ABOUT
The Virginia Tech Science Policy Education and Advocacy Club (SPEAC) was founded in Fall of 2019 with the goal of connecting members to careers and roles in government and policy. As science and policy unavoidably become more connected, it is imperative that scientists and engineers learn to use their voices and help advise the decisions that will shape the future. We are an officially recognized chapter of the National Science Policy Network and are a local Allied Group with the Union of Concerned Scientists. We are primarily comprised of graduate students, although undergraduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty are welcome to get involved.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to:
Educate members about careers and opportunities in science policy and highlight why it’s important to have scientists and engineers involved in developing legislation,
Help members develop the skills to effectively communicate science and policy ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences, and
Empower members to get involved in advocacy and have a voice in shaping government and policy.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
KATHRYNÂ LOPEZ
President & Founder
Ph.D. Student in Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
B.S. in Chemical-Materials Engineering, Florida State University
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Kathryn became intrigued by the world of policy when she first met her congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. She desires to see more science being used wisely in policy-making and hopes to help bridge the gap between politicians and scientists and engineers. Her scientific goals include expanding access to clean drinking water and designing sustainable water supply systems, and she is currently is investigating how road salt contamination is impacting drinking water infrastructure and quality. She aspires to become a faculty member focusing on the intersection of science and engineering and law and policy. In her spare time, she enjoys lifting weights, spending time with her rescue dog, and reading about history and the human experience.
KORY WAIT
Vice President
Ph.D Candidate in Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
M.S in Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
B.S in Chemical Engineering, Purdue University
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Kory researches potential risks to drinking water from private wells including the effects of policy in well water treatment and groundwater protection. Specifically, his research examines the science behind well water disinfection practices and the impacts of coal ash disposal ponds on groundwater supplies. In the future, he hopes to continue his work with drinking water quality in private wells. On campus, Kory enjoys participating in intramural sports and professional organizations including AWWA and ASCE.
REBECCA KRISS
Treasurer
Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
M.S.E. in Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins
B.S. in Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins
Rebecca seeks to improve citizen science tools for drinking water applications. She currently researches detection of lead in drinking water using commercial at-home test kits and how water conditions affect copper release in drinking water. She hopes to use science to help improve peoples' everyday lives. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, cooking/baking, spending time with her husband and two cats, and spinning fire.
JOSIE DUNCAN
Secretary
Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University
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Josie is researching novel methods for cancer diagnostics using microfluidics in order to study tumor progression and advance the field of personalized medicine. She hopes to develop a diagnostic tool that optimizes early cancer detection and accurately predicts the best course of treatment for patients. Upon graduation, Josie hopes to become a researcher in a national laboratory or other government agency, developing medical devices that capitalize on the advantages of microfluidics and translate well from bench to bedside. She also enjoys anything outside, walking her cat, and spending time at church.
SARAH HALL
Advocacy Chair
Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Tech
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Tech
B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Sarah is focused on providing a non-invasive, targeted therapy for patients with cancer. Specifically, she is researching the treatment of metastatic breast cancer using nanoparticle-mediated focused ultrasound, immunomodulation, and combination therapies. After completing her Ph.D., Sarah aspires to work in science policy at an executive agency either at the state or federal level. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her two cats, Ana and Jax.
GATES PALISSERY (PRONOUNS: SHE/THEY)
Professional Development Chair
Ph.D. Student in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech
BS in Neuroscience and Creative Writing, Carnegie Mellon
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Gates is studying how social influences affect behaviour, particularly when it comes to decision making and risk-taking. Her interest in science policy and how scientists can be more effectively involved in policy stems from witnessing the government's response (or lack thereof) to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunity SciPol provides to bridge her interests in science and law is too good to pass up. In the future, they want to join the world of politics and try to make a difference by educating and informing politicians, as well as advocating for people like them. In their free time, Gates enjoys writing novels, reading comics, running marathons, and hanging out with their cats.
TOLU ODIMAYOMI
Event Planning Committee
Ph.D. Student in Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech
M.S. in Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Purdue University
Tolu is interested in water quality monitoring in the built environment, water infrastructure safety, and community engagement. Her current research investigates strategies to control the growth of opportunistic pathogens in building plumbing. After finishing her studies, Tolu aspires to a career as a professor in academia. She hopes to equip the next generation of engineering professionals to meet challenges towards providing access to sustainable and safe water. Outside of research, Tolu enjoys sewing, working on puzzles, watching musicals, and hiking with friends.
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DR. TODD SCHENK
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Todd Schenk is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. He has extensive research and consulting experience working on environmental policy and planning, and collaborative governance issues in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Dr. Schenk is currently working with interdisciplinary teams on climate adaptation, species management, water pollution, and other environmental issues, with a focus on collaborative governance at the science-policy interface. He is director of a new program at VT called Science, Technology & Engineering in Policy (STEP), which is providing STEM-H graduate students with the understanding and competencies to work with other stakeholders in policy processes. He is (co)author/editor of two books and numerous articles on joint fact-finding, climate action planning, and other topics. He is extremely excited and honored to work with the passionate and wise SPEAC students.
