WASHINGTON (TNND) — Emily Wright, a senior at Georgia College, traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for undergraduate research and its influence on public policy. Selected as a scholar by the Council of Undergraduate Research, she aimed to highlight her work on solar energy and its relevance to her rural Georgia community.
“At its core, this program is about research and is about encouraging students to do research and to make their research,” Wright stated. “Use their research to impact policy and to make a difference.” Upon her arrival, Wright participated in workshops designed to equip students with the skills necessary to communicate their research effectively in policy discussions and to the media. These sessions were organized by the Scholars Strategy Network (SSN), which aims to strengthen the connection between academia and public policy.
“These workshops teach participants concrete skills for sharing their research in the public policy process or with the media,” said Dominik Doemer, communications director for the SSN. Each session combined presentations by SSN staff with interactive elements to enhance learning and application of the skills acquired.
Wright’s engagement culminated in meetings with staff members from the offices of Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, both Democrats from Georgia, as well as Representative Austin Scott, a Republican. During these discussions, she emphasized the importance of her research topic, “Solar for All,” a $7 billion initiative established under the Biden administration, which is currently facing potential cancellation under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Wright expressed her belief that solar energy transcends party lines. “I think it’s definitely a bipartisan issue,” she noted. “He really saw past maybe some of the preconceptions when you hear solar energy and renewable energy, that it’s kind of like a climate issue or a green issue. And I felt like that really spoke to him.” Wright emphasized the benefits of solar energy policy that resonate with both Republicans and Democrats, highlighting the importance of cross-party support.
As Wright navigated Capitol Hill, she reflected on the significance of her experience, noting that while direct communication with lawmakers can be challenging, it is possible. “I think this experience really showed me just how much, how meaningful the work that I do really is and just how much of an impact I can make,” she said. “And just how accessible our members of Congress really are.”
Wright discovered that reaching out to her representatives could be done through calls, emails, or notes, reinforcing the notion that translating research into policy is achievable. “It really is more possible than you think to turn research and to turn these big ideas into policy and influence the people who are making the decisions in our country,” she stated.
The Council on Undergraduate Research, founded in 1978, collaborates with 700 institutions and approximately 13,000 individuals to support professional growth and mentorship for students. After revising its mission, the council now defines itself as “a mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.”
Executive Officer Lindsay Currie highlighted the importance of this updated definition, stating, “It is hoped that the updated definition may assist individuals and institutions as they establish new undergraduate research programs or contemplate enhancements to their existing programs.” This adaptable framework serves to better guide both students and institutions in fostering future research initiatives.
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