SCi IS GROWING!
At the Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCi), we are working to build a strong team to drive meaningful change at the intersection of science and society. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce our very first intern, Josh McCubbin! Josh brings an inspiring mix of passion for policy, curiosity, and a drive to ensure experts work alongside policymakers.
A Bit About Josh
Josh hails from Idaho, where he’s spent most of his life. He joins SCi through Idaho State University’s Career Path Internship (CPI) Program, a paid internship initiative designed to give students hands-on, real-world experience in areas aligned with their academic and professional goals. Currently, he’s in his third year at Idaho State University studying Political Science, with plans to pursue public policy in graduate school. His journey to SCi was sparked by his growing awareness of the importance of creating policies rooted in expert knowledge.
Why Josh Chose SCi
Josh’s academic and professional goals fit seamlessly with SCi’s mission. His background in Political Science has driven him to explore how government decision-making can better serve communities. “I hope to use my knowledge of policy and political systems to benefit my community by ensuring that decisions are informed by reliable data” he explains. His vision for public service aligns with SCi’s belief in the power of science-informed policy.
What Josh Will Be Working On
During his internship, Josh will dive into the world of Massachusetts policy, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence. He’s already hard at work analyzing legislative documents, executive orders, and press releases to uncover how the state is addressing emerging challenges. “I’m excited to gain insight into how a state perceives and tackles policy issues,” he says. His research will help inform SCi’s broader understanding of how science can be effectively integrated into public policy.
Beyond Work
When he’s not navigating the world of policy, Josh is an avid ballroom dancer with over 10 years of experience. He also enjoys reading, snowboarding (he admits he’s still learning and falling), and occasionally unwinding with video games. His curiosity extends beyond academics as he constantly seeks to learn more about the world.
Looking Ahead
Josh hopes his time at SCi will help him better understand how governments address policy issues and how outside organizations, like SCi, can support policies that advance equity. “I want to take what I learn here back to Idaho, using evidence-informed approaches to craft better policies that benefit my community and drive positive change,” he says.
We couldn’t be more excited to have Josh on board as we continue to grow our team and mission. Welcome, Josh, to the SCi family—we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!