Adriana Bankston appointed Senior Fellow in Civic Science & Public Policy at Sigma Xi

by SAi Comms Team

We are thrilled to announce that SAi Resident Scholar Adriana Bankston has been appointed Senior Fellow in Civic Science & Public Policy with Sigma Xi in partnership with the Rita Allen Foundation. Bankston is a highly respected scholar passionate about developing the next-generation STEM workforce and advocating for the research enterprise.

Bankston has an impressive track record of advocating for scientific research priorities with Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. She previously served as a Principal Legislative Analyst at the University of California Office of Federal Governmental Relations. Bankston is also a Fellow with Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) and part of the AAAS Section X Steering Group (Societal Impacts of Science and Engineering). Bankston is also the CEO & Managing Publisher of the Journal of Science Policy & Governance which is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to “elevating students, post-docs, policy fellows and young scholars in science, technology and innovation policy and governance debate worldwide.” Watch Bankston explain the work of JSPG on SAiTV. 

In her new role as Senior Fellow in Civic Science & Public Policy with Sigma Xi, Bankston will lead a project examining science policy engagement at the state level, identifying the skills, knowledge, and resources scientists require to influence public policy effectively. Bankston’s work with Sigma Xi complements her work as a Resident Scholar at SAi where she leads the Bankston Lab which “aims to cultivate the next generation workforce in science policy and advocacy through innovative and equitable research studies and training programs for early career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.” Bankston Lab members have led meaningful discussions about expanding pathways into the science policy workforce and most recently published a preprint titled “Building the Next Generation Workforce: Why We Need Science Policy Training at the Undergraduate Level” on BioRxiv. 

“My role as Senior Fellow in Civic Science & Public Policy with Sigma Xi aligns with the mission of the Bankston Lab at SAi, in terms of developing the next generation of science policy influencers and leaders who will be equipped to positively influence society through effective public policy skills and competencies,” said Bankston. 

SAi Chief Resident Fanuel Muindi writes, “Bankston’s appointment with Sigma Xi is a testament to her dedication to advancing science policy and her commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in the field. This appointment is an inspiration to all the residents at SAi who are independent scholars and entrepreneurs tackling diverse questions across the landscape of civic science. I am so thankful Adriana said yes to joining the SAi community of residents several years ago. It’s been amazing to see her excel to new heights. I am honored to be a fellow resident alongside her, and I look forward to continuing to learn from her growing body of important work.”