Key Takeaways:
- The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) has introduced the 2026 class of Science & Technology Policy Fellows, a program that places PhD-level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in the California State Legislature, State Agencies, and Offices of the Governor.
- The program aims to train scientists for careers in public policy while equipping California’s decision-makers with science-savvy staff.
- The 2026 class consists of 15 Fellows with diverse technical expertise across fields such as neuroscience, chemistry, and ecology.
- Applications for the 2027 class are now open, and a live Application Webinar and Q&A with Alumni will be held on January 28.
- The program is open to those holding a PhD or equivalent degree in science, engineering, or social science fields.
Introduction to the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) has introduced the 2026 class of Science & Technology Policy Fellows, a program that places PhD-level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in the California State Legislature, State Agencies, and Offices of the Governor. The program, now in its 17th year, aims to train scientists for careers in public policy while equipping California’s decision-makers with science-savvy staff. The 2026 class consists of 15 Fellows who arrived in Sacramento in November and participated in a policy training program, which included a crash course on the process, history, and landscape of California policymaking, as well as skills development and communications workshops.
The 2026 Class of Fellows
The 2026 Fellows bring a wide range of technical expertise across fields, including brain circuits driving drug addiction, chemistry of the ozone layer, impacts of illness during pregnancy on fetal brain development, and climate modeling and carbon removal technology. They are placed in the California State Legislature, working on policy committees and in member offices in the California State Senate and Assembly, as well as in California State Agencies and Offices of the Governor. The program is made possible by the State of California and continued philanthropic support.
Meet the 2026 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows
The 2026 class of Fellows includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. For example, Alexa Cohil-Milanick, a PhD in Neuroscience, is working with the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee, while Sean Clair, a PhD in Chemistry, is working with the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee. Other Fellows, such as Natalie Gehred, a PhD in Molecular Biology, and Alyssa Poletti, a PhD in Atmospheric and Climate Science, are working with the Senate Health Committee and Senate Environmental Quality Committee, respectively.
Applying to the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program
Applications for the 2027 class of Fellows are now open, and a live Application Webinar and Q&A with Alumni will be held on January 28. The program is open to those holding a PhD or equivalent degree in science, engineering, or social science fields, such as economics, sociology, or psychology. Eligibility information, program timeline, and the application link can be found on the CCST website. The program provides a unique opportunity for scientists to apply their research skills to an exciting and impactful career in policy.
About the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program places PhD-level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in the California State Legislature, State Agencies, and Offices of the Governor for a year of public policy, leadership training, and public service. The program aims to train scientific thinkers to be policy-savvy, while helping equip California’s policymakers with science-savvy staff. The program has been successful in making a difference in California’s policy arena, and those interested in applying can learn more at the CCST website.