Amanda Borth

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My dissertation focused on designing small-group deliberations for making decisions on the issue of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to meet the needs and values of those participating in and using the outcomes from this type of engagement. I conducted a multi-methods study involving survey and interview data analyses to uncover insights into how to design the aforementioned small-group deliberations.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I chose my specific area of study through a non-linear and wandering series of experiences where I explored my interest in science, communication, policy, and climate change over the last 10 years.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My experience in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences taught me the research skills I needed to pursue my career interests.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I am most proud of obtaining a position at the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Arizona State University, where I conduct precisely the type of work I have been interested in throughout my Ph.D. program. I am fortunate to have found myself in a job role that closely matches my interests and skills. I am most proud of this position because I attained it by spending my time at GMU diligently gaining research skills and topic-relevant expertise through the courses and opportunities Mason had to offer along with my research pursuits outside of Mason.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Dr. Chris Clarke - Chris provided unending support for my research interests. Often, Ph.D. students can be pushed to research what their advisor is interested in rather than focusing on their own research interests. Chris worked endlessly and went above and beyond to support me in focusing on and exploring my own interests.

Dr. Ed Maibach - Working with Ed and the team at the Center for Climate Change Communication taught me hands-on research skills of a caliber beyond what is achievable in coursework. These experiences prepared me as a competent and valuable researcher post-Mason.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

You are more than your Ph.D., so take time to be human and prioritize life beyond your studies. You are the only one who can define what success means to you; therefore, attaining your expectations for success, rather than other's expectations, will lead you toward happiness and fulfillment in your work.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

Currently, I am working as a researcher at the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Arizona State University in Washington, DC, where I research and help conduct public participation exercises for integrating public voices into decisions made about emerging technologies. My long-term career goal is to continue investigating the methods and evaluation mechanisms for defining and conducting successful public engagements.