Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellows

Fall 2005 Fellow Biographies

		Tammy Bosler (NAE/CASEE) was awarded a PhD in physics from the University of California-Irvine (UCI) in October 2004, where she also earned a MS. She received a BA in physics from Temple University in Philadelphia. Her research specialty is observational astrophysics in the context of galaxy formation in the Local Group. Along with her PhD research, she acted as an outreach coordinator to develop an astronomy and astrophysics outreach program at UCI where she created basic astronomy curricula and demonstrations for students from 3rd grade to high school. She also taught physics and astronomy classes at UCI where she won a departmental teaching award and recently taught thermodynamics at the University of Regensburg in Germany. She also developed a two day astronomy workshop designed for the general public entitled “Astronomy: Understanding Our Place in the Universe”, which was first presented in July, 2005 in Austin, Texas. In an age of misinformation and misunderstanding about science, one of Tammy’s passions is to help clarify modern science for the public. She has been awarded a AAAS science policy fellowship for 2006-2007, and she works in the National Science Foundation in the Division for Astronomical Sciences. Her main project focuses on evaluating NSF sponsored outreach programs in astronomy and astrophysics. Contact by email. (Updated 09/06)
		Saharah Moon Chapotin (PGA/DSC) was awarded a PhD in plant physiology from Harvard University in June 2005 and received a BS in biology from Stanford University. Her thesis research focused on the water relations and biomechanics of baobab trees in Madagascar. After graduating, she worked on developing a new course to be taught in the Science Core Curriculum at Harvard, entitled Feeding the World: Plants, Productivity, and Limits to Growth. Saharah Moon was a Fall 2005 fellow, working on international scientific cooperation and communication issues, and on the development of a workshop to address biosecurity definitions. She is currently a plant biotechnology policy post-doctoral fellow at the Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products through Iowa State University, and is based in Washington, DC. She has been a volunteer at Camp Winnarainbow in California, teaching circus skills as a means of encouraging cooperation and the development of mutual trust and life skills to children from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Her long term goal is to work at the intersection of science, international policy, development and sustainability with specific interests in working on problems of agricultural policy, biotechnology innovation and regulation and international development. Contact by email. (Updated 04/06)
		Matthew Druckenmiller (DELS/PRB) is currently working on a PhD in geophysics at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where he is researching glacier volume changes using small aircraft laser altimetry. He moved to Alaska because of his love for mountain environments and a growing interest in polar science and environmental change. Matt earned a BS in environmental systems engineering and a MS in geo-environmental engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. At Penn State, he investigated geologic carbon sequestration as a means to potentially mitigate industrial releases of carbon dioxide. Matt also served as a volunteer at an after school program for children in the graduate student community at Penn State, that provided activities and help with homework. Matt’s career goal is to work as a collaborator between the science of polar and alpine regions, the communities that dwell in these environments, and those having specifically defined interests in these areas. He also has a desire to step out of the world of academia and hopes that this fellowship will help him to understand the working partnerships between government, agencies, organizations and institutions. Matt hopes to walk away from the Academies with a greater understanding of policy while leaving behind a lasting contribution to the PRB. Contact by email.
		Joanna D. Friesner (PGA/GUIRR) was awarded a PhD in genetics from the University of California, Davis in December 2004. She received a BA in molecular and cellular biology from the University of California-Berkeley. Her dissertation work involved defining DNA repair mechanisms in higher plants and their use as a model for human DNA repair. Joanna, based at the University of California, Davis, is currently the Coordinator for the Multinational Arabidopsis Steering Committee (MASC). The MASC is made up of representatives of countries and programs around the world involved in functional genomics research using the model plant,  Arabidopsis thaliana. Among the goals of the committee are forging relationships and fostering communication and free exchange of data, materials and ideas among the involved groups. The MASC also strives to identify needs and opportunities of the worldwide Arabidopsis research community and communicate them to funding agencies of participating nations. MASC website: http://www.arabidopsis.org/portals/masc/index.jsp. Joanna has been involved with the Sacramento Valley chapter of the Association for Women in Science for several years and served as vice-president. She is an experienced public speaker and has given numerous research presentations to audiences ranging from junior college students to top scientists from the UK and Japan. One of her goals is to become actively involved in shaping public policy by exploring a career in science advising and policy-making at all levels of the government. She looks forward to spending time at the Academies and in D.C., with hopes that this fellowship will be an excellent introduction to the development of science policy. In her free time Joanna enjoys exercising and cooking. If she’s not outdoors jogging or cycling, she is usually at the gym hitting the heavy-bag, rock-climbing, or taking yoga, aerobics, or spinning classes. Update 5/07: Contact by email.
