forward, Adriana is intrigued by two paths in her field. On the one hand, she is considering the value of staying local with her advocacy work and focusing her efforts with university administrations to create new programs for postdocs. Then there is the more flashy and popular route of working specifically in the policy sector and seeing her work have a more wide-reaching impact.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Did you know that there is a distinct and valuable advantage to having more scientists running for office? When scientists step out and contribute to the political process, we get more people making policy decisions that value facts and evidence. During the midterm elections, ten new science-credentialed candidates were elected: one senator and nine members of the House. The current members of the 115th Congress include one physicist, one microbiologist, and one chemist, as well as eight engineers and one mathematician. The medical professions are slightly better represented, with three nurses and 15 doctors, as well as at least three veterinarians. Here to discuss the unique advantage of getting scientists elected to public office is Shaughnessy Naughton. Shaughnessy is an entrepreneur with a degree in chemistry and a passion for understanding the role of science in our everyday lives. With a background in research and drug discovery, Shaughnessy decided to get involved in politics because she is concerned about the future of science in the United States.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [0:43] Mark introduces his guest, Shaughnessy Naughton.
• [3:00] Why we need more politicians who value facts and evidence.
• [4:45] Is there a typical profile that 314 Action looks for in prospective candidates?
• [6:30] Should scientists and medical professionals, "Stay in their lane?"
• [9:00] Shaughnessy talks about her experience running for political office.
• [10:45] How are scientists uniquely positioned to operate in politics and policy-making?
• [12:45] What are the future plans for 314 Action?

Connect with Shaughnessy Naughton

• Shaughnessy on Twitter
• Shaughnessy on Facebook
• 314 Action Fund website
• 314 Action on Twitter
• 314 Action on Facebook

We should celebrate scientists running for office

Recently the NRA told medical professionals that they need to, "Stay in their lane" and stop talking about gun control. Should professionals like scientists, engineers, and health care workers sit on the sidelines while policies are created? According to Shaughnessy Naughton, the answer is a resounding, "No!" Shaughnessy is passionate about energizing and mobilizing as many science professionals as possible into the work of politics and public policy, at all levels of government. Shaughnessy is so passionate about getting these professionals into politics because she recognizes the value of having legislators who champion a robust trust in facts and evidence. One of the main reasons we have failed as a nation to tackle issues such as gun control, health care, and climate change can be traced back to the fact that we fail to heed the findings from scientists and researchers. Learn more about Shaughnessy's efforts to get more scientists running for office by checking out the resource section at the end of this post.

The unique advantage scientists bring to the table

Let's face it, right now our politics are personality driven. What if there were a way to get away from the personality and ego of political disagreements and get down to the facts? Shaughnessy Naughton wants to see more scientists running for office to deflate the giant ego trip and get us back to facts and evidence-based policy decisions. While each person brings a different perspective to the table, scientists tend to take a more collaborative approach to making decisions.

Recognizing a severe deficit of scientists involved in politics, Shaughnessy launched her campaign back in 2014. After running a business for over a decade, she stepped up to run for Congress in Pennsylvania's 8th District. With no prior political experience, other than phoning legislators and knocking on doors for campaigns, she faced an uphill battle. Ultimately, Shaughnessy was not successful, but she did receive a tremendous amount of support from the scientific community. In light of her experience running for office, Shaughnessy founded 314 Action to encourage and unite the scientific community to do more than advocate for science, and to get involved in the political process. To hear more about Shaughnessy's valuable work with 314 Action, make sure to listen to this informative episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Here to discuss the unique advantage of getting scientists elected to public office is Shaughnessy Naughton. Shaughnessy is an entrepreneur with a degree in chemistry and a passion for understanding the role of science in our everyday lives. With a background in research and drug discovery, Shaughnessy decided to get involved in politics because she is concerned about the future of science in the United States.

What does it take to get involved with science policy work substantively and effectively? Are the opportunities out there easy to find or do you have to do some digging? In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Wayne as she opens up about her journey into science policy work, why science shouldn't stay out of politics, the value of civic engagement, and so much more.

