2018 ASHS Annual Conference

The Jefferson Science Fellowship program provides an opportunity for tenured faculty members to contribute to the policy and decision-making processes in the US Federal government, through one-year placements at the Department of State or USAID. The degree to which knowledge of horticulture, agriculture and environmental issues impact federal decision-making are immense, but seldom are those in the academic community privy to such processes. The JSF program provides fellows an opportunity to provide input on US international policy and program development and thereby gain experience and viewpoints from a different perspective than usually seen in academia. The JSF program has been in existence for 15 years and has accepted a total of 137 fellows. The fields of engineering and technology have been well represented, but only two JSFs have been horticulturists. Horticulturists have much to offer. For example, many, especially those with extension appointments, have expertise translating science and research information into language that is easily understood by their audience. They also are adept at applying scientific information from many fields of study to a given situation. Horticultural production can often result in high crop values from small land areas, is of high nutrient status and can empower women and youth – these attributes align with many of the goals of USAID. Fellows spend one year on-site in Washington DC, although extended stays at US foreign embassies and/or missions are possible. The program is a collaborative effort between the US academic community and USAID and the Department of State. Home academic institutions provide salary and benefits while a living allowance is provided through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Horticultural scientists have much to offer this program and to gain from it. Increased participation from ASHS members is encouraged.