Bridging Science and Policy: Joan Chimezie Selected for the CCST Science Translators Showcase
Scientific research plays a crucial role in shaping policy, but translating complex scientific findings into actionable insights for policymakers remains a challenge. Recognizing this gap, the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) hosted its annual Science Translators Showcase, where early-career scientists engage directly with policymakers to communicate the relevance of their research in an accessible and impactful way.
This year, Science Policy Group officer Joan Chimezie, a Ph.D. student in the Geography Department and an Early Career and Climate Resilience Fellow with CDLS, was selected as one of 15 distinguished Science Translators to present at the 2025 CCST Science Translators Showcase, held at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on February 5, 2025. The event, a key feature of CCST Science & Technology Week, was proudly sponsored by the Office of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and brought together promising researchers from top California institutions to engage with policymakers and legislative staff.
Joan at the California State Capitol
Empowering Scientists to Influence Policy
The CCST Science Translators Showcase is a highly competitive program that selects early-career scientists and engineers based on their ability to effectively communicate their research to a policy audience. Selected participants undergo a series of intensive training webinars and preparatory exercises, refining their communication skills and learning how to translate their research into language that resonates with lawmakers. This training is designed to ensure that scientific expertise is not just heard but understood and applied in decision-making processes.
The 2025 cohort of Science Translators featured researchers from CCST’s Partner Institutions, including: UCLA, University of California, Berkeley, Caltech, University of California, San Francisco, University of California, Davis, California State University, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco State University. These scholars, working across various scientific disciplines, showcased research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing California, including climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.
Science in Action: Joan Chimezie’s Role
As a Ph.D. student specializing in wildfire, ecology, and climate resilience, Joan Chimezie’s research offers critical insights into the long-term patterns of wildfire activity in California. Her research helps uncover the complex interactions between climate, vegetation, and fire regimes—information that can directly inform wildfire management and prevention policies.
At the Showcase, Joan had the opportunity to engage with California legislators and their staff, highlighting how her work can contribute to evidence-based decision-making in the state’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the increasing risks of wildfires and promote ecological resilience.
Connecting Science to Policy for a Better Future
The CCST Science Translators Showcase underscores the critical role of scientists in shaping public policy. By fostering direct conversations between researchers and policymakers, the event ensures that cutting-edge scientific discoveries inform legislative and regulatory discussions.
“As we move into an era of pervasive challenges and imperative opportunities for California to lead the way in climate action and evidence-based policy, I’m energized and inspired by the passion, expertise, and determination everyone brought to the table.”
As Joan Chimezie and her fellow Science Translators continue to bridge the gap between research and policy, their contributions will play a vital role in addressing California’s environmental and technological challenges.
To learn more about the 2025 CCST Science Translators Showcase and view the full list of participants, visit the CCST Science Translators Roster.
