University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

EEB graduate student Jasmine Crumsey has been selected by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to participate in exclusive training and meetings with legislators for Climate Science Day on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.

Crumsey, who researches at the U-M Biological Station is one of only eight scientists chosen nationally for the NEON training and meetings, which begin Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. NEON evaluated applicants based on their ability “to effectively communicate the impacts of large-scale environmental changes on natural resources and the complex interactions between climate and ecosystems.”

Climate Science Day brings multidisciplinary teams from nine scientific societies and organizations (NEON among them) to the Capitol to meet with lawmakers of all ranks and political persuasions. Approximately 50 scientists will take part in Climate Science Day. The goal is to expose legislators to accurate science from a variety of experts in order to inform and improve their climate policy decisions.  

In her application, Crumsey wrote, “Communicating the impacts of large-scale environmental changes on natural resources and complex interactions within ecosystems is relevant to my training as an ecologist, and my intent to remain active in science policy throughout my professional career.”  She and her cohort of early career scientists will receive an intensive day of training on Tuesday, Jan. 31 prior to Climate Science Day. 

At UMBS, Crumsey is studying how earthworm species interactions affect carbon storage in forests.  She received a National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant in spring 2011.