Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy

Fall 2003 Fellow Biographies

		Mary K. Anderson (PGA/COSEPUP) completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2000. She earned an AB in biochemistry from Smith College. She is interested in large scale biology and the role of information management and the developing standards needed to provide structure and context to the "genomics revolution". She hopes that working at the National Academies will provide her with insight into and experience with the government decision-making processes.  Mary is vice president of the Smith College Club of Baltimore and is closely involved in the annual book sale fundraiser. She also serves on the board of her local neighborhood association. She is an avid hiker, traveler, gardener and cook and someday hopes to write books about strange lands and distant foods. Contact by email.
		Tracy L. Blake (NAE/CASEE) is a PhD candidate in Higher Education Administration at the University of Florida. She earned a MEd. in education from George Mason University. She is in her second year of doctorate study and is exploring potential career options. She feels one possible career option would be to obtain a teaching position at a major institute of research and continue to research and publish. Another option is related to securing a research position at a government organization dedicated to the promotion of educational excellence. Tracy is interested in mentoring, graduate student education, and policy issues in higher education. She is interested in examining these issues through themes concerning minority access, equity, outcomes, and assessment. Tracy feels the single most important aspect of an fellowship at the National Academies would provide her a deeper understanding of the responsibility that advisors play in assisting the government in addressing areas of science and technology. Contact by email.
		Laura M. Brockway (PGA/GUIRR) received a Doctor of Philosophy in Vision Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2004 by determining the cellular expression patterns and physiological significance of amiloride-sensitive sodium channels in the mammalian retina. At UAB, she played an active role in the graduate student community as President of the Industry Roundtable, an organization dedicated to fostering a greater awareness of science careers outside academia through seminars, career workshops, and networking opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She also served on the Executive Board of the Graduate Student Association and as the university’s representative at Science’s Next Wave, writing several articles on alternative careers for scientists and the relationship between scientists and the media. Dr. Brockway received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with Honors from Florida State University in 1999, where she completed a research thesis on the distribution and concentration of the visual pigment rhodopsin across the rat retina. Dr. Laura Brockway is Senior Science Policy Analyst at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Office of Public Affairs, where she monitors, analyzes, and develops policy recommendations on a number of issues impacting biomedical research. FASEB is a coalition of 23 independent scientific professional societies that serve the interests of biomedical and life scientists, particularly those related to public policy matters. Specifically, Dr. Brockway is responsible for issues involving academia-industry relationships and conflict of interest, technology transfer, and scientific publishing. She also coordinates the activities of the Science Policy Committee and their annual meeting. Contact by email. (Updated 10/05)
		Sarah Brown (DEPS/BMSA) earned her master's degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland, College Park and her BA degrees in mathematics and computer science from Oberlin College. She is particularly interested in the ways in which mathematics research and government decision-making influence each other in the areas of national security. Working at the National Academies enhanced her career skills through experiences in teamwork, formulating government policy, and research on scientific matters. She is currently an Information Security Engineer with the MITRE Corporation. She works on information security problems that arise in problems in the area of national intelligence security, working with mathematicians, computer scientists, customers, and vendors to implement security policy, and evaluate and design information security solutions for the federal government. She hopes to work abroad for a portion of her career. Sarah also enjoys running marathons, ultimate Frisbee, and going out to eat in DC. Contact by email. (Updated 07/06)
		Edward V. Etzkorn (DEPS/BPA) is completing his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He earned a BS in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology. He believes this fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity to explore his interests in the impact of science beyond the laboratory and to participate in the development of science policy in order to ascertain its potential as a permanent career path. He aspires to contribute to, and gain insight into, the process by which expert knowledge is distilled and communicated for use by decision makers, including how diverse opinions and viewpoints within the scientific community can be synthesized into coherent and effective recommendations and how the impact of those conclusions can be maximized by transmission to the appropriate receptor sites within the government. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the nooks and crannies of the world, from city streets and museum halls to hillside summits and ocean cliffs, and meeting whomever he might find there. He's also been known to exhibit a fondness for exotic cuisines, eccentric movies, and esoteric conversations over dinner. Contact by email.
