Name: William “Bill” Lenart (CWRU ’13)
Program: PhD in macromolecular science and engineering; focus on polymer physics
Class Year: 6th year
William “Bill” Lenart turned rejection into an opportunity, and not just for himself—for all. After his National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program proposal was rejected, he received an email about the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Science and Human Rights Coalition.
He said he had always had a passion for science communication, policy and diplomacy, and getting involved with the coalition seemed like a way to further pursue those interests. After attending a coalition meeting in 2015, Lenart realized not many students were involved with the right to science. So he decided to bring it to Case Western Reserve University, founding the Science and Human Rights Coalition at the university with support from the Social Justice Institute.
Lenart said the coalition “is about building bridges among communities of scientists, human rights advocates, the public, and policymakers.” The organization has hosted talks for the community on the subject and launched reverse science fair called Sciencepalooza! to expose high school students a variety of disciplines in the field. The event, Lenart said, also shows their parents how their tax dollars are being used for research in Northeast Ohio.
The organization also shares its message with policymakers to demonstrate the importance of federal funding.
Beyond the coalition, Lenart has spread awareness of the right to science by writing on the topic, giving talks and facilitating workshops.