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Josh Trapani has been selected as AGU's 2005-2006 Congressional Science Fellow. Trapani is a paleontologist who most recently studied the genetic basis of tooth development in fish as a postdoctoral fellow in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, University of Colorado-Boulder. “By studying the complexity of genetic differences between species of fish with different dentition patterns,” he explained, “we are able to begin to determine the evolutionary processes—chiefly selection and constraint—responsible for the evolution and maintenance of these differences over geologic time.” Prior to conducting research in Boulder, Trapani received a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. in Geology in 1996 from the State University of New York at Binghamton, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Michigan in 1999, and 2003 respectively.
Trapani's research experience in evolutionary and developmental biology will enable him to deal with many of the issues facing Congress today, including genomics, stem-cell research, and genetic modification of foods. He recognizes that the atmosphere in Washington, D.C. will be very different from that in academia. “I look forward to adapting to new conditions and learning about how government works and the role science plays in crafting policy”, he writes in his application letter.
In September, Trapani participated in the two-week orientation program in Washington, D.C. organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In October, he began his fellowship in the Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). Josh works on various science and technology issues for the Senator.
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