Hi Perry,
I'm so sorry that this is such a stressful time for all of us. It's hard enough starting out in science without the entire edifice crumbling around one's ears.
I think that what's going on right now is that there is a sense of science solidarity: scientists are fighting for scientists across the board, not just in auditory science. I've been to and seen lots of people at Stand Up for Science rallies across the country. People are pelting their elected representatives with demands not to silence science. I've also seen (and responded to) calls to write supportive notes to program officers, SROs, etc. at funding agencies who are currently under huge amounts of stress and anxiety. There is HUGE concern amongst all these groups about what this is going to do to the next generation of scientists.
One big way that more senior folks can help more junior folks is to do our best to make sure funding opportunities stay in place. Without that, the support web for PhDs is really not there. So I think a lot of people are focusing their energies on advocating for maintaining NIH and NSF.
I would love to see suggestions on Auditory list or other places for additional ways to advocate for junior scientists and for science generally.
Hang in there and please know that we want you here.
Sarah