AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

About the Fellowship Programs: Staff

The Science & Technology Policy Fellowships operate within the AAAS Center of Science, Policy & Society Programs (CoSPSP). The Fellowships staff consist of 17 full-time professionals. Additional part-time advisory input is provided by two senior CoSPSP staff members (director at 12.5% and senior advisor for science and technology policy at 25%). All staff members and advisors participate to support AAAS Fellows across partner federal agencies and congressional host offices, and contribute to the effective and efficient operation and administration of the AAAS Fellowships. The staff positions and responsibilities are listed below by function areas.

Management & Administration

• Cynthia Robinson – Science & Technology Policy Fellowships Director
• Erin Hammer – Administrative Coordinator

Programs

• Sage Russell – Associate Director, Congressional and Executive Branch Fellowships
• Rick Kempinski – Project Director, Congressional & Partner Society Fellowships, and Diplomacy, Security & Development (DSD) Fellowships
• Angelique Dorazio-Sanders – Program Manager, Health, Education & Human Services (HEHS) Fellowships
• Kira E. Mock – Program Manager, Energy, Environment & Agriculture (EEA) Fellowships
• Julie Zimmerman – Program Manager, Congressional, Partner Society and DSD Fellowships
• Chitra Kalyandurg – Program Associate
• David Young - Program Coordinator

Finance & Operations

• Ron Millar, PhD – Administrator, Finance & Operations
• David Payne – Finance & Operations Associate
• Lili Kiser – Finance & Operations Coordinator

Communications, Marketing, Professional Development & Alumni Engagement

• Olga Francois – Senior Project Director
• Salaeha Shariff – Project Director, Recruitment, Professional Development & Alumni Activities
• Alison Fesler – Marketing & Online Strategies Manager
• Shar Steed – Marketing Associate
• Barry Williams – Marketing and Professional Development Coordinator

Fellowships Advisors

• Ed Derrick - Chief Program Director, Center for Science, Policy & Society Programs
• Stephen D. Nelson, PhD – Senior Advisor, Science & Technology Policy

Management & Administration

Cynthia Robinson
E-Mail: crobinso@aaas.org
PI/Director, Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

Cynthia Robinson directs the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, administering programs and activities for more than 200 Congressional and Executive Branch Fellows annually, with the aim to foster evidence-based federal policy. This is accomplished by engaging scientists and engineers from a broad range of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages to directly contribute knowledge and analytical skills to support well-informed federal policies, regulations and programs; to learn first-hand about policymaking and implementation in the federal government; and to build their leadership capacity for a strong S&T enterprise that benefits society. With a team of 17 full-time staff and an annual budget of more than $15 million, Cynthia oversees strategic planning and policy; program development and evaluation; professional education activities; and communications, marketing, and stakeholder relations.

Prior to joining AAAS in 2004, Cynthia worked for seven years directing fellowships for scientists and engineers focusing on the environment and conservation, with the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation, and the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program. She has more than 20 years of experience in program management, communications, and non-profit administration. Her early career was in public relations and marketing in the fields of community development, financial services, and healthcare. She also has worked in the education for sustainability realm, and spent three years in international development with the Peace Corps in Thailand and The Gambia, focusing on environmental education and youth enrichment programs.

Cynthia holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, and a master's degree in urban and environmental policy from Tufts University, with a concentration in international environmental policy and sustainable development. She is a recipient of a UNEP Fellowship in International Environmental Management, and a Switzer Foundation Environmental Fellowship. Cynthia has held numerous volunteer leadership positions. She was a trustee of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation from 1999 to 2007, including three years as board chair; and from 1994 to 2005 she served in various governance positions with the Sea Education Association, including six years as a trustee. Currently she is on the Green Plan Steering Committee for the town of Cheverly, MD, serving as chair of the Education & Outreach Working Group. Cynthia is a member of the Association of Women in Science, and the International Leadership Association.

Erin Hammer
E-Mail: ehammer@aaas.org
Administrative Coordinator

As administrative coordinator, Erin Hammer provides broad administrative support to the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships Department. She coordinates office activities and schedules; plans and organizes special projects and events; provides budget support; and serves as liaison to the Fellowships Advisory Committee and other AAAS departments.

