Policy Team

Who We Are

The Policy Team includes Chad English, PhD (Director of Science Policy Outreach) and Erica Goldman, PhD (Assistant Director of Science Policy Outreach). Our educational backgrounds are in marine science, including oceanography and biomechanics, and we also have real-world professional experience working with federal and regional policymakers.

What We Do

The Policy Team works to make science useful to policy and management by connecting scientists directly with decision makers.  In the process, scientists gain a better understanding of policy needs and can develop their research plans accordingly, while policymakers can make use of the perspectives and specialized knowledge that scientists bring to a discussion.

This work is carried out nationally in Washington, DC, and regionally in Oregon and California, with past work taking place in New England.

Ocean Science Briefings

Working closely with policymakers and others, we design ocean science briefings to provide policy audiences with the insight they need to develop informed and innovative policies. Focused on discussion, our briefings provide policymakers with opportunities to engage scientists directly.

Policy Trainings

As part of our communication trainings, the Policy Team works with our regional team to help scientists understand the world of policymakers, including where and how to make their science relevant, compelling and useful to policymakers.

Supporting Scientist Connections to Policymakers

In some cases, COMPASS can provide personalized assistance to scientists who need help preparing for meetings, hearings, and other discussions with policymakers.  This work taps into our federal and regional expertise to identify opportunities where science can productively inform policy processes.