Biography
Dr. Constance Bolte
AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow
Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education
Directorate for Geosciences
Class of 2024-2026
Dr. Connie Bolte is an evolutionary biologist and environmental science educator with research and policy interests related to agriculture, ecosystem management and sustainable development. After earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Bolte started a nine-year career as a high school science educator in central Virginia. During these years, Bolte served as director of sustainability James River High School, head coach of award-winning Envirothon teams and trip leader of a reef and rainforest field study in Costa Rica. She also served as a curriculum developer for Chesterfield County Public Schools and the VCU School of Education, promoting project-based learning and student engagement in STEM. While her career in education was fulfilling on many levels, her desire to engage in scientific research propelled a transition to graduate school. In 2022, Bolte received her doctorate in integrative life sciences at VCU. Her doctoral work integrated forest ecology, evolution and statistical modeling to study the effects of climate change to biodiversity.
Prior to joining the U.S. National Science Foundation, Bolte spent two years as a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State in the department of ecosystem science and management. While honing her skills in forestry, ecological genomics and science communication, Bolte developed a strong call to action, leading her to apply for the American Association for the Advancement of Science Science and Technology Fellowship Program. Bolte now serves as the U.S. global change international research fellow within the NSF Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education. She is excited to collaborate with representatives from multiple federal agencies and funding programs to support research that advances the understanding of global change and impacts on society.