Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellows
Summer 2007 Biographical Sketches

	Rae Benedict (COSEPUP/PGA) is currently completing her Ph.D. in aquatic toxicology at the University of Maryland-Baltimore where she has been educated through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) training grant. Her research examines the metabolism of brominated flame retardants. Specifically, she focused on polybrominated diphenyl ethers and enzymes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. Rae earned a M.S. in Environmental Health Management and a B.S. in Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries. Her educational and career pursuits have provided her the opportunity to live on every coast of the U.S., including Alaska’s Inside Passage. Rae hopes her fellowship will further develop her skills and provide an understanding on science policy creation to advance her efforts of becoming an effective leader. She plans to continue working in science policy after completion of the fellowship. In her free time, she works on domestic violence issues and the mentoring of students and scientists. She also enjoys hiking with her dog, riding her motorcycle and participating in day-long volunteer events. Contact by email.
	Josh Braun (Koshland/NAS) is a masters student at Cornell University, working toward a Ph.D. in communication. Currently, his research examines the nature of debate in online political communities, with the ultimate goal of understanding the rich context in which discussions of health and science unfold within these forums. Josh holds a masters in bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelors in “science in the media” from UC Santa Barbara’s individual studies program. His studies have focused on the effective communication of science and health information in both the mass media and interpersonal settings. He hopes to further this project through work in either policy or academia, and is excited to be working at the Koshland Museum, which provides excellent opportunities to gain experience and insight into the process of communicating about science. Josh has worked as a science journalist for NPR and Seed Magazine, where he covered diverse topics ranging from nuclear security to deep-sea oceanography to prison reform. He has previously visited Washington as an intern for ABC News’ Nightline and This Week programs. Josh is a tortured Phillies fan, and in his free time, enjoys hiking, documentary films, and photography. Contact by email.
	Jay Cole (BHEW/PGA) is currently completing his Ph.D. in Education and Public Policy at the University of Michigan.  His dissertation is a study of the factors affecting the diffusion of science and technology policy innovations among states.  He has a M.A. in the history and philosophy of education from The Ohio State University, where he held a Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowship, and a B.A. in Political Science and History from West Virginia University, where he was selected as a Truman Scholar.  For the last six and a half years, Jay has served as the Governor's education policy advisor and Deputy Secretary of Education and the Arts in his home state of West Virginia.  In these positions, he works on a wide variety of K-12 and postsecondary education policy issues, including the promotion of education and research in STEM fields.  During his fellowship, Jay looks forward to exploring the state-level policy implications of BHEW's work on graduate education.  In his free time, Jay enjoys following college football and all of the professional Pittsburgh sports teams, learning about Ancient Egypt, reading about politics, and listening to country music.  Jay is married to Lisa DeFrank-Cole and they have one cat, Buffett (named for Jimmy, not Warren). Contact by email.
	Patrick Cunningham (CASEE/NAE) completed his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Purdue University in the fall of 2006. His doctoral research focused on monitoring diesel particulate filters. Specifically, he investigated experimental and theoretical correlations between dynamic pressure signal features and the amount of diesel particulate stored in a filter. Part of his graduate work was funded by an NSF fellowship. Patrick’s MSME and BSME were also from Purdue University. Since November 2006 Patrick has been following his passion teaching at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as an assistant professor in the mechanical engineering department. He is particularly interested in how we teach engineers to handle the often competing forces of social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental responsibilities. As a fellow with CASEE, he is excited about seeing the broader landscape of scholarly engineering education research and participating in it. His career goals in academia include teaching mechanical engineering courses, improving ethical and social acuity of students and the pedagogy behind it, and conducting research promoting efficient energy conversion and reduced emissions. Patrick enjoys running, hiking, reading, roasting and drinking coffee, and spending time with his wife, Jennie, in his personal time. Currently he and Jennie are pursuing the adoption of a Guatemalan child. Contact by email.