Erin joined AAAS in September 2011, with five years' experience in non-profit administrative management. Previously, she oversaw the Center for Education on Violence Against Women in Washington, DC, where she coordinated meetings and trainings for Department of Justice grantees. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and French from High Point University, where she was an active member of the Quality Enhancement Program Advisory Board, working to facilitate opportunities and partnerships between the university and the surrounding community. Currently, Erin also volunteers for several local non-profit programs focusing on science education outreach.

Programs

Sage Russell
E-Mail: srussell@aaas.org
Associate Director, Congressional and Executive Branch Fellowships

As associate director for the Congressional and Executive Branch Fellowships, Sage Russell oversees outreach to and partnerships with federal agencies, congressional offices, and partner sponsoring societies. She directs the selection and placement processes for the five fellowships areas, with annual cohorts of more than 200 Fellows, and supervises day-to-day programmatic operations. Sage counsels Fellows, supervisors and mentors, and oversees fellowship monitoring, quality assessment and implementation of enhancements. She reviews proposals, actively participates in recruitment and outreach activities, and contributes to the yearlong professional development program. Sage supervises the program staff of six and assists the director with strategic planning, developing and launching new initiatives, and formulating program policy.

Prior to joining the Fellowships staff in 2003, Sage spent six years as a senior program associate in the AAAS Science and Human Rights Program, where she edited and contributed to several books on economic, social and cultural human rights. Before joining AAAS she served as government grants manager at PLAN International, an international development NGO, and as associate director of Alumni Relations at Middlebury College. Sage spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo. She received her undergraduate degree from Middlebury College, a master's degree in adult education from the University of Rhode Island, and a JD from Emory University School of Law.

Rick Kempinski
E-Mail: rkempins@aaas.org
Project Director, Congressional & Partner Society Fellowships; and Diplomacy, Security & Development (DSD) Fellowships

As project director on the program team, Rick Kempinski focuses primarily on two fellowship program areas, managing partnerships with host agencies and offices and day-to-day coordination of Fellows. He supervises selection and placement processes; monitors and assesses fellowship activities; and serves as the liaison and guide to Fellows and their mentors and supervisors. Rick also contributes to planning and conducting orientation sessions, and he participates in outreach and recruitment efforts and represents the S&T Policy Fellowships at government meetings,
professional conferences and at academic institutions across the country.

Rick received a bachelor's degree in international business and human resources from American University. He joined the Fellowships team in 2008, with more than eight years of experience, including four years as senior project manager at the American Society for Engineering Education, where he directed federally funded fellowship programs including the NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program, the Naval Research Laboratory Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowships. Rick also has experience in marketing and communications in the private sector.

Angelique Dorazio-Sanders
E-Mail: adsander@aaas.org
Program Manager, Health, Education & Human Services (HEHS) Fellowships

Angelique Dorazio-Sanders is a member of the program team, which manages partnerships with host agencies and offices facilitating day-to-day coordination of Fellows; conducts the selection and placement processes; monitors and assesses fellowship activities; and serves as the liaisons and guides to Fellows and their mentors and supervisors. Angelique also contributes to planning and conducting orientation sessions, and she participates in outreach and recruitment efforts and represents the S&T Policy Fellowships at government meetings, professional conferences and at academic institutions across the country.

She received a bachelor's degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the Fellowships team in 2008, Angelique was a senior project coordinator for the AAAS ENTRY POINT! Program, which offers internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business. She also has experience as a continuing education specialist with the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, and taught science at the middle school level for several years.

Kira E. Mock
E-Mail: kmock@aaas.org
Program Manager, Energy, Environment & Agriculture (EEA) Fellowships

Kira Mock is also a member of the program team, which manages partnerships with host agencies and offices facilitating day-to-day coordination of Fellows; conducts the selection and placement processes; monitors and assesses fellowship activities; and serves as liaisons and guides to Fellows and their mentors and supervisors. Kira also contributes to planning and conducting orientation sessions, and she participates in outreach and recruitment efforts and represents the S&T Policy Fellowships at government meetings, professional conferences and at academic institutions across the country.

She holds a BBA in international business finance from the George Washington University, and a master's degree in liberal arts from St. John's College, Annapolis, MD. Kira has completed graduate course work at the University of Maryland in environmental management and plant sciences toward a master of science degree in environmental management, expected in 2012. She joined the S&T Policy Fellowships staff at the end of 2009, with 14 years of experience in international development and innovative applied scientific research programs. Prior to coming to AAAS, she was in the Policy and Global Affairs Division at The National Academies, where she served as program officer for the Research Support Program funded by USAID. There she managed selection, funding, program development and monitoring for USAID's research programs in the Middle East.

