Objective: To combine an analytically-oriented problem solving background with an interest in policy development and communication.

Background: I am a molecular biologist, currently doing research in the regulation of cell division at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where I also received my PhD. During my graduate studies I had the opportunity to write for Nature magazine and have published work about science and society there and in other places. I addition, I have actively pursued an interest in public policy both locally and on a national level. In particular, I have been engaged in healthcare reform during the last presidential election and continuing into the current administration.

Education

PhD Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Molecular Biology
2008
BSc Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Mathematics and Biology
1999

Previous Projects

Voices of Physicians
Creator - about

Voices of Physicians is a new initiative aimed at involving physicians in the health reform process. On the Voices of Physicians website doctors can add themselves to a map of the country which displays their concerns about the healthcare system. As creator of this project I:

  • conceived of the initiative
  • designed and created the Voices of Physicians site
  • oversaw the implementation and disemmination of the campaign

Visit the Voices of Physicians site for more information.

Doctors for Obama
National co-Chair and Technology Director - about

Doctors for Obama is a grassroots organization of physicians, started during the 2008 presidential campaign to gather support for the Obama health plan and engage the medical community in a discussion of healthcare policy. Doctors for Obama continues to serve as a grassroots conduit to the incoming administration - gathering input from and informing physicians about ongoing healthcare reform efforts. As technology director and national co-chair I:

  • developed web based campaign to recruit 10,000 physicians in all 50 states in support of the Obama health plan
  • coordinated 500 volunteers nationwide to engage in local media and outreach efforts
  • developed policy responses to healthcare issues within the medical community
  • coordinated the efforts with the Obama campaign
  • collected testimonials of physicians about the healthcare system
  • oversaw media efforts, including production of a video and dissemination of press releases
  • developed strategy
  • organized grassroots campaign efforts in battleground states

Visit the Doctors for Obama archived site.

Health Reform Vote 2008
Web Director - about

This project was established to coordinate and disseminate statements of health policy experts about healthcare issues arising during the 2008 presidential election. As web director I:

  • Created a site to house policy statements and supporting documentation
  • Designed databases and scripts to facilitate online signup letters and viral e-mail campaigns
  • Coordinated the activities of the site with health policy experts and the Obama campaign

Visit the archived Health Reform Vote 2008 site for more information.

Jedidjah de Vries for School Board
Campaign Manager and Policy Director - about

Jedidjah de Vries ran for School Board in Santa Barabara in 2004. I served as campaign chair and policy director. In this capacity I:

  • developed policy positions on issues including budgeting, district reorganization, testing, college preparation, and technology
  • designed the campaign website
  • conducted analysis of school performance based on state-wide data

Visit the archived Jedidjah de Vries for School Board site for more information.

Publications and Writing

Orc6 is required for dynamic recruitment of Cdt1 during repeated Mcm2-7 loading
Genes and Development, 21(22):2897-907, 2007
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Nature Magazine
Monthly column about science and graduate school, 2006-7
archived articles
Strongman Science: An analysis of doping in sports and society
Submission to the Benjamin A. Siegel Prize in science, technology, and society, 2005

Research

Coordination of Origin Licensing and Cell Cycle Entry
PhD Thesis in Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Techonology, 2008
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