Science, and facts, have returned to the White House — and not a moment too soon.

Award-winning researcher Dr. Alondra Nelson was appointed one of the key members of President Biden’s science team, according to the Institute for Advanced Study. Dr. Nelson joins other luminaries like Narda Jones and Dr. Frances H. Arnold on the seven-person team.

“Science, at its core, is a social phenomenon. It’s a reflection of people, our relationships, and our institutions. There is an incredible window of opportunity ahead of us to approach our science and technology policy in ways that are accountable, inclusive, and trustworthy,” Dr. Nelson said in a statement. “I am honored to be entrusted with this important role in public service at this critical time in this nation’s history.”

As part of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) — as Biden’s “science team” is officially called — Dr. Nelson will be tasked with the responsibility of delivering “accurate, relevant, and timely scientific and technical advice” to President Biden. This, in turn, is a sharp contrast from the Trump administration’s take on scientific and technical advice, which relied less on scientifically reproducible evidence and facts, and more on cronyism and currying political favors from donors.

Dr. Alondra Nelson currently serves as the president of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), and as the Harold F. Linder Professor in the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study. Prior to that, Dr. Nelson was a professor of sociology at Columbia University in the city of New York.

Dr. Nelson received her Ph.D. in American Studies from New York University.

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