	Chantel F. Fuqua (BCYF/DBASSE) recently completed her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. Her doctoral research focused on the signaling mechanisms of IL-21, an immunoregulatory cytokine that is currently being considered as a possible treatment for the regulation of the immune system in asthma and cancer patients. She received her B.S. in Chemistry from Saint Louis University, and conducted research focused on size-dependent diffusion of organic compounds. Her interest in being a policy fellow stems from a personal goal of hers to gain additional training in ethics and policy, and learn how to facilitate active dialogue between researchers, educators, and policymakers to improve health and society in minority populations. This experience will also enable her to transition from training as a student to a productive professional. She hopes to one day to be able to reduce health disparities through education, research, and designing community outreach programs that can ultimately influence policy making. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, going out to see live music and theater performances, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. Contact by email.
	Yeimy Garcia (COSEPUP/PGA) is currently completing her Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, uses computational chemistry to explore mechanisms of reactions catalyzed by organic catalysts and to examine sources of regioselectivity for reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes. She received a B.S. in chemistry from Seton Hall University in 2005, where she was actively involved in the Martin Luther King Scholarship Association. Yeimy hopes to pursue a career in science policy, and she is excited that this internship will help define her interest. She looks forward to working with COSEPUP on issues related to underrepresented minorities in science and engineering. Yeimy enjoys cooking, reading, running, and biking—especially in beautiful Southern California. She is eager to explore DC this summer. Contact by email.
	Noah Giansiracusa (CISAC/PGA) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in pure mathematics at Brown University, focusing on algebraic geometry. During his undergraduate education at the University of Washington he spent a summer as a cryptological intern at the National Security Agency and immediately afterward lived in Moscow, Russia as part of a mathematical study abroad program. Working at the NSA helped him to develop an interest in applying the mathematical sciences to international security -- and studying in Russia made it clear that the best way to strive toward global peace is by encouraging international collaboration and open communication between scientists, not just politicians, throughout the world. Noah would like to stay in academia after graduation, but he wants to be actively involved the development of programs designed to enable students and scientists at all levels of their studies to cross international cultural barriers with the hope of building a more collaborative and amicable global environment for research. While working at the National Academies, Noah hopes to gain a first-hand perspective of the policy side of research necessary to establish such programs. Whenever possible, Noah plays the piano and tries to surround himself with classical music, in all ways ranging from the opera house to an MP3 player. Contact by email.
	Nathaniel “Nate” Hafer (CISAC & DSC/PGA) completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at Princeton University in May 2007. His doctoral research focused on understanding a novel gene in the fruit fly that regulates RNA localization and expression in the germline and nervous system. Prior to graduate school Nate received a B.S. in Biology from Penn State with a minor in Science, Technology, and Society. He believes it is important for scientists to be actively engaged in policy making, and looks forward to working on science policy first hand. In particular, Nate wants to ensure that science and technology are used responsibly without sacrificing scientific inquiry and freedom. He hopes to combine his knowledge of the life sciences with his interest in international relations and apply these skills to biological weapons control. In his spare time Nate enjoys cooking and eating good food, listening to music, and participating in a variety of sports. Contact by email.
	Sylvia Y. He (Studies/TRB) is pursuing her Ph.D. in Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on transportation policy and land use development. Working with USC’s METRANS project, she investigates network accessibility and the evolution of urban employment in the Los Angeles region. Sylvia earned her master’s degree in geography in 2006 with a concentration in travel behavior from McMaster University in Canada. Her thesis is based on an NSERC Project: Spatial Aggregation in Activity-Based Travel Demand Models. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography with a specialization in GIS and cartography from Sun Yat-sen University in China. Sylvia is interested in facilitating networks and collaboration among academics, government and industry. She coordinated the GEOIDE Students’ Network in Canada, and the Corporative Research Centre for Spatial Information invited her to Australia to discuss issues regarding post-graduate activities and education programs. Sylvia also received the WTS–Orange County Chapter’s Graduate Scholarship in 2006. She plans to pursue a career in academia or at international organizations dedicated to sustainable urban development.  Sylvia believes the fellowship with TRB will help her better understand the transportation policymaking process. She enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, table tennis and watching old movies. Contact by email.
