Founded in 1947, in 2022 AIBS celebrates its 75th anniversary

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We're advocating for the biology community in Washington, DC. Stand for science and join our policy initiatives.

The American flag flown in Everson, Washington, United States. Credit: Justin Cron

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It's all about the future

Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award

Recognizing student leadership in science policy to ensure a bright future for biology.

About the Award

AIBS established the Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award (EPPLA) to engage scientists in the public policy process. The award recognizes graduate students in the biological sciences who are demonstrating an interest and aptitude for working at the intersection of science and policy.

EPPLA recipients receive an expense paid trip to Washington, DC to participate in meetings with their congressional delegation, communications and policy training, and a one-year subscription to BioScience.

Read about the outcomes and benefits of the EPPLA program.

Apply for the Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 award.
Daniel Shaw, Claire Lewis, Acer VanWallendael, & J.P. Lawrence at our 2019 Congressional Visits Day event. Credit: Claire Lewis

Daniel Shaw, Claire Lewis, Acer VanWallendael, & J.P. Lawrence at our 2019 Congressional Visits Day event. Credit: Claire Lewis

Our Past Recipients

2024

Alex Rich
EPPLA Recipient
Efraín Rodríguez-Ocasio EPPLA Recipient
Hannah Henry Honorable Mention
Harrison Watson Honorable Mention

2023

Mohammad Inam Jameel EPPLA Recipient
Elena Suglia EPPLA Recipient
Emma Thrift Honorable Mention

2022

Michael McCloy EPPLA Recipient
Heidi Waite EPPLA Recipient
Jennifer Brown Honorable Mention

2021

Shyla Cooks EPPLA Recipient
Karl Palmquist EPPLA Recipient
Talia Henkle Honorable Mention
William Makoto Ota Honorable Mention

2020

Renee Collini EPPLA Recipient
Corinn Rutkoski EPPLA Recipient
Audrey Haynes Honorable Mention
Lyda Harris Honorable Mention

2019

Barbara Del Castello EPPLA Recipient
Brian Lovett EPPLA Recipient
Amrita Banerjee Honorable Mention
Alexandra Chirakos Honorable Mention

2018

Joanna Bairzin EPPLA Recipient
Karena Nguyen EPPLA Recipient
Brynn O'Donnell Honorable Mention
Lauren White Honorable Mention

2017

Stephanie Bora EPPLA Recipient
Kathleen Lyons Honorable Mention
Ellen Wann Honorable Mention

2016

Julia Omotade EPPLA Recipient
Don Gibson Honorable Mention
Kevin Morris Honorable Mention
Caroline Smith Honorable Mention

2015

Taylor Herren EPPLA Recipient
K. Jones-Jamtgaard EPPLA Recipient
Julia Behnfedt Honorable Mention
Don Gibson Honorable Mention
Tanisha Williams Honorable Mention

2014

Andrew Adrian EPPLA Recipient
Amalia Aruda Almada EPPLA Recipient
Sonja Brooks Honorable Mention
Keerthi Shetty Honorable Mention

2013

Jennifer Rood EPPLA Recipient
Paul Tanger EPPLA Recipient
Julia Bradley-Cook Honorable Mention
Stephanie DeLuca Honorable Mention
Pacifica Sommers Honorable Mention

2012

Lida Beninson EPPLA Recipient
Andrew Reinmann EPPLA Recipient
Lindsay Chura Honorable Mention

2011

Wesley Brooks EPPLA Recipient
Michael Jay Walsh Honorable Mention

2010

Meredith Niles EPPLA Recipient
Ryan Richards EPPLA Recipient
Leslie Smith EPPLA Recipient

2009

Adam Roddy EPPLA Recipient
Anna Maria Stewart EPPLA Recipient

2008

Cheryl Logan EPPLA Recipient
Caroline Ridley EPPLA Recipient

2007

Amber Szoboszlai EPPLA Recipient
Sarah Wright EPPLA Recipient
Kyle Brown Honorable Mention
Jenna Jadin Honorable Mention

2006

Christopher Hofmann EPPLA Recipient
Madhura Kulkarni EPPLA Recipient
Holly Menninger Honorable Mention
Mindy Richlen Honorable Mention

2005

Karen Deen Laughlin EPPLA Recipient

2004

Allison Vogt EPPLA Recipient
Heidi Weiskel EPPLA Recipient

2003

Esther Ellsworth EPPLA Recipient
Lisa Wall EPPLA Recipient
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