Genetics & Public Policy Fellowship Alumni

Previous Genetics & Public Policy Fellows maintain close ties and have moved on to a variety of positions in science policy and advocacy. Explore their current positions and reflections on their fellowships.

Current and Former Fellows: Where They Are Now

Past Fellows Share their Experience

Nichole Holm
The ASHG Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship provided me with an incredible and unique opportunity to learn more about the ways in which genetics and health policy are created, reformed, and needed. Working on the Hill was a fantastic opportunity to see the ways in which scientific expertise informs policy, as well as the many levers needed to get policy from concept to a passing vote. Similarly, the NHGRI and ASHG rotations provided terrific insight and experience into the many ways policy is implemented and received within the executive branch, as well as the essential roles of stakeholders in updating and creating policies. Amidst the robust hands-on experience, the network of alumni throughout the fellowship made the experience even more valuable and demonstrated the many genetics and health policy career paths available after this fellowship. 
– 2021-2022 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Nichole Holm, PhD

Emma Alme
This fellowship has, without a doubt, been the pivotal experience of my career. I learned so much about the policy-making process and got exposure to a wide array of health policy issues. While on the Hill I had the opportunity to use my scientific expertise to meaningfully contribute to legislation on multiple topics related to biomedical research and discovered a passion for policy development. The fellowship gave me the experience and skills that I needed to successfully transition from the bench to a career as a public policy professional and the network of former fellows is an invaluable resource that I feel honored to be joining. The mentorship I have received from past fellows throughout my fellowship was such a special part of the entire experience. I could not recommend this fellowship enough. 
– 2020-2021 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Emma Alme, PhD

Samata Katta
This fellowship was such a unique opportunity to learn how legislation and policy really work from multiple different angles, and to make use of my scientific understanding to inform health policy during a crucial time for public health. The support and guidance provided by my mentors and other former fellows helped me tackle the simultaneous challenges of learning to do policy work during a pandemic and figuring out the next steps in my career. This truly is a one-of-a-kind program.
– 2019-2020 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Samata Katta, PhD

Eve Granatosky
This fellowship has given me hands-on experience in applying my training as a scientist in policy contexts, as well as a deeper understanding of the realities of the policy-making process. I’ve learned that scientific evidence is often one of many factors that influences a policy decision, and being able to strategically consider the broader context of a particular action will help me to be a stronger advocate for science in the future.
– 2018-2019 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Eve Granatosky, PhD  (read more about Eve’s experience )

Nikki Meadows
I had some amazing opportunities during the course of this fellowship. I’ve gained so much from this program, both personally and professionally, that I am forever changed by it
– 2017-2018 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Nikki Meadows, PhD

Christa Wagner
The ASHG/NHGRI Fellowship has provided me with a diverse array of experiences, both in terms of topics covered and settings in which I worked on policy. The Fellowship provides an exceptional experience for those with a background in genetics to play a role in effective policymaking.
– 2016-2017 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Christa Wagner, PhD (read more about Christa’s experience)

Cari Young
The ASHG/NHGRI Policy Fellowship provided me with diverse learning opportunities and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the formation and analysis of health and science policy.  It provided a unique opportunity to take on varied roles within the science and health policy landscape, allowing me to experience the pros and cons of working in each setting and helping me to crystallize my thinking on where I might want to go next. It also made me a more marketable applicant for policy positions beyond the fellowship.
– 2015-2016 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Cari Young, (watch a video interview with Cari about her experience)

Laura Koontz
The ASHG/NHGRI Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship was without exaggeration a life-changing experience. My fellowship allowed me to take my background in genetics research and translate it into a career as a public policy professional at a national cancer patient advocacy organization. Not only has the experience been invaluable, the network of fellows I’ve joined as an alumna are among the best policy professionals in D.C.The fellowship has also allowed me to fully realize my commitment to bettering the lives and treatment of people with cancer – the reason I got into scientific research in the first place!
– 2012-2013 ASHG/NHGRI Fellow Laura Koontz, PhD