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Kenneth Evans

Kenneth Evans

Scholar in Science and Technology Policy

Baker Institute for Public Policy

CONTACT

ke1@rice.edu

WEBSITE(S)| Website

SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics:

This project studies the role and history of scientists and engineers serving as policy advisors to the US president. In particular, the project analyzes archival records and oral history interviews to understand how scientists help shape White House policymaking, such as climate change, public health, and national security. The goal of the project is to advance knowledge on the impact of science and scientists in government decision-making and develop policy recommendations for improving the US science advisory system.

Our SURF fellow would help with digital archiving of presidential records and personal collections of former science advisors; participate in the content analysis of archival records; populate Wikipedia pages with data from oral history interviews; and assist in the development of digital exhibits that feature collected archival records.

Potential skills gained: The fellow will become deeply familiar with US federal science, technology, innovation, and education policy. They will learn best practices in digital archiving, social science methodologies to government records, and policy writing.

Required qualifications: No specific skills or courses, just an interest in science and policy.

Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I.

Research Areas

Kenneth M. Evans, Ph.D., is a scholar in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute. Since joining the institute in 2015, he has co-authored several major policy reports on the role of scientific advisors to the U.S. president, and has published and lectured on other science-related policy issues, including federal funding for research and development, international scientific collaboration, and nanotechnology policy. From 2012 to 2015, Evans served as an editor for the Journal of Science Policy and Governance, an online student-run publication that features research articles from students and early career scientists and policy scholars.