Scientist / Analyst / Strategist / Writer
In the first phase of my career, I studied the genetics and neuroscience of animal behavior in labs at the University of Rochester, the University of California, and New York University. I primarily worked with the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster , although I also worked on parasitoid wasps and honey bees. My background in and love of science and the scientific method infuses everything I do.
In 2006, I was awarded the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, which brought me to work as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense for three years. I was stationed at the National Defense University at Fort McNair, where I analyzed and advised senior decision makers on issues including biodefense, pandemics, alternative energy, and social media use by government officials.