GradFUTURES Science Policy Learning Cohort: 3. What does evolving federal policy environment mean for State policy

Through guest speakers, case studies and immersive capstone, students will learn, discuss and investigate landscape and careers in science policy, at the federal and state levels. 

Session Description: Prof. Heather Howard directs State Health and Value StrategiesLinks to an external site., a program providing technical assistance to help state health officials expand health insurance coverage, make that coverage more affordable and easier to enroll in, and reduce health disparities. She will discuss the fiscal, political, and operational constraints affecting state health policy, including how the new federal policy environment is shaping those policy choices and the role (and limits) of research and evidence in policy development.

Guest lecturer: Prof. Heather Howard, Professor of the Practice at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, co-director of the Global Health Program, faculty affiliate of the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Prof. Howard served as New Jersey’s Commissioner of Health and Senior Services from 2008-2010 and now teaches courses on State and Local Health Policy, the Affordable Care Act, and Global Health Policy.

About the cohort: This cohort is in partnership with Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment (CPREE). Co-developed by Faculty Fellows in Professional Development Innovation and graduate students, this learning cohort leverages expertise of Princeton’s faculty, graduate students, staff and alumni, and external partners.

Learning Objectives

Participants of the GradFUTURES-C-PREE Science Policy Learning Cohort will learn and discuss the following:

• The landscape of science policy- how scientific evidence informs and influences policy making, and how policies impact scientific research.
• The systems, people and process policymaking at the federal and state levels including agenda setting and budget allocations.
• How stakeholders or constituents can inform or influence policy agendas. 
• Role of researchers in informing evidence-based science policy.
• Pathways into science policy for scientists and scholars across public or private sectors. 
• Visualizing ideas to actions through case studies, bills or acts passed (or failed to pass) at the federal or state level, and factors influencing outcomes. 
• Imperative for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, social scientists, public and policy makers for successful science policy.
• Effective communication skills to engage policy makers and constituents shaping science policy