Texas A&M Doctoral Students Attend Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop in Washington, DC
CASE seeks to equip graduate students with a deeper understanding of how science, public policy and advocacy intersect
Pictured left to right: Kevin Koo (Senior Legislative Assistant at the U.S. House of Representatives), Manivannan Sivaperuman Kalairaj (TAMU), Stephanie Hendricks (TAMU), Jenna Turpin (TAMU), Zahra Mahebbinaye (TAMU) and Holten Stringer (Associate Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates).
Photo Courtesy of the Students
Four Texas A&M doctoral students attended the recent Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop in Washington, D.C., April 12–15. Hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), CASE features programming intended to equip graduate students with a deeper understanding of how science, public policy and advocacy intersect, including training on the federal budget and appropriations process, science communication and strategies for engaging with policymakers.
Representing Texas A&M at this year’s workshop were Jenna Turpin (ecology and conservation biology), Manivannan Sivaperuman Kalairaj (biomedical engineering), Zahra Mohebbinaye (food science and technology) and Stephanie Hendricks (biology). Each student returned with a strengthened commitment to connecting scientific research with real-world impact.
For Turpin, the workshop reinforced her goal of bridging research, education and policy. “This experience provided concrete tools to translate scientific findings into clear, actionable information for decision-makers and public audiences,” Turpin said. “What I learned will help me develop policy briefs, legislative summaries and public-facing research materials that connect empirical evidence to real-world policy implications.”
For Kalairaj and Mohebbinaye, the workshop deepened their understanding on the relationship between federal priorities and research, so that they can better align research with national priorities. “With sessions on the federal policy-making process, the budget and appropriations cycle, and strategies for science communication, I can better help students connect science to real-world societal and policy issues,” said Kalairaj. Mohebbinaye said, “what I learned at CASE will help me to better align research proposals with national priorities and contribute more effectively to interdisciplinary collaborations.”
Hendricks, who plans to build a career in government service focused on conservation and restoration, said the experience gave her a stronger understanding of how policy shapes research and environmental management. “My goal is to support science-informed policies and programs that promote the health and sustainability of ecosystems, marine organisms, and the communities that rely on them,” she said. “The CASE Workshop provided a strong foundation for bridging the gap between scientific research and effective government action, enabling me to advocate for evidence-based conservation strategies and responsible stewardship of natural resources.”
Participation in the CASE Workshop reflects the Graduate and Professional School’s commitment to preparing students to lead not only in their academic disciplines, but also in public engagement and policy, said Dr. Fuhui Tong, associate provost and dean of the Graduate and Professional School.
“We are proud to support this professional development opportunity and this year’s cohort as they answer the call to selfless service,” Tong said. “Through experiences like CASE, our students are learning how to ensure the research taking place on our campus has meaningful impact across our state, nation and world.”
