Graduate Student Engages Policymakers Through AGU Local Science Partners Program

Graduate student Jeremy Rapp has been selected to participate in the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Local Science Partners program, an initiative that connects scientists with policymakers to advocate for sustained federal support for scientific research.
Learn more about the program here: https://www.agu.org/honors/local-science-partnersIrepresentatives

Much of the scientific research Jeremy contributes to is supported by federally funded agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation, whose budgets are set annually by Congress. Motivated by the importance of these funding decisions, Jeremy previously participated in the AGU Congressional Day of Action in June 2025, joining more than 120 scientists from across the country to meet with congressional offices on Capitol Hill and discuss the value of robust science funding.

Building on that experience, Jeremy applied to the Local Science Partners program to continue engaging with policymakers at the local and national level. This spring, he plans to return to Capitol Hill to strengthen relationships with congressional offices and provide scientific context to support informed decision-making around federal research budgets.

Jeremy at the U.S. Capitol during the AGU Congressional Day of Action in Washington, D.C., June 2025.