		Patricia C. Freeland (PGA/STL) recently earned an MA in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island. She earned an MS in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania. As an educator, she became aware of the importance of working toward increased public awareness of current scientific issues which will shape the future. As she considers her career goals, Patricia finds that that she is most interested in the particular ways that governmental policies and regulations must evolve to reflect advances in technology, particularly biotechnology and its applications to crops and animals. She is also interested in international issues pertaining to trade and the environment relating to genetically modified organisms. She hopes eventually to make a contribution by working in a government agency in the area of international environmental policy, possibly in fisheries management or ocean governance. She believes this fellowship will contribute to her career goals by broadening her experience and enabling her to learn how issues concerning science and policy are considered and how policy is ultimately determined. Contact by email.
		Arti Garg (PGA/COSEPUP) is a PhD candidate in Physics at the University of Washington and is working on a dual-focus research program involving cosmology and astrobiology. She earned bachelor degrees in English and physics and an MS in aerospace engineering from Stanford University. During her undergraduate years she went abroad to study Shakespeare and film adaptations of his plays at Oxford University and the British Film Institute in London. After completing her PhD, she would like to move into a public service or private sector position that will allow her to directly apply her scientific background to policy decisions. She hopes the exposure and experience gained during the fellowship will help her to steer her career toward the political realm by providing her an insider perspective on the ways policy decisions are considered and made. When not researching papers, writing code, or contemplating her future plans, Arti enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible hiking, backpacking, and taking photographs in the beautiful Seattle surroundings. Contact by email.
		Douglas A. George (DELS/OSB) is completing his MSc in Oceanography at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He earned an MS in journalism from Columbia University and BS in oceanography from Humboldt State University. His goal is to become a hybrid scientist-journalist. To that end, Doug has conducted ocean research in California, Australia, Canada and Italy while employed as a freelance science and environmental writer. Doug pursued training as a science journalist because the media is a primary educator for most adults and many children. He also recognized a key commonality between science and journalism: policy. Research priorities for laboratories and story assignments for reporters are both affected by decisions initiated by congressional committees. He hopes that the fellowship will offer him the opportunity to explore the symbiotic links between science and policy and broaden his understanding of their interactions, which he feels will directly benefit future employers and enhance his ability to perform and explain research. Doug participates in a guest teaching program for K-12 grades and organized an oceanography/maritime history course for Halifax schools. He believes, though, the best science lessons and inspirations for writing are found in the outdoors. He learned to appreciate the wilderness in his home state of California and has logged countless hours hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding. Contact by email.
		Theresa L. Goedeke (DELS/BANR) recently completed her PhD in Rural Sociology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She earned an MA in sociology at Kent State University. Theresa is a sociologist specializing in environment and natural resource sociology, and a person who enjoys exploring the natural world while hiking, canoeing, snorkeling and camping. Her research and teaching interests include examining human relationships to nature, as well as investigating the social dimensions of environmental policy and resource use. Having an academic background in sociology, wildlife management and law, Theresa strives to relate these perspectives in her work. Funded by the National Science Foundation, her most recent research project examined the transfer of scientific knowledge into law and policy intended to address species endangerment in the United States. She hopes the fellowship program will allow her to bring her academic training to bear where science is being incorporated daily into policies impacting people and the environment. Presently a Research Associate at the University of Missouri-Columbia, her future plans are to seek a faculty appointment or a postdoctoral research fellowship in sociology or rural sociology. In addition to continuing her research program on science-policy studies, she would like to expand her professional pursuits to include policy consultation in the area of environmental policy. Contact by email.
		Andria L. Hobbs (DELS/BCST) recently completed her MS in Forensic Science with an emphasis in chemistry at Florida International University. She previously earned a BS in chemistry from the University of Florida. Her Master's thesis research project involved developing two elemental analysis laser techniques for the characterization of forensic glass and paint that has led to several papers being submitted to peer reviewed journals. She presented at conferences and scientific meetings, including the International Association of Forensic Sciences in Montpellier, France in September 2002, and the Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies in Providence, Rhode Island in October 2002. Additionally, Andria did an internship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Chemistry/Toxicology Unit. She feels the National Academies fellowship will be a great opportunity prior to entrance into the workplace-a transition from academia to working at a premier institute of science and also interacting with leading scientists. Andria anticipates a career in the federal government working as a forensic chemist. Contact by email.
