Balancing Science Policy Interests with Lab Work: Is it Possible?

Thomas Crockett is a special assistant in the office of the Director for Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) in the Department of Defense. In this role, Crockett helps the office conduct its oversight, analysis, and policy guidance of DoD’s operational testing and evaluation – the process by which technologies are deployed into operationally realistic scenarios to certify their efficacy, suitability, and reliability. Crockett has participated in three Capitol Hill Days with SfN and one with the National Science Policy Group, and served as a Science Policy Fellow for Research!America.

As a vice president at CRD Associates, Megan Anderson Brooks focuses on science and regulatory policy related to basic and clinical scientific research, personalized medicine, federal oversight of diagnostics and biotech devices, and patient-specific issues related to access and patient-centered treatment development. On behalf of clients, she assists in the development and implementation of policy strategies, coordinates congressional briefings and public policy symposiums, organizes client advocacy days on Capitol Hill, and engages in direct lobbying. She was a neuroscientist for more than 10 years, during which she conducted research on brain health and the neural mechanisms of learning and memory. She previously worked for the Society for Neuroscience on issues related to research replicability and to develop grassroots advocacy activities. She holds a PhD in neuroscience from Rutgers University and was awarded a fellowship from the Eagleton Institute of Politics.