Remy Cooper (M.S.’17), a biomedical engineering doctoral candidate, has been selected to participate in an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) workshop about science policy and advocacy.

Cooper plans to attend the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering Workshop March 29 to April 1, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Cooper, who earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering in 2017, studies under Hu Yang, Ph.D., Qimonda Professor in the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering and an affiliate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

The workshop aims to teach students about the role of science in policy-making and the federal policy-making process. She and other VCU participants hope to meet with federal lawmakers and their staff on visits arranged through VCU’s Office of Government Relations.

Cooper said she was eager to advocate on behalf of the work of peers at VCU. “It is vital that we as scientists communicate the importance of our work to policy makers and the general public to ensure uninterrupted and increased funding, STEM inclusivity and continued trust in our scientific systems and institutions.”

AAAS, the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific society, encourages students, educators and professionals to use their voices to support basic research throughout their careers.