About Us

STEM to the Polls was founded on a simple idea: that science should be a force for good in our democracy. As a team of young leaders, we saw a clear need to combat the misinformation that makes it hard for voters to make sense of complex issues. We wanted to build a resource that provides clear, fact-based information without the political noise.

Our initiative is supported by the prestigious Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness fellowship from the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. This backing allows us to build and share non-partisan resources that empower a new generation of voters to participate confidently in the democratic process.

We believe that by making science accessible, we can help people make smarter choices at the ballot box.

Our Team

Leah McAskill

Leah is a recent graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a degree in Biochemistry.

As the founder of STTP, her background in science and her passion for democracy have shown her firsthand that scientific understanding is crucial for navigating today's complex policies. She is eager to empower her generation to make informed voting decisions on issues from health to technology to climate change.

Sachi Gosal

Sachi is a junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Economics.

She is excited about STTP because she firmly believes that understanding the intersection of science and policy is key for her generation. As a student from Michigan, she hopes to bring a valuable regional perspective to the team's work, and she believes their diverse academic backgrounds will provide a wide range of insights to the project.

Sofia Park Jadotte

Sofia is a junior at the University of Miami, where she is double-majoring in English and History.

She finds STTP crucial because young voters need to understand the science behind today's policies, from climate change to public health. Sofia is eager to be a part of this project that aims to bridge that knowledge gap and help peers make informed choices, cutting through misinformation.

Natalie Martinez

Natalie Martinez is a senior at Macalester College, where she is studying Biochemistry and Neuroscience on the pre-MD/PhD track.

Natalie is passionate about STTP because she believes that scientific literacy is essential for meaningful civic participation. Growing up in Laredo, Texas, she witnessed how limited access to reliable information can shape public health and community outcomes. She is excited to help voters better understand the scientific issues behind today's policies and make informed decisions about the future of their communities.

Lorien Collins

Lorien is a recent graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a degree in Biochemistry, and is currently in her gap year preparing for Physician Assistant school.

As someone with a deep passion for both science and civic engagement, Lorien believes that informed voting on medical and public health issues is one of the most powerful tools communities have. She is excited to help voters understand the science behind the policies that directly affect their health and ensure that everyone has the knowledge to make their voice count.

Ashton Jadotte

Ashton is a recent graduate of the University of Chicago, where he majored in Computer Science and Economics.

Ashton finds STTP incredibly important because his background shows him how essential it is for young voters to grasp the tech and scientific issues shaping the world. He believes issues like AI and climate policy are not abstract, but directly impact their future.