Julie Zimmerman
E-Mail: jzimmerm@aaas.org
Program Manager, Congressional, Partner Society and DSD Fellowships

Julie Zimmerman is also a member of the program team, which manages partnerships with host congressional offices and committees facilitating day-to-day coordination of Fellows; conducts the selection and placement processes; monitors and assesses fellowship activities; and serves as liaisons and guides to Fellows and their mentors and supervisors. Julie also contributes to planning and conducting orientation sessions, and she participates in outreach and recruitment efforts and represents the S&T Policy Fellowships at government meetings, professional conferences and at academic institutions across the country.

Julie holds a masters of education in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. She joined the Fellowships team in June 2010, having most recently held the post of program manager for Science & Policy, Business & Management at The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminar. There she managed professional development training programs and mentored and placed 35-45 students each semester in DC-based internships. Previously, Julie was a graduate admissions and recruiting assistant at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, and she has held prior positions as career services counselor at Berkeley College in New York, and education advisory service advisor for the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission in London, England.

Chitra Kalyandurg
E-Mail: ckalyand@aaas.org
Program Associate

Chitra Kalyandurg provides administrative oversight and support to the annual operations of the Congressional and Executive Branch Fellowships. She coordinates the fellowships at the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security; directs logistics for the selection and placement processes and program events; manages fellow and stakeholder data; and writes and edits program materials and summary documents for reporting to funders. Chitra also contributes to planning and conducting orientation sessions and participates in outreach and recruitment efforts.

She holds a bachelor's degree in communications studies from New York University. Chitra joined the Fellowships staff in November 2010, with more than six years of non-profit communications, marketing, outreach and grant writing experience. Her previous positions included working in K-12 engineering outreach at the American Society for Engineering Education, and managing education programs at Arena Stage. She also worked as a free-lance marketing and fundraising consultant at a performing arts organization. Chitra is a teaching artist in the fields of dance, theater and creative movement, and choreographs and performs in the south Indian dance style of Kuchipudi.

David Young
E-Mail: dyoung@aaas.org
Program Coordinator

David Young provides administrative support to the annual operations of the Congressional and Executive Branch Fellowships, focusing primarily on the EEA and HEHS Fellowship programs. He coordinates logistics for the selection and placement processes and program events, manages Fellow and stakeholder data, and drafts and edits program materials and summary documents for reporting to funders. David also contributes to planning and conducting orientation sessions and participates in outreach and recruitment efforts.

David holds a bachelor's degree in ecology and environmental biology from Appalachian State University, where he did research on mutualisms. David joined the Fellowships team in August 2011, having most recently interned at the Ecological Society of America, where he supported education and diversity programs and helped manage the EcoEd Digital Library. He has several years of non-profit experience, facilitating community collaborations for both the Agape Center at Messiah College and for Appalachian and the Community Together, an academic-community partnership initiative at Appalachian State University.

Finance & Operations

Ron Millar, PhD
E-Mail: rmillar@aaas.org
Administrator, Finance & Operations

Ron Millar directs finances, budgeting, fundraising, grant management, donor relations and reporting for the S&T Policy Fellowships, which operate with a budget of more than $15 million from more than 60 government and other funding sources. He supervises AP/AR and serves as staff lead to agency grant and contract personnel. Ron also serves as Facility Security Officer for AAAS. He oversees department operations with a staff of two, and assists the director with strategic planning, developing and launching new partnerships and initiatives, and formulating finance and operations policies. In addition, he participates in outreach and recruitment activities.

Ron holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and received both his master's and doctorate in public administration and public affairs from Virginia Tech. He joined AAAS in August 2010, bringing more than 20 years of experience in finance, administration and non-profit management. Previously Ron had served for four years as the associate director of the Secular Coalition for America. He also worked at the National Research Council of the National Academies in the Fellowships Program Unit of the Office of Scientific and Engineering Personnel for nine years, the last five of which he served as deputy director overseeing finances and operations for doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships sponsored by private and government donors.

