How making cuts to science education can hurt the economy

>>> leading 1k3er789s on science and technology warned of did devastating effects on economy and education if budget cuts go into effect on march. the sequester, among those testifying, shirley ann jackson , and joins me now.the sequester, among thos e testifying, shirley ann jackson , and joins me now.into effect on march. the sequester, among those testifying, shirley ann jackson , and joins me now. welcome. you're no stranker to washington. born and raised here and former head of the nuclear regulatory commission . what are your big concerns about science and technology and the effects of the sequester if it goes in to effect?

>> the big concerns are these. science and technology and the basic research that under girds it have been the the basis of over 50% of our gdp growth for 50 years. but the things we take for granted today are based on research that occurred over a 10, 20, 30 year period, even 50 years. and so one has to understand the source of idea generation. secondly, one has to have human talent. and that stall letalent is supported by fellowships that come out of federal support. if the sequester occurs and occurs in a blunt way that can with devastating effects on research programs at universities all across the country. not to mention impacts on some aspects of financial aid .

>> just in your example, you grew up in public schools and here in the district of columbia , initially segregated. what did the access for federally funded research mean for you and your generation?

>> the whole thing meant the confluence of the brown versus board of education supreme court decision and the launch of the "sputnik" satellite which created a fury of activity to improve science and math education in the public schools , to encourage students, particularly those with ability to go into it, and then along the way, there were a number of programs created such as the national defense education act that actually provided support for advanced education as well as ramping up assume through the national science foundation . and i in fact had support from that. but i also had support from a major aerospace company, martin marietta , and those companies responded, as well. and so i went to undergraduate school with support from martin mayrietta and then graduate support from them as well as from the national science foundation .

>> and how important is continuing this trend and this kind of support for other especially women to get women into s.t.e.m. education, and minorities, to bring people into the mix and have a richer diverse class of students in engineering and technology?

>> there are three points to be made. it's in all genders and multiple ethnic groups. so if we want for be the best in the word, we have to tap the complete talent pool. we can't afford to overlook more than 50% of our population and feel we're tapping the complete talent pool. and that means young women and it means underrepresented minorities. we've depended on exquisite talents, and we still will , in abroad. but there are issues with visas. also that talent has opportunity in their home countries now and other places. and the third is that the continuity of support. it is important. it takes years. as a fizztivity or mathematician or engineer. it's epirep rabl damage.

>> thank you very much for your time.

>> always great to be here.

>> we will continue the conversation.