Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellows

Winter 2006 Fellow Biographies

		Katherine Bowman (PGA/BISO) is currently completing her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Her doctoral research focused on using polymeric nanoparticles to deliver DNA for factor VIII, a coagulation protein that is defective in the disease hemophilia A. She received a B.A. in biology from Amherst College and conducted research for her honors thesis on plant population genetics. After college, Katie worked as a legal assistant in both Washington D.C. and Boston, prior to returning to school. Katie is looking forward to working at the Academies and hopes to gain a greater understanding of the realities under which policy is made and the areas in which scientists can contribute to inform the policy debate. She is particularly interested in emerging biomedical technologies, the ethical issues that may be involved with such research, and both the benefits and the potential misuses of such scientific advances. She loves to kayak and hike and hopes she’ll get a chance to catch some Capitals ice hockey games during her time in D.C. Contact by email.
		Kristin Bullok (NA/ONPI) expects to receive her PhD in chemical biology from Washington University in St Louis in January 2006. She received a BS in chemistry from Southwest Baptist University. Her thesis research involved development of an activatable, quenched fluorescence peptide for noninvasively imaging apoptosis in vivo. During her studies, she determined that her main scientific interests lay in learning and communicating scientific principles and new discoveries to a diverse audience. She obtained experience in communicating fundamental scientific principles to middle and high school students as co-leader of the Chemistry Teaching Team branch of the Young Scientist Program, a science outreach initiative at Washington University. As a participant, Kristin presented interactive chemistry demonstrations to city high school students as a supplement to the science curriculum of the school. This experience impressed her with the tremendous need to improve scientific knowledge and enthusiasm within the classroom and beyond. Through her time at the National Academies, Kristin hopes to contribute to the dissemination of scientific information at a national level and continue to learn effective communication principles. Further, she looks forward to understanding the process of science policy development and how the results can affect society. Kristin plans to pursue a career in scientific communications. Contact by email.
		Catheryne Chen (PGA/CSTL) earned a PhD (cancer biology) from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She did post-doctoral training with the National Institute of Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. Her research involved programmed cell death in leukemia and human aging based on the Cockayne Syndrome cell lines, respectively. Although she loves research, Catheryne felt that she wanted to do more with her science degree, so she enrolled at Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, California. She received her Juris Doctorate in December 2005. Catheryne recently clerked for Judge Arthur Alarcon of the US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit in Los Angeles. While in graduate school, she volunteered at the Children's Center of Wayne County and tutored inner city children with learning disabilities in math and reading. Catheryne is a volunteer at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County where she assists the poor and elderly. She views this fellowship as an opportunity to learn how government functions and to be exposed to aspects of the public policymaking process. Her career goal is to work in government and set public policy in the area of intellectual property law, either as a lawmaker or judge. Contact by email.
		Ian Christensen (PGA/COSPEUP) is pursuing a MA in International Science and Technology Policy from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. He received his BS in Biochemistry and Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in August of 2005, where he conducted research on the policy implications of genetically modified food products. Ian has previously interned in the Office of Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska Pubic Policy Center. Ian feels that many of today’s pressing issues are questions of science and technology interacting with a globalized world and that for society to find long-term success in harnessing the potential benefits of science and technology, as well as in addressing the policy problems related to it, governments and policymakers must be willing and able to innovate. Ian plans a career in public service, potentially in an area related to foreign policy, and hopes to work on the idea of government and policy innovation in the science policy field. Ian sees this Fellowship as an opportunity to explore his interest in science policy while simultaneously focusing his career goals within the field. Ian enjoys traveling, and collects decks of playing cards as a record of his travels. Contact by email.
