Anderson
Sarah Anderson loved learning and talking about science. She just didn’t enjoy actually doing it.
“I needed a different option,” says Anderson, who has a doctorate from Texas Tech University. “I came across the American Association for the Advancement of Science career test. When prompted about my interest in working in politics, my initial thought: never.”
Anderson is now a fellow with the Missouri Science and Technology (MOST) Policy Initiative, an independent nonprofit providing nonpartisan research for Missouri legislators.
“I very much stumbled my way into science policy,” she says. “I tell everyone about it, because I had never heard of it, and it’s an amazing field.”
NCSL reached out to Anderson to learn more about her fellowship.
Tell me about your work at MOST.
I am a human services and public safety fellow, so I cover people topics. If a legislator has a question about women, children, incarcerated people, police, firefighters, firearms or veterans, they come to me. It is very broad, but a strength of mine is learning about unfamiliar topics.
How did you get up to speed on Missouri’s policy issues?
MOST structures the fellowship to allow time for a state tour. From September to December, we met with residents and legislators in their hometowns across the state. I learned about the issues they face, their priorities and their efforts. It was incredibly grounding. The fellows began to feel connected to a place that was very different than our home states. The state tour also provided insights into what legislators would later ask of us.
What does your typical day look like?
My day varies depending on the time of year. From January to May, we receive the most requests. During that period, we track legislation and provide informational testimony. When we complete research requests, the information is shared online. I love this aspect of MOST, because other legislators can utilize our research. Of course, the requester remains anonymous. Anonymity allows legislators and staffers to ask questions that may not fit nicely into their parties. We don’t want anyone to be penalized for learning and asking questions.
After session ends in May, we are ready for vacation! We continue working on research requests, and fellows can focus on policy issues that came up during session that we didn’t have capacity for.
When fellows, staff or board members leave MOST, there is no mechanism to stay in touch, even though people want to stay connected. This summer, I am working with our consultant to create a MOST network. We want to bring together fellows, board members and other staff.
What was the transition like, going from science to policy?
There wasn’t a lot in the field that surprised me, simply because I had an embarrassing lack of knowledge when it came to politics, especially state politics. I slept through my 8 a.m. government class as an undergrad. I learned from the ground up.
One learning curve was the pace of policymaking. I compare the legislature to an airport, where you hurry up and wait. If a legislator needs research, we must deliver within a week. It’s an interesting dichotomy because a bill could take five years to pass. In academia, I grew cells for four days, then conducted an experiment for two days. After, I spent three days analyzing data. The pace of research was much faster.
What are your takeaways from the fellowship?
Words matter. If I am too ambiguous in my writing, the information could be interpreted differently across differing perspectives and goals. Additionally, it is satisfying to know that my work is impactful.
My experience is that legislators want to conduct good policymaking. They want to pass good bills and make informed decisions. After this role, I feel more optimistic about the legislative process. I see that legislators recognize the value of bipartisanship and making evidence-based decisions.
Any recommendations for others thinking about applying to the MOST fellowship?
Relocating was an adjustment, but I really enjoyed living in Jefferson City. There were good restaurants, good hiking, and the rent was very affordable. I would recommend living in central Missouri to anybody who’s considering it.
Maddy Tyner is a policy associate with the Center for Results-Driven Governing. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Science Policy Fellowship Spotlight
State Legislatures News is running a series profiling the participants of state science policy fellowships across the nation. Programs allow predominately Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers to apply their training and expertise to the development of state policy.
Read about other fellows: Ellia La, Sarah Maher, Ryan Nesselrodt, Celia Smits