Info

Sci on the Fly

Sci on the Fly brings you experts who work at the intersection of science and public policy. Run by AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows – scientists and engineers passionate about policy – this podcast brings current issues to a general audience through lively and illuminating discussions. Read the companion blog at www.aaaspolicyfellowships.org/blog.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Sci on the Fly
2025
October
August
July
April
March


2024
July
June
February


2023
December
August
July
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
September
August
June
April
January


2021
December
October
August
July
June
May
April
March


2020
November
October
September
August
May
March


2019
August
July
June
April


2018
October
August
July
June
May
April
March


2017
November
October
August
June
April
February


2016
November
October
August
May


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: August, 2025
Aug 29, 2025

In this episode of Sci on the Fly, host Connie Bolte, current Executive Branch Fellow at the National Science Foundation, speaks with Dr. Angela Bednarek, who leads Pew Charitable Trusts' scientific advancement portfolio. Dr. Bednarek's AAAS STPF Fellowship at the U.S. Department of State revealed how researchers often failed to provide timely, relevant information to policymakers grappling with complex environmental issues. This experience led her to establish the Impact Funders Forum, a global collaborative that brings together funders across diverse fields to develop more effective strategies for supporting policy-relevant research.

The conversation explores "engaged research," a collaborative approach that involves stakeholders throughout the entire research process, from co-developing research questions to ongoing implementation. Dr. Bednarek emphasizes a fundamental shift in researcher mindset: moving from "how can my research help" to "what challenges do decision-makers face, and how can I design research to address those specific needs." While these approaches aren't entirely new, there is growing recognition of their necessity for tackling complex societal challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.

This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.

Aug 11, 2025

Rooted in Language and Community: Supporting Multilingual Learners 

In this episode of the AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly podcast, AAAS STPF alumna and RAICES Principal Investigator (PI) Heather Olson Beal sits down with two co-PIs of the RAICES team, Dr. Chrissy Cross and Dr. Marisol Diaz, to discuss the importance of creating productive learning environments for English learners and multilingual students.

Established in 2023, Project Raices is the short-hand name for the Reaching All Individuals and Communities to Establish Success in Language Learning Grant. Raíces means roots in Spanish. Much like roots, the name was intentionally chosen to highlight the interconnectedness of language, culture, and family networks that are needed to grow successful academic achievement, language acquisition and school-community partnerships. 

To find out more about project RAICES please visit https://www.sfasu.edu/project-raices. 

En este episodio del podcast AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly, Heather Olson Beal, exbecaria del programa STPF y la investigadora principal del Proyecto RAICES, se sienta con dos colegas, co-investigadoras principales, Chrissy Cross y Marisol Diaz, para discutir la importancia de crear entornos de aprendizaje productivos para estudiantes multilingües en proceso de adquirir el inglés. 

Establecido en 2022, Proyecto RAICES es el nombre abreviado en inglés (Reaching All Individuals and Communities to Establish Success in Language Learning): Alcanzando a todos los individuos y comunidades para establecer el éxito en el aprendizaje de idiomas. Al igual que raíces, el nombre fue elegido intencionalmente para resaltar la interconexión del idioma, la cultura, y las redes familiares que se necesitan para el éxito académico, la adquisición del language, y las asociaciones entre la escuela y la comunidad.

This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.

1