Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop
The Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering workshop is an opportunity for STEM undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs to learn from science policy and advocacy experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. The workshop empowers participants with ways to become a voice for basic research throughout their careers.
Learn more about the CASE workshop
Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering Workshop in Washington, D.C.
March 26-29, 2023
Washington, D.C.
Each year, the Graduate School sends two University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate students to learn about science policy and advocacy at the CASE workshop in Washington D.C. The Graduate School hosts a competitive process to select the UW–Madison graduate students to attend the CASE workshop and covers the cost of travel, accommodations, meals, and event registration for the graduate students selected to attend.
The workshop, sponsored by a coalition of scientific groups including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), was organized to educate STEM graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in learning about the role of science in policy-making, to introduce them to the federal policy-making process, and to empower them with ways to become a voice for basic research throughout their careers. The entry-level workshop was designed for students in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, with limited experience and knowledge of science policy and advocacy who want to learn more about science policy.
Students participat in a three-and-a-half day program in Washington, D.C. Participants learn about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement. In addition, students participate in interactive seminars about policy-making and communication. On the last day of the program, students have the option to form teams and conduct meetings with their elected Members of Congress and congressional staff.
The workshop was absolutely phenomenal. AAAS brought in people from all over D.C., multiple agencies, and Capitol Hill to provide a solid introduction to the science policy process. The unique opportunity to be with bright STEM graduate students from across the U.S. to network, share research, and talk about future collaborations was very special. And, the experience of meeting with Wisconsin members on the Hill with the UW Federal Relations department was an excellent learning experience (and very fun!). CASE is hands down a highlight of my grad school career, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I learned so much that will be beneficial for my future pursuits, and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
Sarah Alexander, 2019 CASE attendee, PhD Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering
The following graduate student was selected to attend the CASE workshop in 2023.
Neydis Moreno Morales
PhD student, Biophysics
Neydis is a PhD student in Biophysics at UW–Madison and a member of the SciMed Graduate Research Scholars community. She is currently a research assistant in the McClean Lab. In her time as a graduate student so far, Neydis has volunteered as a research mentor, at science festivals, as a panelist for visiting prospective students, and as a tour guide for high school and undergraduate students visiting the lab.
Neydis said service is an important part of her scientific identity.
“I’ve participated in scientific outreach, mentoring, and teaching because it supports my sense of belonging and purpose in science. As I near the end of my PhD studies I’m recognizing my responsibility to participate in the scientific policy process,” she said. “The individuals involved in a movement matters. Each person brings their expertise and life experiences to the table. My identities as a first generation, bilingual, Latina STEM scientist makes me a particularly powerful ally both to science and the public.”