		Melissa Dupree (NAE/CASEE) is currently completing a Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania and received a B.S. in Materials Engineering from Brown University. Her dissertation work involves the development of a mathematical model describing the proliferative effect of fibroblast growth factor 2 on bone cells in an attempt to evaluate and connect the kinetic, metabolic and structural analyses published in the literature to actual whole cell in vitro response. Throughout her collegiate years, Melissa has served as a tutor, instructor and mentor to youth through various organizations and public schools in both the arts and the sciences. Her ultimate career goals are to be directly involved in the advancement of biological science as well as to encourage efforts to improve science and engineering education and funding. She hopes that her fellowship with the National Academies will help her define the place in which she can make the greatest contribution. She is also passionate about the arts and was a choreographer and performer in student dance companies during her undergraduate and graduate years. Contact by email.
		Eleanore Edson (IOM/HSP) successfully defended her PhD thesis in neurobiology at Harvard University in August 2005, and holds a BS in biology from Stanford University. Her dissertation research examined information transmission in the mammalian visual system over development. Between college and graduate school, Ellie studied abroad at the Glasgow School of Art on a Rotary International Scholars Fellowship. While at Harvard, Ellie frequently participated in a graduate student organization that designed and delivered lectures on biomedical science to the general public. She has given science talks in a number of locations in the Boston area, including the Boston Museum of Science. She has educated humanities undergraduates about emerging biotechnology as a teaching assistant for a Harvard Science Core course, and has volunteered as a science fair judge for junior high. From her experiences as a lecturer and teacher, Ellie developed a passion for applying her research training and broad scientific interests towards dialogues about the impact of biomedical research on society. Her long-term career goal is to help shape and implement international scientific policy, including the development of research partnerships between countries. Ellie is glad for the opportunity to participate in HSP projects, and hopes that the fellowship will teach her invaluable policy skills and understanding. Contact by email.
		Paul J. Fowler (PGA/STEP) is currently Research Director at the National Council for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM). NACFAM is an industry-led, policy research organization, working collaboratively with key leaders from industry, education, and government, to shape public policies and programs to make U.S. manufacturing globally competitive. It convenes its members and other key stakeholders to identify, research, formulate, and communicate proposals in a non-partisan, non-lobbying environment. Participants include small, medium and large manufacturing firms, associations, universities and community colleges, members of Congress and their staffs, federal agencies, and other organizations.  Paul came to Washington on a National Academies Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship and assisted with the congressionally mandated study to assess the SBIR program.  Paul joined the STEP staff as a Senior Research Associate before joining NACFAM.  Previously, Paul worked for seven years as a senior manufacturing engineer at Rockwell Automation where he specialized in using statistical analysis for process improvements and led domestic and international product transfers. He also worked for five years for ICI Americas as a product / process engineer installing and improving products and production processes for automotive airbag igniters and chemical plant facilities.  Paul received a MA in political science at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. His master’s paper focused on the driving geographic factors for SBIR Phase I award recipients using local economic, social, and governmental factors as determinants.  Paul received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY and completed MS coursework in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Akron. Contact by email. (Updated 10/06)
		Erin Fry (PGA/COSEPUP) expects to receive her Masters in Pubic Health Policy from the George Washington University in 2007. In her attempt to study "everything" as an undergraduate at Scripps College in Claremont, California, Erin combined three fields (biology, philosophy, and politics) to design her own interdisciplinary major in Bioethics. Her academic interests are difficult to limit, but include women's issues, AIDS Policy, underserved populations and resource allocation. Erin's undergraduate thesis was entitled "Demanding Disclosure: the Ethics of Mandating Partner Notification for HIV/AIDS in the United States." Erin feels passionate about being an active participant in her community. To that end she has been a blood and bone marrow drive coordinator, a volunteer at AIDS Project Los Angeles in the Government Affairs Division, a peer mentor, and outdoor orientation leader, a campus tour guide, an advocacy coordinator at Mothernet Los Angeles, a student representative on the Board of Trustees at Scripps College, and a co-Chair for the Scripps College Senior Class Scholarship. Upon completing her MPH, Erin plans to pursue a career in health advocacy and government relations. Contact by email.