		Grace H. Huynh (NAE/CDEW) is a PhD candidate in Bioengineering in the Joint Bioengineering Graduate Group Program at the University of California Berkeley and the University of California San Francisco. She earned a BS in bioengineering at the University of Washington. Grace feels strongly that cutting edge engineering and science research should be brought to K-12 students, keeping students abreast of new technologies, inspiring them with innovative designs, and encouraging them to think critically and creatively on their own. She feels this type of outreach is especially important for females and minorities who are often underrepresented in engineering and science. She hopes her fellowship at the National Academies will help her to understand and be involved in the steps required to close this gap. She has played violin in the University of Washington Chamber Orchestra and enjoys ultimate frisbee and swing dancing. If you wish to get in touch with Grace, please contact the Policy Fellows office.
		Rebecca A. Janes (PGA/COSEPUP) is completing her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at University of California, Los Angeles. She earned a BS in chemistry from Loyola College in Maryland. She is fascinated by both the inception of science policy and the effects its implementation has on the country. She is especially interested in helping lawmakers better understand new technological developments, increasing the general public's understanding of science through dissemination of scientific information, working to diversify the scientific field, and ensuring equal opportunity in science for everyone. As an fellow, she hopes to gain an intimate understanding of the inner workings of the political system, particularly how science agenda is handled by the National Academies. She would like to make a contribution to science policy and see how her efforts might influence lawmakers’ decisions. She hopes that the acquired knowledge she gains during this fellowship will reinforce her belief that science policy can embody both her longstanding convictions about service to the community and the importance of the advancement of technology through responsible, informed actions of both lawmakers and scientists. In her free time she enjoys reading fiction, participating in demonstrations and presentations to encourage young people to pursue science careers, was a volunteer tutor of adult literacy, and plays in a softball league.
		Cherise R. Johnson (PGA/STL) is a Masters candidate in Marine Affairs and Policy at University of Miami Rosenstiel School. She also earned a BA in the same field of study at University of Miami. She has been studying marine policy for five years and she is a self-described activist who plans to “change the world” by working within the system. She feels strongly that our environment is threatened more and more each day by natural and anthropogenic causes and feels she can, through proper assessment, analysis, law making and enforcement, help to end that. She plans to attend law school and focus her degree on Environmental Law and then work on federal level with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or with a consulting firm assisting with environmental impact statements and further aiding in the preservation of our fragile ecosystems. Cherise hopes the fellowship will help her better understand how science policy is created and provides the opportunity to interact with leaders in science, government, and industry. In her spare time she loves to spend time appreciating the arts, whether it is a play, a museum or a good documentary or film. Her favorite art form is dance and she has been a dancer since childhood. Contact by email.
		Jodi Lubetsky (PGA/BHEW) currently works in the Division of Biomedical and Health Sciences Research at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Among her responsibilities is serving as Executive Secretary of the Group on Graduate Research Education and Training (GREAT). The GREAT Group is a professional development group that serves the interests of over 300 medical school graduate deans, MD-PhD program directors, and postdoctoral program directors who have responsibility for biomedical PhD and postdoctoral training. Prior to joining AAMC, Jodi was a Howard Hughes Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She was also a Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellow during the fall of 2003 in the Board of Higher Education and Workforce of the Policy and Global Affairs Division of The National Academies. She earned a PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry while working in the Department of Pharmacology at Yale University and a BS in Chemistry from MIT. Contact by email (Updated 07/06)
		Horacio Murillo (IOM/HSP) interned in the Board of Health Sciences Policy at the Institute of Medicine. He did the MD, PhD program at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, MN and his PhD was in Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He received his BA in chemistry/biochemistry from San Jose State University. Through this internship Horacio gained insights into the process of public policy making as it relates to biomedical research and clinical research training. Horacio is currently an Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Fellow sponsored by AAAS and is working in the US Senate HELP Committee. If you wish to reach Horacio, please contact the Policy Fellows office. (Updated 07/06)
		Jamie L. Ostroha (NAE/CEE) is a PhD candidate in Material Engineering at Drexel University where she also earned her MS in the same field of study. Upon completion of her PhD program, she plans to enter academia. It is within this environment that she believe she will be best able to tackle one of her most prominent career goals: to address national and international issues involving science and technology education and promote education in science and technology among children and young adults. Through the fellowship, she hopes to learn how to affect change in policy to bring science and technology education to those without, to improve the learning of science in general, and to improve education for future teachers of science and technology. She wants to learn how to effectively integrate policy with her future career in academia and help affect change in policy to better the lives of local, national, and international communities. Jamie is already invested in the area of science and technology education through educational outreach programs at the University where she is able to influence the education of high school students as young as the freshman level; and through the teacher-training program, reach children in middle schools. Contact by email.
