Doctoral student selected as 2015 Presidential Management Fellow semi-finalist


LAWRENCE – A doctoral student at the University of Kansas has been selected as one of 147 Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) semi-finalists in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

The prestigious PMF program matches outstanding graduate students with federal leadership opportunities and employment. The program is highly selective and chooses candidates from a pool of about 7,800 applicants representing more than 300 colleges and universities. While the program began in 1977, the STEM specific track began last year in response to President Obama’s call to close the skills gap and identify future leaders in these fields.

Jacob Carter, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, has been identified as such a leader. His research focuses on the effects of climate change on tree species in the U.S. If selected as a finalist, Carter believes the combination of his KU education and PMF skills training will help him successfully provide policy advice and analysis for federal agencies that are considering climate change polices.

“KU has provided me with excellent training in science and the PMF program provides leadership development training, which would allow me to have an impact on how our nation addresses the threat of climate change,” Carter said. 

Carter, from North Little Rock, Arkansas, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and his master’s degree from Kansas State University. He has worked as a National Science Foundation Climate Change IGERT fellow at the University of Kansas since 2011.

The Presidential Management Fellows program began from a presidential executive order. Over time, it has become a highly competitive leadership program focused on developing future government leaders. The rigorous application process includes a nomination from the applicant’s school, an online assessment and an in-person assessment to be selected as a finalist. Finalists then have one year to obtain an appointment with a federal agency.

The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology is one of the more than 50 departments, programs and centers in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The College encourages learning without boundaries through interdisciplinary education, global awareness and experiential learning. The College is KU's broadest, most diverse academic unit.

Wed, 12/17/2014

author

Christi Davis

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