The relationship between scientists and the federal government has changed drastically through the years.

Rosina Bierbaum gave a presentation in the Great Hall Thursday about her experiences as a scientist and researcher on a council to advise various presidents ranging from Clinton to Obama.

Originally, “I wanted to work in a lab doing research that not many people knew about,” Bierbaum said.

However, she had the opportunity to watch scientists and a singular congressman interact, but there was not any communication happening.

“I realized that translating science into usable information is a usable career,” Bierbaum said.

This realization pushed her to listen to her mentor and join the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Her focus while she was there was climate change and she helped create many research papers and other pieces to help explain climate change and what could be done to slow it down.

However, science’s place in government is not a stable one. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, science had a place and research was being supported. When George Bush came into the presidency science had less of an impact on the government, but it was still supported. Barack Obama made a point to actively nurture science in young people and support the branches of the federal government that were researching and looking for answers to climate change.

Science has faced many challenges in the government.

“It’s getting harder to give advice,” Bierbaum said. “[Science] isn’t deemed politically important.”

“The phrase ‘climate change’ is disappearing,” Bierbaum said. “Many science-based decisions are being undone.”

These science decisions include Trump’s motion to lift the ban on offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

Even though many people have given up on the federal government, there is still a lot of work being done by smaller communities.

“Businesses, local governments, and universities are working to help fight climate change,” Bierbaum said.