		James W. Gregory (DEPS/ASEB) was awarded a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue University in August 2005, where he also earned his MS degree. Jim earned his BS in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech in 1999, graduating with highest honors. During the summer of 2004, he interned at the Tohoku University-Department of Aeronautics in Japan, where he developed a real-time imaging system for unsteady aerodynamic measurements with pressure-sensitive paint. His work experience also includes tenures at NASA Glenn Research Center and Delta Air Lines. Jim’s career goals include obtaining a faculty position in aerospace engineering at a major research university where he hopes to continue cutting-edge research in aerodynamics while mentoring students in the aerospace disciplines. He is looking forward to spending time at the Academies and hopes to share the skills he acquired in industry and government with ASEB. His goal for the fellowship is to make a useful, unique contribution while broadening his view of the interface between science and public policy. Jim enjoys meeting people of different nationalities, having traveled to 25 countries. He has finished six marathons, finds photography to be a relaxing diversion from technical work, and has a life-long goal to follow Christ in all of his endeavors. Contact by email.
		Samantha I. Infeld (DEPS/AFSB) expects to be awarded a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics in December 2005 from Stanford University. Her PhD dissertation is on space mission trajectory design and optimization. While working towards a MS at Stanford, she worked on micro-satellite development and testing in the Space Systems Development Lab and participated in a team research project on rewards and gender at science and engineering organizations. She received her BS in aerospace engineering and space science from the University of California-San Diego. Samantha frequently served as a math and science tutor for elementary through undergraduate students throughout her university career. She also often participates in university choirs, and enjoys backpacking and practicing yoga, as well as world travel and photography. Her interest in a wider, system-level view is what has led her to the fellowship at the National Academies. She specifically wants to learn how national and global politics affect problem solving and how exploration goals are pursued in the aerospace field. Her ultimate career goal is to manage and direct the development or operation of space programs. Samantha hopes her fellowship will give her the opportunity to pursue her interest in technology policy directly. Contact by email.
		Amit S. Mistry (NAE/CASEE) completed a doctorate in bioengineering from Rice University in April 2007 with a dissertation on the evaluation of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. Amit also has a B.S. in chemical engineering and served as a Teach for America high school science teacher prior to graduate school. As a fellow in the Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education (CASEE), Amit contributed to an online database of engineering education resources for university professors. Amit is currently a Science Policy Intern with Research!America in Alexandria, VA where he is an advocate for health research. Amit is interested in advancing medical research, improving science and math education, and working on health issues for the developing world. Contact by email.
		Meredith Murr (NAS/KSM) expects to receive a PhD in biological sciences from the University of California-Santa Barbara in April 2006. She received a MA in organic chemistry from the University of Texas-Austin and her BA in chemistry from Boston University. Previously, Meredith worked at two biotechnology companies, Celltech and Epix Medical. Currently, her graduate studies in biomineralization and biomaterials are focused on the structural biology and self-assembly of enzymes that catalyzes the formation of glass in marine sponges. Meredith intends to use her scientific background to assist in the communication and advocacy of science, and to support science education in order to persuade young people to consider science professions. She feels that her fellowship with the National Academies is a step in the right direction to achieve that goal. Contact by email.
		Lindsay Odell (PGA/ISAC) was awarded a PhD in biophysics and biophysical chemistry in April 2004 from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where she studied the mechanisms of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis and the neurological disorder, Refsum's disease. She received a BA in biological sciences from the University of Chicago. As a postdoctoral scholar, Lindsay used X-ray protein crystallography to study the mechanism of human phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in Refsum's disease. She then worked for the United States Patent and Trademark Office where she applied legal analysis and technical knowledge in microbiology, molecular biology, and biophysics to determine whether to grant or deny patents for inventions in biotechnology. Lindsay’s career goals include using her expertise in the fields of chemistry, physics and biology, as well as her understanding of the international science community, to help develop policies that protect our nation against the threat of chemical and biological weapons. She hopes to make substantive contributions to the Academies' continuing efforts in supporting the Defense Department’s missions in combating weapons of mass destruction. Lindsay is currently a research analyst at the Tauri Group, LLC where she provides programmatic and policy support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate, Medical Science and Technology Division. Contact by email. (Updated 06/06)
		LeighAnne M. Olsen (Fall 2005, IOM/IOM EO) After receiving her B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, where she also completed a minor in Anthropology, LeighAnne joined the Department of Biochemistry to study mechanisms of DNA damage. Her work on structural biology and interest in the development of antiviral therapeutics led her to pursue graduate studies in molecular biology, with an emphasis in virology, at Princeton University. She received her Ph.D. in 2005, completing a dissertation incorporating aspects of immunology, neurobiology, and microbiology to identify factors contributing to virulence and illuminate viral strategies for evading host cell defense mechanisms. As a NAS fellow, LeighAnne's work contributed to the development of an initiative to improve the translation of biomedical research into effective medical practice. In January 2006, she joined the Institute of Medicine and is now a Program Officer working with the IOM Roundtable on Evidence-Based Medicine. In addition to issues related to domestic health policy, she is interested in encouraging the development of biomedical technologies and using scientific capacity building to address issues of global health such as emerging infectious diseases and ensuring access to essential medicines. Contact by email. (Updated 06/07)
