Baron Hill to speak about public policy

Congressman Baron Hill will speak Friday at IU to a geography class about science and public policy. \nDuring his lecture, “The Role of Science in U.S. Policy Making,” Hill will discuss how scientific data impacts writing and approving new laws, and how scientists can do a better job at communicating with elected officials.\nProfessor Faiz Rahman of the Geography Department is responsible for bringing Hill to speak to his class and said the congressman is just one of many high profile speakers he has hosted.\n“I’m trying to make students understand how policy making works at the U.S. Congress and state levels,” Rahman said. “I want to educate our future scientists on how to speak with policy makers and citizens about science without using all the scientific jargon.” \nHill, a Seymour, Ind., native was elected to Congress in 2006 and serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Science and Technology Committee. \nJunior Josh Wolfson said he has always been interested in politics and he may go and see what Hill has to say.\n“I don’t know much about Congressman Hill, but from what I’ve heard he has some pretty good ideas,” Wolfson said. “I’m sure it will be an interesting lecture.” \nThe lecture, which is being hosted by the Department of Geography, will serve refreshments and is free and open to public. It will take place from 11 a.m. to noon Friday in Ballantine Hall, Room 330.