Professor Grant Fisher is the head of the undergraduate minor program in Science and Technology Policy (STP). His research interests include history and philosophy of chemistry, the philosophy of scientific models and scientific practice, and philosophy of science policy.

Why did you choose to study philosophy and philosophy of science? 

I was good at science as a school student but struggled with many conceptual issues in biology, physics, and chemistry as well as puzzles about how science was done. My teachers couldn’t really help with this and I didn’t realize that these were questions of history and philosophy of science. I didn’t even know then [that] these were important things to study. Some years later I came across Karl Popper’s Logic of Scientific Discovery in my local library. Although I now don’t agree with his philosophy, it was an inspiration and I realized the relevance of the problems that bothered me at school. I was lucky also in finding a university department that encouraged my interests and was very supportive in nurturing my skills. My interest in STP more broadly came about when I worked as a laboratory assistant for an environmental protection agency before I went to university. I realized how scientific data, law, policy all interact in protecting public and environmental health. 

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

Seeing students do well and develop their own ideas on an important topic. Learning from students is especially rewarding. Having a research idea well received by my peers, or if it isn’t, learning about how to do better.

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

Finding the time to get everything done… It is the same for all of us!

In your opinion, why should students consider a career in science and technology policy?  

It is so crucial to see science and technology integrated with its social context. We especially need people skilled at moving within the interface of science and engineering with policy-making, given the often esoteric nature of the technical problems we face and that the decision-making process will be conducted by people [who] don’t necessarily possess that knowledge. Students capable of working at this interface will be absolutely crucial. Furthermore, we need critical reflection on the policy-making and regulatory processes themselves. How can we do better? How do we engage the public and make more representative choices about the kinds of science and technology that gets pursued? That requires (among other things) a background in STP.

What advice would you give to students who want to go into STP?

Take the STP minor! Okay, that may not be possible for everyone, but try out some classes. What gets you worked up or excited about science and technology after class? What science and technology issues in the news are you reading and thinking about? I expect many of them will be issues with an important connection to science and technology policy.

General advice for people who don’t know what career to go into? 

It’s a difficult decision and it can seem as if there are so many often conflicting factors to consider. But I suppose generally I would advise you to really try to get to know your skill set and think about what motivates you. I believe flexibility and adaptability are crucial so knowing how to transfer your skills in new situations is important. This will help you to make the most of new or unexpected opportunities.

Anything else you would like to say to our readers? 

Stay safe and well!