Achievement

One of the educational goals of the MASB program is the development of an understanding of the interface between policy and technology in the bioenergy arena. To achieve this goal, each cohort of IGERT scholars spends four days meeting with policymakers in Washington DC, including congressional representatives, agency staff members, and lobbyists. Through these discussions, the students learn about the paths by which technology development informs policy development, and of the impact of policy on research, development, and implementation of bioenergy technology and products. Specific goals for this component are to: (a) learn about the policy-making process, (b) learn which individuals and organizations influence bioenergy policy, (c) understand goals and perspectives of the individuals and organizations influencing bioenergy policy, and (d) learn how policy-makers form their views.