This is a very brief diary suggesting that Obama has been fiddling under the hood and made some improvements that you don't know about. My sister is very involved in seeking funding for scientists as an officer with the National Professional Science Master's Association. Under BushCo, applying for funding was a frustrating and tiresome experience. But under Obama it has changed completely.
A small step, typical of Obama, but one which can have a great effect on progress in science. A few details below the fold.
Instead of dealing with bureaucrats via long-distance, as per Bush, the NSF sent representatives to help work on funding requests and interact with the foundation. They offered suggestions on how to improve their grant requests. My sister is enthusiastic about the cooperation, and obtained the following "official" statement recopgnizing the new atmosphere:
"The National Professional Science Master's Association is very
impressed with the level of commitment that the National Science
Foundation is placing on graduate education in the sciences. Program
officers from the NSF recently participated in an NPSMA workshop to
engage attendees on how best to allocate line item funding for
Professional Science Master's programs. The NSF has continued its
dialogue in the professional science master's community to gather
information and clarify details before announcing solicitations later
this spring."
Stephen J. Lemire
Executive Director
National Professional Science Master's Association (NPSMA)
I offer this as a little sign of improvement that most people would never know about.
No poll or requests for recs today, I just want to share a little good news.