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Inaugural Study America Trip: Washington, D.C.

The inaugural Study America experience brought graduate students to Washington, D.C. for several days of meetings and behind the scenes exposure to organizations shaping research funding and national scientific infrastructure. 

Students met with scientific societies, federal agencies, research institutions and industry organizations working across microbiology, biomedical science, policy and science communication while gaining exposure to the range of careers that support scientific research.

The experience highlighted that scientific research depends on a broad ecosystem of contributors including researchers, policymakers, federal agencies, professional societies and funding bodies working together to support discovery and innovation.

One stop remained undisclosed until students arrived. Spoiler: it was the CIA.

The program also highlighted how broad scientific careers can become beyond traditional research roles. Students heard directly from professionals using science backgrounds in policy, federal relations, advocacy and leadership positions that influence national research priorities.

For students interested in microbiology and the life sciences, the trip reinforced that scientific impact is not limited to the laboratory. Research funding, public policy and science communication all play a role in determining how discoveries move forward and how communities benefit from them.

“This was a rare in-person event that allowed them to talk informally to their peers, instructors and representatives of the organizations we visited over the course of four days" said Triplett.

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