David Payne
E-Mail: dpayne@aaas.org
Finance & Operations Associate

As the program associate for Finance & Operations, David Payne manages the S&T Policy Fellowships' accounts payable process, prepares and reviews expenditures and expense reports and coordinates payments and reimbursements for Fellows. He monitors budgets and accounts, produces quarterly financial reports, and prepares annual narrative reports to funders. David supports event implementation and inquiry responses and assists with directory and database updates. In addition, he participates in outreach and recruitment activities.

David holds bachelor degrees in psychology and sociology from Bowling Green State University. He joined the Fellowships team in October 2010, with five years of prior experience in education, retail and administrative positions, most recently at the Koch Foundation.

Lili Kiser
E-Mail: lkiser@aaas.org
Finance & Operations Coordinator

Lili Kiser coordinates administration and finance logistics, processes Fellows' reimbursements, tracks payments, and monitors account balances. She also conducts fundraising research; coordinates financial records and data entry; drafts correspondence; responds to financial and online inquiries; and manages office inventory, subscriptions and memberships.

She holds a bachelor's degree in global affairs with a concentration in international development from George Mason University. She joined the fellowships team in September 2011. Previously, Lili was a staff specialist for a government subcontracting firm where her primary duties included managing contracts, writing proposals, and organizing staff development functions.

Communications, Marketing, Professional Development & Alumni Engagement

Olga Francois
E-Mail: ofrancoi@aaas.org
Senior Project Director, Communications, Marketing, Professional Development & Alumni Engagement

Olga Francois plans and directs communications activities to promote the S&T Policy Fellowships nationally; oversees the recruitment and marketing efforts to attract eligible applications from diverse, highly qualified scientists and engineers; and supervises development and implementation of the year-long professional development program. Additionally, Olga supervises cross-cohort and alumni engagement activities to maintain former Fellows participation in Fellowship operations and initiatives. Olga oversees four staff and assists the director with strategic planning, developing and launching new initiatives, and formulating policy for communications, marketing and recruitment.

She joined AAAS in July 2011, following ten years at the Center for Intellectual Property at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), the last six of those serving as associate director. There she conceptualized and implemented membership programs and professional development courses, and managed marketing and outreach activities. Olga also is an adjunct professor in the UMUC School of Undergraduate Studies and the Graduate School. She holds a master's degree in library information science from the University of Pittsburg, and has ten years of experience as a research librarian in academic institutions in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington state. Olga's undergraduate degree is in fine arts from Smith College; she continues her art from her Maryland studio, specializing in print making and painting.

Salaeha Shariff
E-Mail: sshariff@aaas.org
Project Director, Recruitment, Professional Development & Alumni Engagement

Salaeha Shariff directs recruitment cultivation, national outreach activities, and diversity enhancement for the S&T Policy Fellowships. She plans and manages Fellowship orientation, professional development activities and interest/affinity groups. She is also responsible for furthering alumni engagement activities and initiatives to cultivate and maintain alumni participation in ongoing Fellowship initiatives.

She joined AAAS in September 2011, following over five years with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Illinois Chapter, where she directed and managed public health grants focusing primarily on immunization education and policy for Illinois pediatricians. Salaeha's responsibilities included overseeing development of educational programming for healthcare providers, recruitment and engagement of Illinois pediatricians and allied healthcare providers on varied educational and policy initiatives, managing committees/interest groups related to school health and infectious diseases, and policy work related to financing/reimbursement for pediatric practices and public health engagement. She has prior experience directing and managing operations for a small nonprofit educational organization. Salaeha holds a master's degree in public service from DePaul University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago.

Alison Fesler
E-Mail: afesler@aaas.org
Marketing & Online Strategies Manager

Alison Fesler is responsible for the daily operation of the S&T Policy Fellowships online presence. She plans, implements and manages development and execution of websites; social media marketing; and production and dissemination of e-communications. Alison serves as technical lead on Fellowships department online systems, including the application, selection and placement portals, and the online directory and database. She supervises data quality control and trains and monitors fellowships staff with responsibility for data entry and back end administration of the online application/selection/placement system.

Alison received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delaware. She joined AAAS in August 2010, and previously was senior web content manager at the Health Industries Distributors' Association. She has prior experience in the science and health fields as project coordinator for the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, where she was responsible for writing, production and dissemination of a monthly e-newsletter and all electronic member communications as well as website content management. In addition, Alison has worked in communications and event management with the Delaware Academy of Medicine and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Shar Steed
E-Mail: ssteed@aaas.org
Marketing Associate

As marketing associate, Shar Steed plans and manages integrated marketing campaigns and advertising, and strategies for national promotion to enhance awareness of the S&T Policy Fellowships, expand recruitment contacts and increase fellowship applicants, and foster greater alumni and stakeholder engagement.