Dr. Wayne is an award-winning biomedical engineer, TED Fellow, speaker, and advocate for women in higher education. She is also the co-host of the PhDivas Podcast. Dr. Wayne is currently a National Cancer Institute Cancer Nanotechnology Training Program Postdoctoral Fellow in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC-Chapel Hill.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Elizabeth Wayne.
• [3:00] Dr. Wayne opens up about how she got started with science policy.
• [4:45] Why science shouldn't stay out of politics.
• [7:45] How to get involved with science policy work.
• [11:15] The power of civic engagement.
• [18:30] How failing early can help you succeed.
• [24:15] Leverage your expertise!

Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Wayne

• Check out Dr. Wayne's website
• Follow Dr. Wayne on Twitter
• Connect with Dr. Wayne on Facebook
• Listen to Dr. Wayne's podcast, PhDivas

Why science shouldn't stay out of politics

Have you ever heard someone say that this field of study or that particular interest should, "Stay out of politics?" Is that truly a fair request? Don't some of the most critical aspects of our lives intersect with politics at some point? The last thing that we need in our current environmental crisis is for scientists to stay out of politics. We need these experts and valuable voices to speak out and make sure that our elected officials understand the vital data they need as they shape science policy.

Dr. Elizabeth Wayne is hard at work making a case for increased science involvement when it comes to public policy. Looking at lessons learned from history, Dr. Wayne explains that going back to the 1940's you can see a robust effort by many to fund scientific endeavors with federal funds. Her primary point centers on the fact that since the agencies that support many scientific endeavors were founded in politics, scientists have a vested interest in the political sphere.

Science policy and civic engagement

If you are ready to get involved with science policy, where do you start? Dr. Wayne explains that one of the best ways to get involved when you are attending an educational institution is to look for the science policy work that is already going on. If that step is a dead end, she suggests connecting with the school's federal relations department (i.e., the lobbyists for the school) to see how they can help highlight your work and its intersection with politics.

You don't have to be connected to an institution of higher learning to get involved. There is a huge need now, more than ever, for scientists and specialists to jump into the work of civic engagement. From making phone calls and emails to showing up to your representative's office, you have the power to move the needle and make an impact. Don't let yourself get sucked into an attitude of apathy and resignation; you have the right and the power to lift your voice and become part of the solution in politics.

Make sure to catch Mark's full conversation with Dr. Wayne as she expands on these important topics and much more.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

What does it take to get involved with science policy work substantively and effectively? Are the opportunities out there easy to find or do you have to do some digging? In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Wayne as she opens up about her journey into science policy work, why science shouldn’t stay out of politics, the value of civic engagement, and so much more.

What will it take to get more people engaged with civic activism? Too often, people think of voting as their primary means to make an impact politically. The truth is, you can do so much more than merely vote. Don't let the media's narrow focus on national topics blind you from what is going on in your backyard. Mark Epley is here to help unpack this concept of civic activism and how everyone can get engaged.

Mark currently works on Capitol Hill as the General Counsel to Congressman Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mark handles a wide variety of tasks for the Speaker and his daily agenda includes functions such as briefing the Speaker on current legal issues, organizing and participating in strategy meetings, and negotiating with the staff of other Representatives to build support for proposed legislation.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [0:45] Mark introduces his guest, Mark Epley.
• [3:00] Mark talks about working in the US Capitol building.
• [6:30] The role of civic activism in our democracy.
• [8:30] What is the impact of storytelling in policy creation?
• [11:15] How do elected officials conduct oversight of the Executive Branch?
• [19:40] The value of effective writing in government work.
• [24:00] Advice for individuals who want to get involved in policy work.
• [28:00] Why it's important to get involved in local politics.

