Washington Update

FASEB Welcomes 2026–2027 Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellows

By: CJ Neely
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
FASEB has selected 11 scientists representing 11 member societies for the 2026–2027 Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship. Chosen from a competitive applicant pool spanning multiple career stages, the fellows will spend 10 months strengthening their skills in advocacy, science policy, science communication, leadership, and career exploration beyond academia.

Fellows will participate in virtual workshops, engage with policy professionals, and apply their learning through a capstone project. They are also invited to attend the FASEB Science Policy Symposium this October and will participate in Capitol Hill Day in March 2027.

The new fellows bring a range of scientific expertise and professional experiences:
  • Adrian Bondy, PhD, Postdoctoral Research, Princeton University; Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine
  • Alyssa Columbus, PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins University; Association for Molecular Pathology
  • Prianka Huque Hashim, PhD/MPH Candidate, Northwestern University; Histochemical Society
  • Shannon Kirkpatrick, PhD Candidate, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
  • Joanne Peterson, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of Anatomy, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine; American Association for Anatomy
  • Tuli Pramanik, PhD Candidate, UT Southwestern Medical Center; Society for Developmental Biology
  • Andrew Ramirez, PhD, Instructor; Genetics Society of America
  • Krystal Rivera, PhD Candidate, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Shock Society
  • Justin Roncaioli, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; American Society for Investigative Pathology
  • Victor Ruthig, PhD, Director, Developmental Biology Microscopy Consortium, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Society for the Study of Reproduction
  • Emily Tirrell, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher; American Aging Association
Effective science advocacy requires skills that extend beyond traditional research training. Launched in 2023, the fellowship prepares scientists to communicate with elected officials, policymakers, and the public about the value of biological and biomedical research. It reflects FASEB’s commitment to sustainable research funding and the training and professional development of the scientific workforce.