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Professor Tessa Hill

Tessa Hill Selected for AGU Local Science Partners 2026 Cohort

Professor Tessa Hill has been selected to join the 2026 cohort of the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Local Science Partners Program, a national initiative that strengthens the role of science in public decision-making. Chosen from a highly competitive applicant pool, Hill was recognized for her leadership and her potential to positively impact the science policy landscape by building sustained, trust-based relationships with policymakers.

"I am thrilled to be part of the AGU Local Science Partners Program as it is providing an excellent venue to build communications between AGU scientists and elected officials," said Hill. "It is more important than ever to be communicating about our scientific discoveries with policymakers."
 

As a Local Science Partner, Hill will work directly with legislators to personalize science policy issues for their constituents, leveraging her scientific expertise and communication skills to inform conversations on Capitol Hill. The program provides specialized communications and policy training, ongoing support from AGU staff, and sponsored travel to Washington, D.C., for congressional meetings in March and again during AGU’s annual meeting in December. 

Her selection reflects both her individual leadership and the department’s broader commitment to ensuring that rigorous Earth science informs decisions that benefit communities and the environment.