		Jeff Gore (DBASSE/BOSE) graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a PhD in physics in December 2005, just before starting his NAS fellowship. In his graduate research, Jeff developed new experimental techniques for manipulating and studying single biological molecules. In particular, he focused on the effect of torque on a single piece of DNA. Jeff’s graduate studies were supported by a fellowship from the Hertz Foundation, an organization he has remained actively involved with. His undergraduate studies were done at MIT, where he got degrees in both physics and economics. Jeff is excited to be doing his fellowship with BOSE, where he will likely focus on the teaching of introductory science classes at the university level. He hopes that this fellowship with the Academies will help him learn about the wider world of science policy. In the long-term Jeff would like to stay in academia, so he also hopes his experience at BOSE will make him a better teacher! In his free time Jeff enjoys tennis, hiking, reading, and discussing politics. Contact by email.
		Giovanna Guerrero (DELS/BLS) received her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley where she was awarded a Howard Hughes Predoctoral Fellowship to study synaptic transmission in Drosophila and develop new tools for the imaging of neuronal function. Prior to graduate school Giovanna preformed research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge University in Great Britain, and at the National Institutes of Health. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico. At the National Academies, Giovanna worked with the Board on Life Sciences on issues such as translational research for underdeveloped scientific applications, intellectual property in toxicogenomics, and public outreach efforts about the importance of stem cell research. She is currently an Emerging Leader intern with the Department of Health and Human Services and is working with the Office of Science Policy and Planning of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Giovanna is enthusiastic about working on policies for the biomedical workforce and the advancement of research and medicine. Outside of science she also has a passion for modern art, literature, knitting, and sushi. Contact by email. (Updated 09/06)
		Loraine Lundquist (DBASSE/HDGC) is currently pursuing her PhD in physics at the University of California, Berkeley. While her research focuses on theoretical understanding of the Sun's corona, she has always had an interest in energy and the environment, and she looks forward to pursuing these interests further during her time at NAS. As an undergraduate, she led her school's effort to design, build, and a race a solar-powered car across the United States. While at Berkeley, she has become involved in the University's Energy and Resources Group with a particular interest in the intersection between climate change science and policy decisions. She hopes her fellowship experience will help her decide whether to pursue environmental policy as a career. Loraine is also passionate about education and enjoys bringing math and science to a broad audience. She has served as a guest scientist in elementary schools and taught remedial math for several years as a volunteer at San Quentin State Prison. Contact by email
		Kathryn Miller-Jensen (PGA/STEP) is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is exploring the unintentional cellular-level side effects of using genetically-altered adenoviruses to treat disease. As part of her thesis, she spent several months at Merck working on their adenovirus-based HIV vaccine. Prior to graduate school, Kathryn was a research assistant at a strategy consulting firm called the Monitor Group. At Monitor, she realized that science and technology drive the economy and decided to return to engineering. Now she sees that public policy and economic policy can drive scientific discovery, and she hopes to gain some experience in these issues during her time at the National Academies. Outside of the laboratory at MIT, Kathryn collaborates with a fellow student studying strategies and implications of securing intellectual property rights on genomic inventions. In addition, she helps organize events for MIT Student Pugwash, an organization that promotes social responsibility in science and technology; and she tutors math and science at the local high school. Her goal is to participate in science policy throughout her career, either full-time or from within academia. In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys running, hiking, cross-country skiing, and reading or knitting on her couch. Contact by email.
		Nicole Ann Reynolds (NAE/CDEW) has recently completed requirements to receive her MS in Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics from Tufts University. Her thesis research focused on the proteolytic cleavage of Pro-Cholecystokinin by Prohormone Convertase 5. She received her BS in Biochemistry from University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Her hobbies include reading, taking dance classes and going to the movies. Nicole is looking forward to this fellowship because it will give her a chance to learn about how policy that affects science is made. She believes that it is important that policy that regulates scientific research should be based on accurate information. She is interested in becoming a science policy analyst and this fellowship will help her decide if science policy is the right career choice for her. Contact by email.
