Impact
V-SCI makes a difference for our members and the communities we serve.
Testimonials
“As advocates, we spend a lot of time figuring out where we can find help understanding the science. It’s almost impossible to find experts who can do the detailed, project-specific research that the V-SCI team does. You bring credibility to these issues, and approach advocacy in a way that fills a very important niche.”
Dave Sligh, Conservation Director at Wild Virginia
“My graduate program has taught me about global change in the classroom, and V-SCI has given me the opportunity to put skills to work in a real-world setting. I feel that this hands-on experience will give me an edge in my job search later on.
“With V-SCI I’ve learned how my science could be applied in policy or a courtroom, and seen how the skills I learn as a graduate student have real applications that impact people.”
Isaac VanDiest, PhD student at Virginia Tech
“V-SCI has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of science and policy, and to immediately apply that knowledge to solve a problem. The consistency of the group meetings has helped me gain confidence in work outside of my direct area of research.”
Sam Bickley, PhD student at Auburn University
Daniel Smith, PhD student at Virginia Tech
“I joined V-SCI to learn about how to translate my research skills into policy, and have gained a ton of perspective on that. In particular, the nonprofit partners and experts that V-SCI connects with have taught us a lot. It’s also been a great to connect with grad students from other schools.”
Daniel Lassiter, PhD student at the University of Virginia
What Do Alumni Say About V-Sci?
“Working with V-SCI showed me ways to go beyond data analysis and actually take actions that affect people’s lives. My time at this organization has also taught me a lot of skills related to teamwork. This has become very relevant in my current role in a federal agency where I work with internal teams to create projects but also with external partners and grantees to move our goals forward.”
Alfonso Macias-Tapia
V-SCI alum and Learning Specialist at NOAA
“If you're interested in the science-policy interface, V-SCI provides you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on real-world issues—something you won't find in the lab or classroom. This is key (from what I've seen) to figuring out if this type of career path is for you. My own experience with V-SCI played a major role in my decision to work for an environmental watchdog group.”
Tyler Weiglein
V-SCI alum and research analyst at the Environmental Integrity Project