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GOOD FAITH POLICY RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY
Science and Technology Policy Advocates
WHAT MATTERS TO US
At TVG, we catalyze innovative, inclusive, science-driven policy through concrete, interdisciplinary research and data analytics.
INTERDISCIPLINARITY
We bridge scientific disciplines and employ diverse expertise to craft creative and innovative policy solutions.
EQUITY
We seek to eliminate disparities for all Americans by expanding science-related learning opportunities, public engagement, and common benefit.
SUSTAINABILITY
We craft lasting policy solutions that not only address the acute needs of today, but also prepare us to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
SCIENTIFIC RIGOR
We advance policy recommendations based on unbiased scientific approaches and the best available data.
SPRING 2022 AGENDA
Every project has its unique DNA
ABOUT US
Meet our team of science policy advocates and creative leads
Dr. Taylor Winkleman
Executive Director
Dr. W (Taylor Winkleman) is a veterinarian and former AAAS Congressional Fellow who has been teaching policy and infectious disease courses for three years. With the Vannevar Group, Dr. W is the Executive Director, ringleader, and cheerleader of this group. In her spare time, you can find her hanging from a trapeze bar or bouncing on a trampoline at TSNY-Washington DC.
Savannah Grace Riddles
Brand Officer
Originally from Austin, Texas, Savannah Grace is a biomedical graduate student. She will graduate this May with a Master's of Science in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases. At TVG, Savannah Grace manages the organization's branding and design along with her policy work on the Rabies Eradication Team. Outside of class, she works on the Asylee Casework team at the International Rescue Committee In Silver Spring.
Dr. Kimberly Weller
Podcast Producer
The Vannevar Group.
Vijay Iyer
Content Manager
I am Vijay Iyer and I am currently graduate student in Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy. I had previously obtained my Bachelors in Neuroscience at George Mason University. I have a background in developmental and cognitive neuroscience. I also have a background in photojournalism and photography, which has led me to closely follow policy actions. My current interests include Space Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, Brain-Machine interfaces, and science policy/advocacy.
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Vanessa Barnes
Brand Officer
Vanessa is a Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy Master's student. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Public Health Science at the University of Maryland. She has a vested interest in social determinants of health, clinical research and addressing inequities. She serves as Brand Officer for The Vannevar Group and she works on the Biodata policy.
Dhara Patel
Podcast Producer
Dhara is a second-semester graduate student in the Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases. She received her B.S. from the University of Miami in Applied Mathematics and Exercise Physiology. At The Vannevar Group, Dhara produces the podcast and works on the Beyond the Backlog policy initiative. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and lifting at the gym.
Leah Goodman
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
Leah received a B.S. in Psychology and Homeland Security from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, spending the majority of her junior year working with Healing Minds NOLA, a non-profit, doing policy advocacy work for the most severe mental illnesses. She is currently a graduate student in the Biohazardous Threat Agents and Infectious Diseases and recently concluded an emergency management project about Zika as an intern with FEMA. Leah is interested in a career in science policy and advocacy focusing on eliminating inequities in healthcare. Her goal is to rebuild the trust that has been broken between healthcare professionals and the public over the past two years of the pandemic.
Dr. Marcel Estévez
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
Marcel is an M.S. candidate in the Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy Program. He received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, and his Ph.D. in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program at Johns Hopkins University. His Ph.D. and postdoctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania focused on molecular and behavioral neuroscience. At the Vannevar Group, Marcel supports outreach and communications, and works in the policy team for eradication of rabies in Puerto Rico. Marcel works at a bioinformatics nonprofit on a database that catalogues animal models of autism spectrum disorder.
Elina Vanuska
Content Manager
Elina is a second-semester graduate student in the Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy Program. She received her B.S. from the University of California Los Angeles in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Global Health. With The Vannevar Group, Elina is a content manager and works on the Cobalt policy initiative. In her spare time, Elina enjoys cooking, learning about architecture, and finding the nearest beach to go surfing.
Nicolette Chimato
Website Manager
Nicolette is an active duty officer in the United States Marine Corps and currently completing an MS in Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases.. She is also a current Fellow with the Council on Strategic Risks in the Fellowship for Ending Bioweapons Programs. She completed a BS in Biology at the University of North Florida and an MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of South Florida. Nicolette worked at Mayo Clinic prior to joining the service.
Madeline Jewell
Podcast Producer
The Vannevar Group.
Shelby Henderson
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
The Vannevar Group.