Alavalapati named 2007 Jefferson Science Fellow by state department

Janaki Alavalapati, a professor with the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, has been selected to serve as a 2007 Jefferson Science Fellow at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. He began the 12-month fellowship Aug. 13.

He is one of eight scientists and engineers nationwide selected for the position, and the first faculty member from any Florida institution to be named a Jefferson Science Fellow. Alavalapati specializes in researching market solutions to natural resources, environmental and energy conservation problems.

As a fellow, he will work with senior diplomats and policy makers providing scientific advice on complex U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Next August he will return to UF but remain available to the government as an expert consultant for short-term projects for an additional five years.

Individuals are selected for the program through a competition administered by the National Academy of Sciences and the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State. Fellows are selected on the basis of scientific achievements, communication skills and interest in science and engineering policy.