Shar holds a bachelors' degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina, and a master's degree in integrated marketing communications from Florida State University. She joined the S&T Policy Fellowships staff in August 2010. Previously, Shar was a marketing communications assistant at the National 4-H Council, where her primary responsibilities were to develop written communications for print and the website, and to support social media outreach and events. Shar also has experience in public relations with private firms, and in research and marketing with academic institutions.

Barry Williams
E-Mail: bwilliam@aaas.org
Marketing & Professional Development Coordinator

Barry Williams is responsible for coordinating administration, process and event logistics for communications, recruitment, professional development, and alumni outreach. He responds to inquiries, monitors media coverage, inputs marketing data and maintains records and archives.

Barry received a bachelor's degree in international political economy from Fordham University and is currently pursuing a master's in business administration from American University's Kogod School of Business. Prior to joining the Fellowships staff in September 2011, Barry was a staff member of the Investigative Reporting Workshop providing operations support, and he worked with the Center for the Study of Responsive Law as an office manager.

Fellowships Advisors

Edward G. Derrick, PhD
E-Mail: ederrick@aaas.org
Chief Program Director, Center for Science, Policy& Society Programs

Edward Derrick became director of the AAAS Center of Science, Policy & Society Programs in July 2011 after serving as acting director for seven months. The Center for Science, Policy & Society Programs bridges the science and engineering community on one side, and policymakers and the interested public on the other. The programs address an array of topics in science and society, including the interplay of science with religion, law and human rights; they also connect scientists and policymakers through programs in science and government, including the S&T Policy Fellowship program. As acting director, Dr. Derrick oversees the programs, which combined have a staff of about 40 and an annual budget of over $20 million, and serves as a member of senior management at AAAS.

Ed first joined AAAS in 1998 as a member of the AAAS Research Competitiveness Program (RCP). RCP provides review and guidance to the science and innovation community. He became director of the program in January 2004, with responsibility for the development of new business and oversight of all aspects of the design and execution of projects. Ed has participated directly in over 50 RCP projects, having led committees to assist state and institutional planning for research, to review research centers and institutions and to advise state and international funds on major investments.

He holds the Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, with a dissertation in theoretical particle physics, and the B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with an undergraduate thesis in biophysics. Prior to joining AAAS, he spent two years as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow in Germany. He has worked for Ontario Hydro in the Nuclear Studies and Safety Division and consulted for the National Research Council.

Stephen D. Nelson, PhD
E-Mail: snelson@aaas.org
Senior Advisor, Science & Technology Policy

Stephen Nelson is senior advisor on science and technology policy in the Center of Science, Policy & Society Programs at the AAAS. In this role he organizes the annual AAAS Forum on Science and Technology (S&T) Policy and the AAAS Leadership Seminar in Science and Technology Policy. He serves as staff officer to AAAS's Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy, a subcommittee of which provides advice and guidance to the S&T Policy Fellowships. Steve also serves as staff officer for both the AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize and the William D. Carey Lectureship. In addition, he contributes to the direct assistance program within the AAAS Research Competitiveness Service, and serves on AAAS's Policy Alert Group, writing a weekly summary of upcoming and recent policy issues for AAAS's top leadership.

He first joined AAAS in 1984 as manager of Science Policy Studies, and from 1990 to 1999 was director of AAAS's Science, Technology and Government Program. In these positions he managed the R&D Budget and Policy Program, and directed the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships for 14 years, for which Steve now serves as a senior advisor.

He has co-authored or co-edited 47 volumes published by AAAS on federal funding for research and development and other issues in science and technology policy. He is also an adjunct professor in Virginia Tech's graduate program in Science, Technology and Society at the Northern Virginia campus, and teaches the program's core course on S&T policy.

Prior to joining AAAS, Steve was senior professional associate at the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences. He also served for six years as administrative officer for Science and Technology Policy at the American Psychological Association. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Kansas State University, and his PhD in social psychology from the University of Michigan. Before coming to Washington, DC, in 1977, Steve was project director at the Center for Research on Utilization of Scientific Knowledge at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. He also taught in both the psychology and sociology departments.