This is the first in a series of articles highlighting staff from the National Academies Division on Earth and Life Studies.

April Melvin is a Senior Program Officer supporting both the Polar Research Board (PRB) and the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC). Melvin began her career at the National Academies in 2016 as an Associate Program Officer. Her research and expertise center around climate change, ecosystems, forests, infrastructure, methane emissions, biodiversity, and the polar regions.

What does your day-to-day look like at the National Academies?

Melvin: I am the staff lead for the Polar Research Board, managing the day-to-day activities, engaging with our board members, conducting program development, and working closely with U.S. delegates to the International Arctic Science Committee and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.

What is your professional and academic background?

Melvin: I am trained as an ecosystem ecologist and biogeochemist. That means I have studied how living organisms interact with one another and their physical environment. I worked in the Northeastern U.S. and Alaska asking a variety of questions related to how pollution and climate change affect forest health. Through that research, I developed a strong appreciation for the importance of using science to inform decision making.

A growing interest in science policy was confirmed for me when I first came to the National Academies as a Mirzayan Fellow in 2011 and got to work with BASC/PRB. I then returned to academia and conducted research for a few more years, but that interest in policy remained. I came back to Washington D.C. for a science and technology policy fellowship sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When that fellowship ended, I was thrilled to return to the National Academies and BASC/PRB.

What makes you passionate about your work?

Melvin: I find it very rewarding to work in a place where I can have a role in providing scientific guidance to the federal government on topics where they would like to make a decision. I also enjoy helping to ensure the information and guidance we provide is in a form that can meet their needs. I really love learning about new topics and working with our volunteers.

What is a project you are most proud of working on while at the National Academies?

Melvin: It’s hard to say! Each project has had unique positive elements and challenges, and I’ve learned so much from all of them. One that stands out as having a very measurable impact in recent years is the study that resulted in the report, Airborne Platforms to Advance NASA Earth System Science Priorities: Assessing the Future Need for a Large Aircraft (2021).

NASA operates the largest research aircraft in the world, and it was scheduled to be retired in the 2025 timeframe. NASA asked the National Academies to provide guidance about future needs for a large aircraft and the role of other airborne platforms to meet future Earth system science research goals. Our report included a recommendation to invest in a new large aircraft to meet specific research priorities. NASA used the report to inform their decision to invest in a new aircraft—a Boeing 777—that is currently being modified from a passenger to research aircraft.

What upcoming National Academies work is exciting to you?

Melvin: I am very excited about exploring opportunities for the PRB to serve as a leader in helping the U.S. prepare for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5) that will be held in 2032-33. International Polar Years (IPYs) have served as major benchmarks in advancing knowledge and understanding of the polar regions and their connections to the rest of the world. These years are intended to galvanize the research community and foster large-scale international coordination and national investments in polar observations, research, and analysis.

When the Fourth IPY was held in 2007-2008, the PRB conducted a suite of activities to foster U.S. engagement and we are starting to gear up now for IPY5, with plans underway for a workshop to discuss key research and monitoring areas.

Outside of work, what could we find you doing?

Melvin: I have a young family and most of my time outside work these days is spent with them. This tends to involve lots of running, jumping, funny faces, and reading (though not all at the same time!).