Name: Genene Fisher

Education:

PhD in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, 2001
Master of Public Policy, University of Michigan, 2001
MS in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, 1999
BA in Planetary and Space Sciences, Boston University, 1996

Current position:

Policy Fellow at the American Meteorological Society, Atmospheric Policy Program

Current responsibilities:

I have a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to work on "space weather" policy issues. "Space weather" describes the conditions in space that affect Earth and its technological systems. My responsibilities include analyzing policy aspects of the National Space Weather Program. The focus of my research is to assess the technological, social, and economic impacts of space weather on our society today and in the future, and identify means for accelerating the improvement and benefits of space weather services.

Describe a typical workday.

Currently, I am at a stage where I'm trying to gather information and establish contacts. So I'll spend a good portion of my day making phone calls and sending emails to people in federal agencies and the private sector. I try to keep up to date with published articles relating to atmospheric policy and general science policy. On many days, I attend meetings at places such as NSF, NASA, NOAA, National Academy of Sciences, and the Congress.

How do you approach challenges?

When I'm faced with a challenge, I focus on the goal. Everything always seems overwhelming at first. So, I break it down into short term and long term goals. I also like to discuss my goals and challenges with colleagues, family, and friends.

What experiences prepared you most for your current position?

My Master of Public Policy degree prepared me best for this job. It provided me with the skills and confidence to do policy-type work. I also had the opportunity to do independent studies (Public Access to Research Data, Impact of Presidential Leadership on Science and Technology, Doubling of the Science Budget, and the Superconducting Supercollider), which prepared me for analyzing science policy issues.

What skills are particularly important to possess in your field ?

An advanced degree in science is greatly needed in the science policy field. Basically, you need to be a good writer, speaker, communicator, and an overall friendly person. It is helpful to have a general knowledge of how the Federal government works, but you can also learn it along the way.

To what professional organizations do you belong ?

American Meteorological Society (AMS)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

How can students make the most of their experiences as undergraduates? As graduate students?

My advice to undergraduates would be to do as many summer fellowships/internships as possible. The training I learned during those experiences helped prepared me for graduate school. After my sophomore year, I had a summer fellowship at the University of Miami, Department of Meteorology. It was then that I started learning how to computer program. After my junior year, I had a NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) fellowship at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. That was an amazing experience that persuaded me to study aeronomy (the study of the physics and chemistry of the Earth's upper atmosphere) in graduate school. While I might have felt under-qualified for both of these fellowships, I still applied, and I made sure I did a great job. During my last two years as an undergrad, I worked with a faculty member on his research. That experience and the summer fellowships enriched my undergraduate experience and prepared me for graduate research.

My advice to graduate students would be to involve yourself in extracurricular activities. (At least to keep yourself sane.) Attend as many scientific meetings as you can. If you are interested in policy, then take some economic or policy classes on the side.

What advice can you offer on choosing a major? A career?

When choosing a major, start off doing what is in your heart. Otherwise you might regret never trying. Then after you have chosen a major and tried out some classes, you might need to consider the reality of a future in that field. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an astronomer, so first I majored in astronomy. However, I decided later that I'd rather study the Earth's upper atmosphere.

In choosing a career, do not feel confined by your major. Whether or not I had the MPP, I was planning on going into the science policy field. The skills you learn in science research are useful in so many other fields.

What is your greatest achievement or your greatest success at this point in your life?

Having just graduated recently, I'd have to say getting my PhD has been my recent greatest achievement. I am also proud of finishing my policy degree at the same time. Overall, my greatest success is that I now enjoy living in the present moment.

How have you achieved balance in your career and family life?

In school I found it more difficult to balance work and personal life. Now that I am in control of my schedule, I feel I can achieve the balance I want.

What are your long-term goals?

Now that I have graduated, I am reevaluating my goals. And probably after this year, my goals will change. But overall, I would like to gain experience in the government. I want to understand how decisions relating to science and technology are made. I also see myself going back to academia and doing something related to science policy or education.