		Marnina Kammersell (PGA/COSEPUP) has joined the staff of the IOM's study to review the DHHS Office of Family Planning Title X Program. She was most recently a Health Science Policy Analyst at the NIH's Clinical Research Policy Analysis and Coordination (CRpac) program, within the Office of Biotechnology Activities. Her work at the NIH focused on the ethics, policy, and regulation of clinical trials. Prior to her experience at the NIH, Marni was a research assistant at GW's Center for International Science and Technology Policy and she also served as a legislative intern for the House of Representatives, Committee on Science. Marni was a Fall 2005 Christine Mirzayan fellow for COSEPUP where she worked with Debbie Stine on the Rising Above the Gathering Storm report. She holds a MA in public policy with a focus on health policy from the George Washington University and a BA in philosophy from the University of Michigan. In her free time Marni enjoys reading, throwing pottery at Glen Echo park, and biking in Old Town Alexandria. She also loves to travel and in the past year or so has visited the island of Dominica in the Caribbean and Eastern Europe (specifically, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia). Contact by email. (Updated 10/07)
		Rachael E. Scholz (PGA/COSEPUP) is a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton for the Defense Life Science Team. She provides marketing and S&T support to Booz Allen Hamilton efforts at DARPA, NIH, and DoD programs in biological, chemical, biotechnology and biomedical areas. Rachael received her PhD in neuroscience from the George Washington University in January 2006. She received a BS in biology from Bates College. As a Fall 2005 Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellow, she worked with the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP) on a new study that examines the most effective policies and practices for recruiting, hiring, and retaining women faculty. In 2001, she was elected co-president of the Graduate Student Association for the GW Institute for Biomedical Sciences. Rachael is also an active member of the Society for Neuroscience. Previously, she has worked for the Genetics and IVF Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a Clinical Specialist in Cytogenetics, where she analyzed karyotypes of blood and prenatal samples for chromosome abnormalities. In her spare time, Rachael plays competitive ultimate frisbee and competes at the regional level with a DC based co-ed team. Contact by email. (Updated 02/06)
		Brian T. Schwartz (PGA/COSEPUP) earned a PhD in electrical and computer engineering in August 2005 from the University of Colorado, where he also participated in a science and technology policy graduate program. He received a BA in physics from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Previously, he worked at New Focus, Inc. as an electro-eptic manufacturing engineer, where his work focused on optical components for research and industrial applications. In his spare time, Brian has been a guest lecturer, little league coach, a science fair judge, and has written guest opinion pieces for local newspapers. He also enjoys softball and volleyball, and invites anyone who is looking for a player to e-mail him. His career goal is to influence policies that promote the implementation of new technologies into successful products. He feels his time at the Academies will bring him one step closer to that goal. Brian is looking forward to combining the real world experience of this fellowship with his course studies to provide him with the tools to effectively influence policies. Contact by email.
		Kevin Whittlesey (PGA/CSTL) earned a PhD in biological sciences from Northwestern University in July 2005. His dissertation research developed a novel biomaterials-based tissue engineering strategy to treat spinal cord injury. Kevin received a BA in biochemistry from Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Before entering graduate school, he spent three years at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases studying allergic inflammation. While in graduate school, Kevin was involved in numerous science educational programs, including the implementation of Boy Scout chemistry merit badge workshops, science demonstrations for local Girl Scout troops and charity fundraising events, and science fair judging at the local, regional, and statewide levels. After completing his doctorate, Kevin’s experience as a National Academies fellow solidified his interest in pursuing science policy. After leaving the National Academies, Kevin was an NIH SBIR-funded postdoctoral fellow at Aastrom Biosciences, in Ann Arbor, MI, developing bioreactor-expanded adult human bone marrow-derived stem cells which are currently in clinical trials to facilitate tissue repair. He returned to the Washington area in May 2006, and spent that summer working for Booz Allen Hamilton, consulting on contracts with USAID and DARPA. Kevin is currently the MRS/OSA Congressional Fellow with the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program, placed in the office of Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA). Kevin is interested in pursuing a career in science education policy. Contact by email. (Updated 06/07)
		Ling Zhu (PGA/STEP) expects to receive a PhD in management information systems from the University of Arizona in May 2007. He earned a Master of Law in international trade from UA’s Roger’s College of Law. Ling received a Bachelor of Law in foreign economic law from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. He has served as volunteer interpreter for the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Arizona and as a consultant on immigration law and international trade for a local law firm. Before coming to the U.S., he also worked as an assistant lecturer at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Ling’s career goals include obtaining a post-doc position to further his research on the interaction of information technology, law, and business and then eventually become a professor at a university. Ling is looking forward to his time at the Academies to further his knowledge of how policy impacts the development of information technology. He is honored to be a part of this fellowship and hopes to utilize his previous education and research skills to support the projects of the STEP board. Contact by email.