PEN Student Diana Andriola Participates in AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop
The PhD in Educational and Neuroscience (PEN) Program at Gallaudet University is excited to announce that Diana Andriola participated in the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop and was also selected to attend Harvard University's ComSciCon 2019 Flagship Workshop.
During her time at the CASE Workshop, Andriola learned about science policy, federal appropriations for science and technology, and communicating and advocating for science with policymakers. She was supported by AAAS along with four other students who were selected after a competitive application process.
On the last day of the workshop, Andriola and two peers from the workshop visited Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's office. They met with Chief Counsel and Legislative Director, Bradley Truding. Diana was able to discuss the research she is conducting within Gallaudet's PEN Program, and its translational implications, the critical need for increased funding of basic science research, and the need for vocal support of full funding for Gallaudet University.
Congresswoman Norton is a strong supporter of both scientific research and robust funding for it, but also recently was a co-signer of a letter to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, which handles appropriations for Gallaudet, to request full funding for the University for FY 2020.
In addition to her time at the CASE Workshop, Andriola has also been selected to attend Harvard University'sComSciCon 2019 Flagship Workshop.
ComSciCon affords participants the opportunity to "build communication skills that scientists and other technical professionals need to express ideas to their peers, experts in other fields, and the general public."
Andriola will have the opportunity to network with science communication experts and develop science outreach collaborations with fellow graduate students. She will be expected to produce an original piece of science writing and receive feedback from workshop attendees and professional science communicators, including journalists, authors, public policy advocates, educators, and more.
About Diana Andriola
Diana, a fourth-year candidate in the PEN program, works with Dr. Clifton Langdon (Advisor) in the Language and Educational Neuroscience (LENS) Laboratory.
In her doctoral research, Andriola uses fNIRS to investigate the cognitive mechanisms supporting spoken and signed language phonological awareness, and whether sign language phonological awareness supports reading development in deaf children. Findings from this research will provide insight into the impact of early language exposure and inform educational policy and practice for literacy instruction with deaf children.