Alexa White, a Ph.D. student in ecology and evolutionary biology, has been honored with the inaugural FAS Policy Entrepreneur Award by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) for her initiative in bringing science and technology evidence to government policy. 

This year, honorees include filmmaker Christopher Nolan for his cinematic portrait of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Todd Young (R-IN) for their work in Congress making the CHIPS & Science Act a reality, Dr. Alondra Nelson for her leadership on both AI regulation and advancing equity in STEM fields, and Alexa White, who received the FAS’ first-ever “Policy Entrepreneurship” award – aimed at honoring an emerging leader in the world of science policy.

The FAS Public Service Awards, which recognizes several luminaries in science, technology, and public service, has expanded its mission to include emerging global threats such as climate change and AI, and seeks to build a safer, more equitable, and more peaceful world.

White is a co-founder of the Aya Research Institute, which focuses on environmental justice activism to solve real-world problems. She believes that scientific progress should be measured by its tangible impacts on communities, particularly those marginalized and most vulnerable to environmental injustices. The recognition by the Federation of American Scientists reinforces the importance of bridging science with societal needs to empower communities, promote justice, and effect real-world change. 

Receiving the award, White said, "It's a powerful affirmation of the urgent need for science to pivot towards solving real-world problems. This award underscores the vital role of environmental justice activism in shaping a future where scientific inquiry and application are inseparable." She also emphasized that the future of science isn't confined within the walls of laboratories and academic journals but instead thrives in sustainable agriculture, equitable access to energy, and policies that shape our collective environmental future. 

The FAS Policy Entrepreneur Award is aimed at honoring an emerging leader in the world of science policy, and White's recognition signifies the importance of bringing science and technology evidence to government policy. The award is a reminder that science should play a vital role in building a safer, more equitable, and more peaceful world.