An NDSU graduate student and a faculty member recently met with North Dakota's Congressional delegation during Congressional Visits Day. The American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America and Crop Science Society sponsored the March 16-17 trip to Washington, D.C.

Soil science doctoral candidate Heather Dose and Tom DeSutter, associate professor and soil science program leader, met with Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, Sen. John Hoeven and a staff member for Rep. Kevin Cramer to discuss the importance of USDA research funding and management methods that promote soil health.

"The Congressional Visits Day is a unique opportunity for graduate students to partake in the appropriations process and to meet our elected officials," DeSutter said. "I have been a three-time group leader for the event and have been extremely impressed at the poise and maturity of the students that I have helped mentor."

"I was excited to be chosen to participate in the Congressional Visits because I value agricultural research," said Dose, who grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. "I gained a greater appreciation for the political system in the United States. During my time on Capitol Hill, I realized how accessible we are to our government and how much my representatives are appreciative and receptive of advocacy by a constituent."

Congressional Visits Day is an annual event to bring graduate students and scientists to Capitol Hill to raise awareness and support for science and research funding. At the same time, scientists are introduced to the federal appropriations process and graduate students can promote their profession to elected leaders.

For more information about Congressional Visits Day, visit https://www.soils.org/science-policy/get-involved/cvd.

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