New York State of STEM: Empowering policymakers with scientific and technical expertise
Authors: Mary Moran, Emily Laurilliard, Joseph Long, Gisel De La Cerda and Andrea Arnedo
Executive Summary
Policymakers in New York State (NYS) must understand STEM principles to address local environmental concerns (e.g. clean water/air), health (e.g. mental health care), and economic development (e.g. semiconductor expansion). With this knowledge, NYS policymakers can make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of their constituents and the state. STEM professionals can empower NYS policymakers in these efforts by informing and recommending policies based on their expertise. Other states have developed fellowship programs to recruit STEM professionals to serve as technical advisors in their state government. Following the models of successful state programs, we propose the following options to increase the involvement of STEM professionals in the policymaking process:
- Option 1: Adapt existing NYS govt. fellowship programs to increase STEM professional involvement.
- Option 2: Create an independent NYS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship.
Introduction
New York’s policy agenda, highlighted by the 2023 State of the State address, prioritizes STEM-related matters such as environmental sustainability, public health, and economic development. For example, a proposed Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration will coordinate the semiconductor industry in the state, creating thousands of jobs in companies like Micron Technology and solidifying NYS as a leader in the industry. Furthermore, the state plans to invest $4.2 billion in environment and climate resiliency projects (e.g. clean water, zero emission energy goals by 2040), and $182.5 million in agricultural projects (e.g. local food supply, soil health), demonstrating a clear desire to address challenges across diverse sectors in the state.
New York’s combination of a well-educated workforce, industry-university collaborations, incentive programs, and manufacturing capacity make it a leader in STEM-related activities [Figure 1]. The NSF Science & Engineering State Indicators ranks NY as fourth in STEM labor force, third in GDP, and fifth in R&D performance.
A recent analysis from the Scientists in State Politics Database shows that ~3% of the NYS legislature are healthcare professionals or have an advanced degree in STEM. Therefore, the NYS legislature has to directly tap into the expansive STEM expertise within the state to enhance their evidence-based decision making. To specifically address the state’s STEM-related challenges and opportunities, we suggest NYS policymakers directly recruit STEM professionals to serve as legislative or executive staff.
NY State Fellowship Programs and the Need for STEM
Successful state fellowship programs, such as New Jersey’s Eagleton Science and Politics Program, have increased STEM expertise in state governments by catering to STEM graduates. The success of these programs, and the federal AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, indicate a clear eagerness among STEM professionals to engage in the policymaking process.
The current NYS government fellowship programs (Table 1) are open to any major, yet are targeted to individuals with a public policy or legal background. For example, the Senate Legislative Fellowship includes memorial fellowships for specific non-STEM fields, further limiting the number of eligible positions for STEM graduates. While these programs have competitive salaries and offer valuable policy experience, the limited numbers of positions and lack of advertising to STEM graduates create barriers for STEM graduates interested in these fellowships.
As a result, STEM professionals may look to other states to apply for STEM-specific state policy fellowships. To remain competitive, enhance evidence-based policy, and capitalize on NY’s STEM talent, NYS ought to adapt existing fellowship programs or establish an independent NYS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship.
Option 1: Adapt existing fellowship programs to increase STEM professional involvement.
Three existing NYS government fellowship programs are well suited for the suggested changes below to improve STEM graduate inclusion:
- Senate Legislative Fellowship: Add a memorial or sponsored position that is specific to STEM fields. This would be similar to the existing journalism, finance and law fellows and demonstrates a commitment to STEM graduates.
- Excelsior Service Fellowship: Create a STEM Advisory Board that acts as a nominating body. STEM graduates (PhD or equivalent) from any NY school could apply to this Advisory Board, which would then select which students would be nominated to the fellowship.
- Empire State Fellowship: Add 1–2 STEM fellows. Given the duration of PhD training and nature of STEM doctoral research, this degree would serve as the required work experience for Empire Fellows’ eligibility.
The existing infrastructure for program administration and placement of fellows would reduce the overhead cost associated with creating a new fellowship. Additionally, training & orientation courses, alumni networks, and the reputation of these programs placing fellows within policymaker offices make this option appealing. However, factors such as evaluation criteria and acceptance rates may limit STEM professional participation and would need careful consideration upon fellowship adaptation.
Option 2: Create an independent NYS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship for STEM professionals.
An independent STEM policy fellowship would signal a dedication to including STEM professionals in the NYS policymaking process, and could be modeled similarly to programs in other states such as New Jersey. The timeline for developing and launching such a program is estimated to be two years. Funding would be sought from outside organizations, such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which has a history of supporting such initiatives and is currently partnering with the National Conference of State Legislatures to offer planning grants to eight states. Support from the state would also be sought for inclusion in the FY 2025 budget. This option would require new infrastructure to oversee the program, which would increase the costs of implementation.
The proposed options, encompassing the adaptation of existing fellowship programs or the creation of an independent program, offers a strategic approach to harness the power of STEM professionals in shaping the future of the state, fostering evidence-based policies and sustainable growth. By adopting these recommendations, NYS can fortify its position as a leader in STEM innovation and enact well-informed measures for the betterment of its citizens and the state as a whole.
