From Lab to Legislation: Training Scientists to Influence Policy

In Episode 9 of Blue Collar | White Coat, Amy sits down with Robin Garcia, a former federal worker and now a professional science communications trainer with Compass Science Communication. Robin's career has taken her from marine biology labs to NOAA to Capitol Hill workshops — and in this episode, she breaks down exactly why communicating science effectively to Congress, policymakers, and everyday non-experts is more crucial than ever.

We cover everything from shrimp-on-a-treadmill headlines to the realities of federal budgets, policy briefings, fellowships, science education, burnout in research, and why scientists so often struggle to translate their work outside of academia. Robin also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she prepares scientists to speak with members of Congress and what policymakers actually need from experts when making funding decisions.

If you've ever wondered how science moves from the lab bench to the halls of Congress — or why it sometimes doesn't — this episode is for you.

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What We Talk About in This Episode:

• How Robin went from marine biology to science communication

• Life as an aquarium intern, REU fellow, and grad student

• Crabs on treadmills, blue crabs, and climate impacts on marine species

• Why many scientists struggle with teaching and communication

• Working at NOAA, federal contracting, and "the power of the purse"

• How congressional staffers process scientific information

• Why scientists need simpler messages — not "dumbed down," just translated

• How Compass trains researchers to work with policymakers

• Why people assume science communication equals "media training"

• The rise of science communication careers in the U.S.

• Structural barriers to entering science (money, access, equity)

• Why the loudest anti-science group is not actually the largest

• What gives Robin hope for the future of science and policy

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Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 — Intro
Amy sets the scene: what Congress funds, why science communication matters, and who actually understands scientific concepts on Capitol Hill.

03:42 — Reconnecting After 10+ Years
Robin and Amy share the backstory of how they first met at the National Aquarium.

04:30 — "Shamu Showed Me the Light"
Robin explains her early love for the ocean and the path to marine science.

06:30 — College, Chemistry, and Choosing Marine Biology
Studying at the University of Miami, double-majoring, and surviving organic chemistry.

07:54 — REUs, Crabs on Treadmills, and Real Field Work
A deep dive into research internships, metab