	Alicia Jackson (COSEPUP/PGA) recently earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 2007. Her dissertation focused on the phase separation and nanostructuring in the ligand shell of nanoparticles. This discovery has a number of interesting biotechnological applications, as well as having wide reaching implications for the environmental health and safety implications of nanoparticles. She received a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT as well. Alicia’s interest in science policy grew out of her desire to have a broader impact on scientific advancement than that afforded to her through basic research. While at MIT, she co-created a new science policy course for science and engineering graduate students and post-docs. The aim of the course is to develop a new generation of policy versed and active scientists. During her time at the National Academies, she is looking forward to working with the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy on the project of Ensuring the Utility and Integrity of Research Data in a Digital Era. After completing her fellowship, Alicia will serve as the 2007 MRS/OSA Congressional Fellow, where she looks forward to developing policies that will encourage the critical scientific developments and technology transfers necessary to solve the many environmental, health, and defense challenges facing us today and that encourage the link between technological and economic development and contribute to human progress. Contact by email.
	Gemayel Jean-Paul (CSTL/PGA) is currently completing his J.D. at Syracuse University College of Law. He also received a double degree, a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Information Management and Technology, at Syracuse University. Gemayel has learned and participated in various fields by being: a Research Assistant for The Burton Blatt Institute; a volunteer at New York City Housing Authority, New York City Board of Education, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation; and an IT Project Manager and Web Technology Analyst, respectively at General Electric’s Corporate business unit and United Technology Corporation’s Carrier business unit. Being aspired to have a career in public service, Gemayel intends to devote his life for the well-being of our society by using his understanding of law and technology to reach his goal. He hopes this fellowship with the Academies will help him to learn much more about the sphere of technology policy and to build the necessary capacity to change our society to a better one. In his free time, Gemayel enjoys exploring cities, socializing, weightlifting, and playing various sports. Contact by email.
	Vikas Khanna (NMAB/DEPS) is currently completing his Ph.D in Chemical Engineering at The Ohio State University, Columbus. His doctoral research is part of an EPA STAR grant and focuses on addressing the environmental implications of nanotechnology using life cycle assessment and systems analysis. Vikas received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Panjab University, India. He recently also received his Masters in Applied Statistics from The Ohio State University. Before coming to Graduate School, Vikas worked as a Senior Process Engineer with Technip KT India Ltd. He believes that systems view coupled with technology and policy perspective can be very beneficial for guiding decision making and ensuring that the expected benefits of technology manifests themselves in real form. Vikas hopes that the fellowship experience at the Academies will facilitate him to broaden his scientific perspective and expand its reach into the public policy arena. In the long-term, Vikas would like to pursue a research oriented career either in academia or industry. In his free time, Vikas enjoys reading, playing racquet ball, and running. Contact by email.
	Puneet Kishor (BESR/DELS & BISO/PGA) is working on his Ph.D. in Land Resources at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is also the Chair of the Education Committee of the Open Source GeoSpatial Foundation (OSGeo). His research interests are in open source computing as “appropriate technology” for rural development and the role of public policy in open data access. Puneet returned to academia in 2006 after a 13 years detour, first via international development at the World Bank, then at a geographic information systems (GIS) consulting company. After completing his undergraduate in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, Puneet started his career working for a non- governmental rural development agency designing better hand-looms. Puneet believes that his open source work is bringing him back full- circle to where he started — applying high technology to solving problems that beset the least fortunate. Since the government looks after those overlooked by the free-market, Puneet is looking forward to NAS giving him an insider’s view of the process of informing the government. In the unlikely event that he is able to find any free time this summer, he will seek out live jazz, the original open source movement, and hand-crafted espressos, hopefully being served concurrently. Contact by email.
	Lawrence Lin (BEES & DEPS EO/DEPS) completed his Ph.D. in physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara in June of 2006.  His graduate research involved the use of simplified models of biological membranes as a means for studying various biophysical processes.  Working with these models, he did theoretical calculations and performed simulations to quantitatively analyze different systems containing biological membranes.  His undergraduate studies were done at Brown University where he wrote a thesis in the area of cosmology and large scale structure of the universe.  Lawrence is looking forward to his fellowship and hopes to learn more about energy technology and policy while working with the Executive Office of the Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences as well as with the Board on Energy and Environmental Systems.  After the fellowship, he would like to work in either government or the nonprofit sector on science policy issues related to his interests in energy, climate, and sustainable development. Contact by email.
