Knuesel selected for APS Advocacy Champions program
(L-R) Wright Lab graduate students Josie Rose, Emily Pottebaum, Knuesel, and Andrew Tamis on Capitol Hill during the Nuclear Physics Day on the Hill.
Wright Lab graduate student Morgan Knuesel was recently selected into the American Physical Society (APS) Advocacy Champions program. The goal of the program is to “advance the policy priorities of the physics community and APS by building meaningful and lasting relationships with members of Congress and their staff.”
Wright Lab assistant professor Laura Havener, who is Knuesel’s advisor, said, “Morgan has been very active over the past year or so with science advocacy. She has visited Washington, D.C. several times this year, and organized visits between Wright Lab students and local politicians. It is really great to see her hard work recognized!”
Knuesel said, “I’ve always been passionate about working at the intersection of science and social justice… It can be easy for people to forget that scientists are, first and foremost, people, with diverse obstacles, barriers, needs, and perspectives. Throughout my time as a grad student here, I’ve enjoyed finding and carving out spaces to help scientists, especially my fellow grad students, feel supported.”
Knuesel’s passion led her to become involved with organizations that are working to prevent government funding cuts and disinformation campaigns in science. Knuesel said, “I learned how to request and lead meetings with congressional staffers—skills that I brought to the 2025 Nuclear Physics Day on the Hill, where I attended and led some very productive meetings with House and Senate offices.”
When Knuesel was selected as an APS Advocacy Champion, she said, “I was thrilled at the opportunity to get to learn more about having effective meetings with congressional offices, learn about science policy, and advocate for scientists with the backing of a professional organization! Work has already begun as I seek meetings with Congresspeople home for the August recess.”