Meet the 2025 National Science Policy Network Leaders

Laurie Zabala is Senior Manager of Science Initiatives and Outreach at Research!America, a nonprofit medical and health research advocacy alliance. In this role, Laurie leads the Civic Engagement Microgrant program and the Science CEO group, bridging the gap between science and society. Previously, Laurie worked at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), where she collaborated with scientific experts and policymakers to integrate evidence into decision-making processes. Laurie co-founded The Vannevar Group at Georgetown, advancing evidence-based science policy. In 2024, she created and taught a graduate course at Georgetown on the intersection of neuroscience and public policy. Laurie holds an M.S. in integrative neuroscience from Georgetown University, where her Alzheimer’s disease research earned her the “Best Scientific Poster” award. She also earned an M.A. in international relations from Hult International Business School in London and graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in history from UCLA.

Kiara Wiggins is a Ph.D. student at University of California Irvine, where she investigates inflammation's role in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent health issue affecting people with ovaries. Growing up between rural Mississippi and Tacoma, WA, Kiara experienced the impact of health disparities firsthand, fueling her dedication to helping underserved communities. Through her research, Kiara aims to ensure that scientific progress benefits all communities, particularly those historically marginalized. Her commitment to impactful science and service drives her efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists and advocates. She earned a BS in biomedical sciences from University of Washington.

Sai Sankeerth Madakasira, MD is a physician and currently an MS student  in Clinical Research at Boston University, with a focus on trauma outcomes and healthcare disparities. His work centers on using evidence-based policy to improve trauma care access for underserved populations. Sai has led advocacy and mentorship initiatives, including revitalizing the Boston University Science Policy Network, and is passionate about fostering inclusivity in medical education and science policy. He earned a BS in Medical Imaging from Sikkim Manipal University in India, an MD from the American International Medical University – School of Medicine in Saint Lucia.

Ellia La, PhD is an Environmental Science and Policy Advisor at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Previously, she served as a California Council on Science & Technology Science Technology Policy Fellow. Her dissertation work focused on natural food colorants. She is committed to advancing policies that protect public health and the environment. Ellia holds a PhD in food chemistry from The Ohio State University and BS in chemistry from University of California, Santa Barbara.

Swaptik Chowdhury is an Assistant Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation and a PhD candidate in public policy analysis at the Pardee RAND Graduate School Swaptik's research focuses on equity, decarbonization policy, and AI. His dissertation, "Equity Considerations for Model Centric Decision-Making Process," reflects his expertise in these areas. He is currently working on a project with a California county to guide public engagement in decarbonization policies. His doctoral work includes applying advanced climate policy models and AI tools, such as language models and discourse analysis models. Swaptik has co-authored reports on energy equity for California and worked on public engagement for environmental policy. Swaptik holds a MPhil in public policy analysis and an MS in civil, environmental, and structural engineering.

Anna Briggs, PhD is a Principal Research Analyst at Idaho Southwest District Health. Anna has applied her expertise to policy initiatives, including her work with the Idaho Juvenile Justice Commission as a gubernatorial appointee and as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the Idaho Legislature and the Entomological Society of America. To share her interest in policy with young people, she served as the Legislation Co-Chair for the Idaho Syringa Girls State after being a delegate and Senator for the program in her youth. Overall, Dr. Briggs is passionate about connecting the public and decision makers with science and sharing her expertise in a way that will keep communities healthy and strong. She earned her PhD in Entomology and a BS and MS from the University of Idaho in Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

Mohammed Ba-Aoum, PhD is an interdisciplinary researcher in Industrial and Systems Engineering, specializing in Data Analytics and Science and Technology Studies (STS). His work integrates AI, machine learning, and systems modeling to solve complex societal challenges, particularly in public health and technology policy.  As a Senior Fellow at Engineering for Change, Mohammed contributed to renewable energy policy development through his research on marine energy and green hydrogen production. Mohammed earned a PhD from Virginia Tech, where he developed a system dynamics model to inform public health policies at mass gatherings and led projects that utilized data analytics and machine learning to improve healthcare systems and AI-driven solutions. He also holds a Diversity Scholar Certificate from Virginia Tech, recognizing his commitment to advancing inclusivity in STEM fields. His contributions extend to advocacy for diverse representation in AI development teams to ensure technology benefits all communities equitably.

Luz Cumba Garcia, PhD is an Advisor for Sustainability in PEPFAR at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. Previously, she was an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow in the Office of Mexican Affairs, supporting U.S.-Mexico health policy, and at USAID’s Middle East Regional Cooperation Program, promoting Arab-Israeli scientific collaboration. Before joining AAAS, she was a Policy Advisor at Lewis-Burke Associates, focusing on public health and international affairs. Luz is a founding member of the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean, and an Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) STeP Fellow. She holds a PhD in Immunology from Mayo Clinic, an MS from University of Granada, Spain, and a BS from Universidad Metropolitana in Puerto Rico. Awarded the Union of Concerned Scientists 2020 Science Defender Award, she is dedicated to advocacy, science communication, and community engagement.

PS Nandini is a neuroscience and bioengineering PhD student in the University of California Berkeley-UCSF joint Bioengineering PhD program. Supported by prestigious fellowships, Nandini’s research integrates neurotechnology with policy, ensuring equitable access to mental health solutions. She founded The Keni Project, which established libraries in underprivileged schools in Tamil Nadu. An accomplished artist, she was awarded the National Balshree award, one of India’s top honors for youth given by the President of India. Nandini earned an MS in Neuroscience from Berlin, Germany and Amsterdam, The Netherlands, for which she was awarded the fully-funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship by the European Union.

Mickey Rogers, PhD is a Linus Pauling Fellow at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where she studies the effects of airborne algae on health and climate. In addition to her research, Mickey serves as a grassroots manager for Citizens' Climate Lobby and advocates for ocean conservation with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. She is also the Younger Chemists Committee Chair for the American Chemical Society. Mickey's passion lies in bridging science with actionable policy and community engagement. She aims to pursue a career in ocean science policy, supporting climate action initiatives. Mickey holds a PhD in analytical chemistry and a BS in chemistry from The Ohio State University.

Ahmad Alsomali is a Senior Research Technician at Patel’s Lab at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he manages lab operations and supports molecular biology research. Ahmad's career spans both academia and industry, including prominent roles at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and AbbVie Inc. Ahmad’s expertise encompasses biopharmaceutical process development, structural biology, and clinical research. He is skilled in various laboratory techniques and has experience in GMP manufacturing, process monitoring, and data analysis. Ahmad is committed to advancing the field of biotechnology, particularly through the development of therapies for rare diseases. He holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from King AbdulAziz University and MS in biotechnology from Northeastern University.