The AAI Public Policy Fellows Program (PPFP)
Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, January 22. Apply now!
The PPFP provides early-career researchers, who are within 15 years of receiving their terminal degree and who are committed to a career in biomedical research, with the opportunity to learn more about how critical funding and science policy decisions are made and how individual scientists can use their voice to make a difference in the laws and policies that affect science. Fellows also get the opportunity to participate in the public policy and legislative activities of AAI. Up to 10 Fellows are selected to participate annually.
Fellows serve from May 1st of their selection year to April 30th of the following year. The program kicks off at the annual meeting and culminates in a two-day Capitol Hill Day program in Washington, D.C., where Fellows meet with their congressional representatives to advocate for support for immunological research and increased funding for NIH. Besides these two events, Fellows do not have to leave their jobs or institutions.
What You Should Know About the Application Process
- Applications open December 4, 2024, and close January 22, 2025
- The PPFP application form is quick and easy to complete (you will be asked to attach your CV)
- Send this PPFP Recommendation Form link to two AAI members (excluding members of the AAI Council or AAI Committee on Public Affairs) who can speak on what makes you a good candidate for the program
- No prior advocacy experience is required!
- Please direct any questions to AAI Director of Government Affairs Jake Schumacher at jschumacher@aai.org
Program Goals
The primary goals of the program are to 1) help AAI members, early in their careers, better understand the role of the President and Administration, Congress, and the National Institutes of Health in determining the policies that affect biomedical research; and 2) teach participants how best to advocate for the funding and policies that impact their careers. The program will also help ensure that AAI has within its ranks a cadre of well-informed scientists who can help lead the organization's public policy efforts in the future. Former Fellows often go on to serve AAI in myriad other capacities, including as members of the AAI Committee on Public Affairs.
Program Description
Program Components
- Capitol Hill Day: Fellows come to Washington, DC, for a two-day Capitol Hill Day program (likely in March). They attend a training session with AAI staff and visit their Congressional representatives to advocate for biomedical research and increased funding for NIH. AAI pays for Fellows' flights, hotel, and other reasonable expenses (per the AAI Volunteer Travel Policy).
- AAI Annual Meeting Program: Fellows attend the AAI annual meeting (during their Fellowship year), including any public policy or PPFP sessions requested by AAI. Attendance at the meeting is at the Fellows' expense. Fellows may apply for and use any AAI travel awards for which they are eligible.
- Communication with AAI: Members of the AAI Committee on Public Affairs and AAI government affairs staff communicate with the Fellows by email and monthly video conference calls during their Fellowship year to keep them informed and to solicit their views on key topics.
- Special Projects: Fellows have the opportunity to contribute to public policy and legislative activities throughout their fellowship year. Examples include drafting sections of the AAI congressional testimony and revising the AAI Advocacy Brochure.
Qualifications
All PPFP Fellows are selected by the AAI Committee on Public Affairs. Applicants are required to:
- have received their Ph.D. or M.D. (or equivalent) within the previous 15 years in immunology or a related field
- be a member in good standing of AAI (must be a member at the time of application and throughout the Fellowship year)
- be committed to a career in biomedical research
- have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- have an interest in public policy as it relates to biomedical research
- live and work in the United States and
- submit by the designated deadline three electronic web forms:
- the AAI PPFP application
- two references from AAI members (regular members in good standing who do not serve on the AAI Council or AAI Committee on Public Affairs) using the PPFP electronic recommendation form
Fellows
Mark Brimble, Ph.D.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
I am greatly honored to be selected as a 2024-2025 AAI Public Policy Fellow. Having committed to a research career, I was thrilled to discover that AAI offers this program to train full-time researchers in policy advocacy and engagement. I grew up and underwent my early training in the United Kingdom and see many benefits to the funding framework offered within the United States. However, presently, salaries for trainees are insufficient, paylines for major grants are too restrictive, and the R01 modular budget has not been adjusted for inflation since its introduction in 1998. All must be robustly addressed for this country to remain at the forefront of academic discovery. I am grateful to AAI for the opportunity to gain insights and develop the skills to successfully interact with policy decision-makers and look forward to embarking on this experience with my PPFP colleagues.