		Scott Rowan (DELS/BCST) earned an MA in Security Studies with a concentration in technology and security from Georgetown University in December 2005. His primary research effort at Georgetown involved assessing the deployment of radiation portal monitoring technology to US ports of entry. Scott earned a BS in forensic chemistry from the University of Mississippi in May 2004. While at Ole Miss, he researched the organic synthesis of the natural product acarnadine, and also assisted in the analysis of seized drug samples. In 2002, Scott was selected to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Honors Internship Program. As an honors intern, he developed a strong appreciation for the role of scientists in government service through his work in the FBI Laboratory. Recently, Scott gained a better understanding of the relationship between science and policy as an intern with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. While at AAAS, he contributed to the Center for Science, Technology, and Security Policy’s efforts to establish links among scientists, policy analysts, and policymakers. As a fellow within the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, he hopes to further his understanding of the interaction between science and security, and is confident this opportunity will better prepare him for a career in public service. Contact by email.
		Praveen R. Shanbhag (PGA/CISAC) is currently completing an interdisciplinary Masters degree in philosophy and physics at Columbia University, where he has focused on the philosophy of space and time. He received a joint BA in history of science and philosophy from Harvard University, where he conducted thesis research on the theoretical reducibility of biology to physics and related debates over funding for the Superconducting Supercollider. Through extracurricular work on the ethics of biotechnology and an internship at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, in which he conducted research on energy-efficient technologies, he has come to see science policy as crucial to making science work for the common good. Prior to graduate school, he studied the impact of medical innovations on the health care industry as a senior analyst for the Advisory Board Company. He hopes that his time at the National Academies will provide first-hand insight on which to ground proposed doctoral research in the philosophy of science governance, and is excited to get involved in the pressing science and security issues to which he was introduced as an undergraduate. After completing a PhD in the history and philosophy of science, he will continue to pursue academic research on the nature and implications of science, and believes that the perspective of philosophy will prove useful in informing science advisory bodies. He enjoys learning new games and sports—most recently, poker and skiing. Contact by email.
		Jessica D. Tenenbaum (IOM/IOM EO) is currently working toward her PhD in Biomedical Informatics at Stanford University. Her research focuses on elucidation of disease mechanisms through integration of multi-modal biological data sets. While at Stanford, Jessie has volunteered with Science Bus, a student organization that provides after-school science classes at a low-income charter school. She is also a founding member and Director of Operations for BioNeXus, a group with the goal of facilitating interdisciplinary research and recreation across Stanford’s biomedical and engineering communities. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Harvard University in 1996, Jessie worked as a Program Manager at Microsoft for almost six years, first on Sidewalk.com and later on Smartphones in the Mobile Devices division. While in Seattle, she was a volunteer scuba diver at the Seattle Aquarium. In her free time, she enjoys biking, running, travel, reading, and making stained glass windows. She is looking forward to her time at the Academies where she hopes to gain new insight into the influence of scientific study on federal policy making, particularly in the areas of biomedical research and health care. Contact by email.
		Julie Vano (DELS/WSTB) earned her MS in Environmental Studies (Land Resources) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2005. She received a BA in Biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Her graduate research at the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment in Madison focused on land surface hydrology in temperate forests. Specifically, she used an ecosystem model to investigate how climatic variability and land cover change alter water balance, work which was a part of an interdisciplinary project on hydrologic and biogeochemical fluxes in lake-rich landscapes. Before graduate school, Julie spent a year in Americorps participating in community service projects, which ranged from event coordinating for the Special Olympics World Games-Alaska to invasive species monitoring with the Oregon Nature Conservancy. This was followed by studying wild salmon with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and managing transportation for the Utah Winter Olympics. Through these graduate and work experiences, she gained an appreciation for the connections between terrestrial, freshwater, and human systems and has become increasingly interested in society- science interactions. While in DC and beyond, she hopes to investigate ways to improve how science and policy intersect surrounding water resource issues. Julie also enjoys biking, kayaking, and exploring new places. Contact by email.