2009 Science Idol Winner
Jesse Springer of Eugene, OR
Jesse Springer, a self-employed graphic designer living in Eugene, OR, married into science. His wife is a middle school science teacher who comes from a long line of scientists and engineers. Science may not be in his blood, but in 2007, scientific integrity in the federal government was under assault.
At that time, Jesse chose to use his creativity to defend science in Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest—and won the top prize. Two years later, he came back for more, firmly believing that the stakes are just as high.
“Exposing hypocrisy is always one of the top responsibilities of an editorial cartoonist,” he says. “And it looks like there’s still plenty of material.”
Hitting Close to Home
This year, UCS asked 12 artists who had entered the cartoon contest in previous years to address 12 issues that the Obama administration and Congress need to address. The topic that Jesse chose resonated with him deeply.
“The Endangered Species Act is something that hits close to home in Oregon,” he said. “Salmon preservation, for example, is related to many issues—water use, energy, economic stability, and so much more. It’s important for the conservation planning to be science-based, and for all stakeholders to have a voice.”
Staying Engaged
Jesse agrees that it’s important for scientists and the public to push the Obama administration to make good on its promises to restore scientific integrity to federal policy making.
“There’s a lot of room for oversight,” he said. “This is a really tricky time for those who hoped that Obama’s election was going to be a start of something new. We need to point out the commitments that they made and hold the administration accountable to them."
Jesse hopes that his work and pressure from organizations like UCS can help create the political space for President Obama and Congress to take bold action.
“It makes a politician’s job a lot easier to do what the people want them to do if the public supports them in doing so,” he said. “Politicians do act in response to public outcry.”
Keeping the Conversation Going on your Wall or Door
To help elevate the conversation about restoring scientific integrity to federal policy making, UCS is publishing a 2010 calendar featuring all 12 finalists and several previously unseen bonus cartoons. It's available for order on the UCS website. And Jesse’s cartoon graces the cover.
“Cartoons are a powerful medium—they can reach, and potentially educate, a tremendous number of people," Jesse said. “Controversial cartoons get people talking. If I can help shed light on the negative impact of governmental interference with science, and more people become aware of the problem as a result, then perhaps we can start to see a change for the better."
Jesse draws a cartoon a week focusing on local issues for the Eugene Register Guard. And since his 2007 Science Idol win, Jesse has joined the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) and just returned from their annual convention.
Check out more of Jesse’s cartoons and his AAEC page.
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| In 2007, Springer met with Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to discuss his cartoon and stress the importance of congressional action on scientific integrity. |