Brennah Britten, Ph.D.
The Wistar Institute
I'm truly grateful and delighted to have been selected as a 2024-2025 AAI Public Policy Fellow. As a fellow, I aim to highlight the significance of scientific progress and advocate for increased federal funding for biomedical research. Additionally, I hope to enhance my science communication skills to better connect with non-scientists and cultivate trust between scientists and the broader community. Finally, I am eager to bring the valuable insights and skills acquired from this program back to my own community to support equity in STEM (especially for young scientists in my hometown) and empower others to engage meaningfully in science and policy matters. I look forward to learning from the program and working with my fellow participants. Thank you, AAI, for this incredible opportunity!
Douglas Chung, Ph.D.
Genentech
I am truly delighted and honored to be a part of the AAI Public Policy Fellows Program for 2024-2025. Even though 25-30 million Americans are affected by one of the 7,000 rare diseases, funding and research initiatives for these conditions remain disproportionately limited compared to more common diseases. Moreover, marginalized communities are often underrepresented in healthcare and health research. This program will allow me to develop skills to advocate for both research funding and evidence-based policies that would help benefit communities that are historically underrepresented and reduce inequities in health. I look forward to this amazing opportunity to actively engage and collaborate with experts within AAI, my fellow PPFP colleagues, policymakers, and various stakeholders within the community to create a positive impact towards public health.
David Constant, Ph.D.
Oregon Health & Science University
I am honored to be selected as a member of the AAI Public Policy Fellows Program for 2024-2025. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn more about drafting and enacting policy and look forward to engaging in this work with dedicated colleagues. I hope to use the skills and network I gain from this experience to advocate for increased resources for scientific research, improved outreach to broaden the impact of research findings, and to help inform public policy efforts with data wherever possible. This program is a great benefit to society, our community, and my professional development. I’m very excited to work with AAI and my PPFP peers towards these goals!
Neha Dubey, Ph.D.
Washington University in St. Louis
I am delighted to have been chosen for the 2024-2025 AAI PPFP program. The AAI PPFP provides an exciting opportunity for me to delve into the inner workings and responsibilities of scientists, together with federal government agencies, in crafting effective science policies and implementing target-based strategies for advancing global healthcare. My passion lies in advocating for health equity and enhancing healthcare accessibility. I am committed to raising awareness about healthcare systems and ensuring that government policies are accessible to underserved communities, especially those with limited education and awareness. With a background in biology and extensive research experience in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis, I aim to make a meaningful, evidence-based contribution to the advocacy for more effective government interventions in tuberculosis. Through this program, I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the core principles of science policymaking and the invaluable contributions of policymakers, the NIH, and advisory committees. Furthermore, I look forward to establishing connections with mentors and peers who share similar interests, guiding me along this career trajectory.
Patricia Ferrer Castillo, Ph.D.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
It is an honor to have been selected as one of the AAI Public Policy Fellows this year. Through the different campaigns and initiatives for postdoc advocacy I have participated in, I have realized there is a gap between scientific research and policy, where effective communication is key. Poor communication leads to poor relationship-building with policymakers, which precludes scientists from advising on important policies and funding decisions that are needed to advance our work. Funding research helps maintain outstanding jobs in academia and government entities, as well as a sustainable and competitive scientific workforce in the country. I think it is important that as citizens and scientists we learn how to help in the political process leading to federal funding provided by Congress. I hope that at the end of the fellowship I can effectively communicate to policymakers the value and importance of my research, its challenges, the viability of particular policies and their consequences for the benefit of communities, and how scientific research can also improve the U.S. economy. I deeply appreciate this opportunity, look forward to learning, and expect to be prepared enough to give back to AAI by being part of a pool of advocates who support public policy work that seeks to improve the immunology community.
Rebekah Kendall, Ph.D.