Connect with Mark Epley

• Mark Epley on LinkedIn

Civic activism matters

If you are a professional in a given field, public policy needs your voice and input. While that may be difficult to do on the national scene, one place you can start is local. For example, if you are a scientist or engineer, you have a valuable perspective that your local politicians might be missing. Don't let them move forward with that initiative, proposition, or project without lending your input and professional viewpoint.

It's vital people like you get out there and get involved. When you take the time to get involved, you not only bring your professional experience, you bring your story as well. While it would be nice if facts and figures were all it would take to change policy, the truth is, we need compelling stories. How can you leverage your story to make an impact in your community?

It may not sound sexy, but oversight is crucial

What do you think of when you hear the term, oversight? For many, it gets cataloged as some boring topic that politicians are involved with but has no real impact on our everyday lives. While it may not sound sexy, oversight is vital to an ethical and functioning democracy. It would be disastrous if we fail to value and properly elevate the role that oversight plays in keeping our government and elected officials accountable in a system of checks and balances as intended by the U.S. Constitution.

Mark Epley says that oversight, in a nutshell, is, "A commitment to surveying facts in our system pertinent to the lawmaking jurisdiction." He also explains that oversight is the ability for the government to investigate and find solutions to circumstances that harm the public. Highlighting the value of narrative, Mark also explains that through the exercise of oversight, Congress can get to the bottom of issues like airbag failures to name one example. If you've ever wondered what role oversight plays in our government and if it's necessary, those questions get meaningful answers from Mark's expert perspective.

Learn more from Mark and his unique insights as the General Counsel to Speaker Ryan by listening to this informative episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

What will it take to get more people engaged with civic activism? Too often, people think of voting as their primary means to make an impact politically. The truth is, you can do so much more than merely vote. Don’t let the media’s narrow focus on national topics blind you from what is going on in your backyard. Mark Epley is here to help unpack this concept of civic activism and how everyone can get engaged.

What is the best way to set yourself up for success in the public square? Does it come down to knowing the right people or connecting to the right organization? Those strategies certainly help, but you should also consider cultivating a diversified skill set. Bringing her wealth of experience to this relevant topic is my guest, Chequeta Allen.

Chequeta is the consummate professional. She has led a multifaceted career in both the public and private sectors. At the University of SoCal, Chequeta taught Health Information Systems for nearly five years in the MHA program. Currently, Chequeta is making an impact in her role as the Product Marketing Director of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Salesforce.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:35] I introduce my guest, Chequeta Allen.
• [3:15] Chequeta talks about her experience helping students at Stanford.
• [5:20] It can be professionally beneficial to hone your skills & acquire various certificates.
• [7:00] Why did Chequeta work on a scientific management project?
• [10:25] What does it take to be a good mentor?
• [13:00] The value of reading and following your interests.

Connect with Chequeta Allen

• Follow Chequeta on Twitter
• Check out Chequeta's LinkedIn profile

Adapt or perish.

In our everchanging world, the unvarnished truth is if you don't adapt you'll perish. That might sound extream or hyperbolic but, in reality, this lesson is getting played out in headlines and breaking news stories every day. If you don't want to be another statistic, you've got to learn how to reinvent yourself in a way that makes you stand out from all the rest.

In her career, Chequeta has assisted a multitude of students and peers with navigating this treacherous landscape. In her opinion, the best course of action doesn't always involve racking up degree after degree. Many professionals can benefit by joining something as simple as the local Toastmasters organization. The key here is to focus on professional development and building a diverse skill set.

Do you need a mentor?

What has been your experience with mentors? Have you had a mentor at any point in your career? Have you considered taking the time to mentor someone else in your field? If you think about it, you are at the level of success you enjoy today because someone took the time to invest in you. Maybe for you, it was a professor, a peer, or a supervisor.

Looking back at her career, Chequeta can see a whole list full of amazing individuals who took the time to help guide and shape her education. According to Chequeta, a mentoring relationship is all about common ground. A healthy mentoring relationship isn't just a one-way road. The mentor and the mentee should invest in this mutually beneficial exchange.

To hear more from Chequeta's valuable perspective, make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17