		Rebecca J. Romsdahl (DBASSE/HDGC) holds a PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia; where she was also an academic advisor and instructor for courses on conservation biology, environmental policy, and civic engagement. She earned her MS in Resource Development from Michigan State University and her BA in Environmental Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Rebecca has worked in non-profit advocacy, taught hands-on ecology, and worked seasonally with the National Park Service, and the National Forest Service. She is currently a AAAS Science & Technology Policy fellow working with the EPA Global Change Research Program and the US Climate Change Science Program. Her research interests include human dimensions of global environmental change, land use and management, and civic engagement in environmental policy-making. In her down time, Rebecca enjoys communing with the natural world through hiking, gardening, and visiting her family’s farm in Minnesota. Contact by email. (Updated 10/05)
		Andrei A. Sirtchenko (DBASSE/CNSTAT) is a PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Iowa where he also earned an MA in the same field of study. He earned an MS in biophysics and a BS in physics from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). He was a graduate fellow at Russian Academy of Science for two years before coming to the US. He has several goals for the fellowship: to learn first hand how research is transformed into government policy, to interact with people from a variety of different backgrounds, and to work in the scientific community outside academia. Andrei has had a unique and diverse career path. After graduating from MIPT, he created his own start-up business and organized a network of wholesale firms in several regions of Russia. His 6-year experience in the business world has taught him not only practical skills in entrepreneurship, management, and marketing, but also a philosophic attitude towards twists of life and misfortunes. Andrei served two years in the USSR North Navy (1987-1989)—mandatory military service and another school of life. He is coming to DC with his beautiful wife (born in Siberia) and wonderful daughter (born in the middle of Iowa). Upon completion of his PhD, Andrei hopes to continue his quest for a harmonious life style. Contact by email.
		Amanda Slocum (DEPS/NMAB) has spent the last 18 months working as a Science Assistant with the National Science Board Office. The National Science Board overseas and sets the policy for the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as provides advise to the President and Congress on policy issues related to science and engineering (S&E) research and education. As a Science Assistant, her work has focused on policy issues related to identifying, evaluating, and funding innovative, "potentially transformative” research at NSF, and government support of international S&E partnerships. This fall she will be returning to school to begin her Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon where she plans to focus her research on energy technology innovation. Amanda completed her Masters in Public Policy with a concentration in Science and Technology Policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in November 2004. While at RIT she worked with the National Center for Resource Recovery and Remanufacturing, where her research focused on environmental compliance and product stewardship, with an emphasis on emerging technologies such as fuel cells. While a graduate student she also spent a summer working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Center for Environmental Economics in Washington, D.C. She earned a BS in physics from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. In addition to her interest in science and technology policy she enjoys travel, reading, running and yoga. Contact by email (Updated 05/06)
		Christina Tat (PGA/COSEPUP) is a Masters candidate in Policy Analysis and Evaluation at Baruch School for Public Affairs in New York City. She earned a BS in biology and Japanese from Vassar College and has worked as a Research Assistant at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, studying the role of anti-oxidants in the treatment of cancer. The goal of her graduate study is to gain a better insight into the intricacies of human resources policies for the scientific workforce. Issues of particular interest are the alignment of higher education requirements with the needs of private sector employers and the gauging of benefits and challenges arising out of a labor force made up of over 50%  non-resident scientists. Christina is looking forward to learning from and working alongside COSEPUP staff researching similar problems. In the spring of 2004, Christina plans to enroll into Columbia University's Science and Technology Program, after which she hopes to be working for a government agency formulating human resources policy for the scientific workforce. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting and experimenting with recipes from her native country of Romania, skiing and mountain-biking. Contact by email.