East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) is pleased to announce a $432,801 grant award from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation that will support an expansion of CASE’s Science and Technology Fellowship Program in Connecticut. The fellowship program provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to engage with and support policymakers as they navigate increasingly complex policy issues in their public service to the state and its residents. Additionally, the program supports scientists and engineers during their fellowship with hands-on learning aimed at improving their ability to effectively communicate with policymakers and the public, ultimately leading to the goal of increasing the pipeline of scientists and engineers with public policy experience.

In 2017, CASE was one of nine states that received planning grants from the California Council for Science and Technology, with support from the Moore Foundation and the Simons Foundation. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) provided the first opportunity to place a CASE Science and Technology Policy Fellow. Following a competitive selection process, Dr. Anna Hagstrom, a recent graduate from Yale University with a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, served as CASE’s inaugural fellow, with her fellowship focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and emerging contaminants. Betsey Wingfield, DEEP’s Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Quality, shared that Dr. Hagstrom’s fellowship provided DEEP with the advantage of a skilled and talented resource on-site. And Betsey “loved the fact that we are working to integrate science and policy – and helping to develop the next generation of environmental leaders.” CASE is currently in the selection process for the next fellowship focused on Building Decarbonization.

“The Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program aligns with CASE’s mission to provide advice on issues of science and technology in public policy that affect the social and economic well-being of the people and the state of Connecticut,” CASE President Christine Caragianis Broadbridge said. “We are grateful to the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for their support, which will expand the program and assist CASE to leverage the support to raise additional resources that will sustain the program.”

See more about the Moore Foundation by visiting Moore.org and follow the foundation @MooreFound. Learn more about the CASE Fellowship program and follow the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering page on LinkedIn.