The University of Montana
I am thrilled and deeply honored to have been chosen as a 2024-2025 AAI Public Policy Fellow. I believe that advocating for increased scientific funding is more crucial now than ever before, and am eager to lend my voice to this cause. I am particularly passionate about fostering growth opportunities for academic researchers, as securing funding for academic scientific research remains difficult and continues to create significant disparities in the academic research sector. Believing in the importance of promoting diversity in scientific research, I am especially interested in promoting increased funding opportunities for those working in rural research institutes. I look forward to working with AAI and members of the Public Policy Fellows Program to make meaningful contributions to public policy discussions and promote positive change within the scientific community.
Jillian L. McCool, Ph.D.
Lawrence Livermore National Lab
I am beyond grateful and absolutely honored to be selected as a 2024-2025 AAI Public Policy Fellow. I truly believe establishing a bridge between government policymakers, scientists and citizens is one of the most fundamental aspects of a scientific research career. The opportunity to partake in discussions with our administration to fully emphasize the need for building those working relationships is essential in rebuilding the administration’s and public’s trust in both government and science. Not only will this create new opportunities for researchers like myself, it will also allow us to emphasize the importance of scientific literacy and critical thinking. I believe these skillsets are essential in current and future government decision making and public understanding of science as a whole. I am excited to partake in such a wonderful opportunity to build new connections with our policymakers, advocate for research and restore the public’s trust and support of research again.
Gianluca Veggiani, Ph.D.
Louisiana State University
I am excited to have been selected as an AAI Public Policy Fellow. Advocating for increased support for biomedical research and evidence-based policies is not only essential for driving scientific progress, but also critical towards promoting equity and accessibility in STEM education. Through this program, I am confident that I will gain invaluable knowledge and skills to effectively bridge the gap between the scientific community, the public, and legislators, thus contributing to tangible change. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity and am committed to leveraging this experience to make a positive difference for our community.
Insha Zahoor, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health
I am honored and thrilled to have been selected as an AAI Public Policy Fellow for 2024-2025. I am very passionate about advocating for sustained funding for the research enterprise. Even though scientific innovations and discoveries have accelerated over the past several years, funding for scientific research has become increasingly challenging. I am hopeful this program will provide the opportunity and skill set necessary to help sustain funding and open new career options in scientific research. I hope to promote the importance of immunology research for global health and improve working conditions for early-career scientists. I also hope to improve my ability to convey to non-scientists how basic immunology research has enabled, and can continue to develop, life-changing disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. I look forward to using my experience for the betterment of scientific policies. As an international postdoc based in the U.S., I am especially interested in intercultural exchange and the opportunity to interact with different mindsets when translating scientific evidence into effective policy.
Mafalda de Arrábida Farelo, Ph.D.
City of Hope
Heather Gustafson, Ph.D.
Seattle Children's Research Institute
Anne Hahn, Ph.D.
Yale School of Public Health
Emma Hornick, Ph.D.
University of Iowa
Nicholas Maurice, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Srinivasu Mudalagiriyappa, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Amgen
Amali Samarasinghe, Ph.D.
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center
Derek Theisen, Ph.D.
Washington University in St. Louis
Sarah Webster, Ph.D.
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Samantha Yeligar, Ph.D.
Emory University
Adeleye Adeshakin, Ph.D.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Adriana Benavides, Ph.D.
American Association for Cancer Research
Jeremy Crawford, Ph.D.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Caroline Jones, Ph.D.
University of Texas at Dallas
Jamie McCall, Ph.D.
West Virginia University
Chandra Menendez, Ph.D.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Victoria Mutua, D.V.M., Ph.D.
University of California, Davis
Ninecia Scott, Ph.D.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Erin Taylor, Ph.D.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Todd Bradley, Ph.D.
Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Virginia Camacho, Ph.D.
Boston Children’s Hospital
Victor Cortez, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Meredith Crane, Ph.D.
Brown University
Mary Fontana, Ph.D.
University of Washington
Teresia Maina, Ph.D.
Iowa State University
Cody McHale, Ph.D.
The Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health
Kieng B. Vang-Dings, Ph.D.
CCS Associates
(previously University of Arkansas at Little Rock)
Stephen Yeung, Ph.D.
Weill Cornell Medicine