	Anne Murdaugh (GUIRR/PGA) is currently completing her Ph.D. in experimental condensed matter physics at the University of Arizona (UA). Her research uses atomic force microscopy to explore the principles governing the growth of crystalline monolayers at the nanoscale. A warm weather enthusiast, she originally hails from Atlanta where she received her B.S. in physics from Georgia Tech in 2002. Anne’s interest in science policy began with her election to the UA Graduate and Professional Student Council in 2005, and recently she has become involved with the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students, with a special interest in legislative affairs. Through these associations, she witnessed the intricate relationship between policy and research and became inspired to pursue a career in science policy and advocacy. She hopes her time at the Academies will help her explore the complicated realm of science policy and further define her career goals. Anne is excited to be a part of GUIRR and working to better enable collaborations between universities and industry. For relaxation, she practices Shotokan Karate and enjoys good movies, books, and jazz. Contact by email.
	Jamie Skipper (EBM RT/IOM) graduated from the University of Glasgow, Scotland with a Ph.D. in cardiac physiology in December 2002. During her graduate research, Jamie examined the biophysics of cardiac muscle under the stress of a failing heart. Her research in cardiac basic science and her years as a registered nurse in adult and pediatric cardiology lead her to the NIH (National Institutes of Health) where she worked for the NHLBI (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute). Here Jamie managed and directed millions of dollars worth of national research efforts in heart failure. In 2006, she led a national initiative to leverage clinical trial funds to co-invest in national heart, lung and blood basic science research. During her time at the NIH, Jamie began to aspire toward a future in health science policy and hopes this fellowship will give her further insight into the relationship between health science research and national policies. Jamie hopes to have a promising career in national health policy and make a positive impact on US national healthcare. In her free time Jamie enjoys her family, traveling, competitive sports, and cooking. She also admits to being addicted to Scrabble and finding the next best kitchen gadget. Contact by email.
	Susan Su (DEW/NAE) graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Ph.D. in Bioengineering in January 2007. Her graduate research focused on the mechanotransducing behavior of human leukocytes in the context of inflammation. More specifically, Susan used numerical methods to characterize the membrane stress of leukocytes under blood flow and recorded the translocation of membrane molecules in these cells that resulted from fluid shear. She graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Spanish. Throughout her graduate years, Susan had been very active with volunteer work, devoting more than 500 hours at various public educational activities of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. She is very excited to be doing her fellowship with DEW where she will assist in the launching of a new initiative that encourages young women to pursue a career in engineering. Susan hopes to eventually become involved in scientific project management for an international organization/company. In her spare time, Susan enjoys indoor rock climbing, Argentine tango, day-tripping, and when time and finance permitting, traveling. Contact by email.
	Jennifer Weisman (Koshland/NAS) received her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003. Her doctoral research focused on the identification and study of compounds responsible for the diffuse interstellar bands using quantum computational chemistry. Jenni received her B.S. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary and has just finished a Giannini Family Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, where she worked on the discovery of new therapeutics to treat malaria. She will be a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the NIH this fall. Jenni believes that her fellowship with the Academies will be an excellent introduction to science policy and education, and hopes that the experience will guide her career path as she transitions out of bench science. She is thrilled to be working at the Koshland Science Museum this summer, and looks forward to the opportunity to further her experience in non-traditional science education, which she has begun to explore through volunteering at the Exploratorium science museum and teaching partnerships in public schools in San Francisco. In her free time, she enjoys practicing ashtanga yoga, throwing pottery, learning Korean, playing the flute, running, and cooking. Contact by email.
	Ryan Zelnio (DSC/PGA) is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Public Policy at George Mason University. His research is broadly focused on science and technology policy and international relations and more narrowly on international cooperation for the development of global public goods. He holds a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics and a MS in Space Studies. Ryan spent 6 years as a software engineer and manager in the commercial space manufacturing industry at Space Systems/Loral where he saw the critical impact of public policy adversely affecting the industry. This caused him to change his career goals to become involved in researching and promoting public policies for advancement of science and technology innovation in a globalized economy. He hopes to accomplish this goal by working in the public or nonprofit sector. Ryan hopes his fellowship at DSC will expose him to the issues surrounding the promotion and development of dual-use technology in a global economy. He will support the Committee on Science, Security and Prosperity. Back when he had free time, Ryan liked to go on hikes with his dog, geocache, scuba dive, read science fiction and volunteer at organization promoting space science. Contact by email.