Six doctoral-level scientists will serve two-year appointments across New York State government to support evidence-based policymaking

Supported by the Simons Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the 2026–2028 cohort brings expertise in bioinformatics, molecular biology, atmospheric chemistry, neuroscience, and physiology

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government today announced the selection of six doctoral graduates for the 2026–2028 cohort of the New York State Science Policy Fellowship program.

Supported by a grant from the Simons Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the fellowship embeds early-career scientists and engineers directly within New York State executive agencies, the legislature, and the executive chamber. Over their two-year appointments, fellows provide nonpartisan analytical expertise, translating complex technical research into actionable, evidence-based insights on issues spanning public health, biotechnology, agricultural systems, climate mitigation, and more.

“Bridging the gap between public policy and science enhances the ability of those in leadership roles to make effective and informed decisions,” said David Spergel, president of the Simons Foundation. “This newest group of fellows is highly accomplished and deeply motivated to apply their technical skills and knowledge to help address the state’s demanding scientific issues.”

“Science and technology policy fellowships have proven to be a valuable tool for robust governance,” said Jon Kaye, program director at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. “Legislators from across the spectrum agree that good decisions start with good information, and when policymakers have access to that expertise through fellows, everyone benefits.”

“Connecting techno-scientific expertise with state government is essential to addressing New York’s most pressing public policy challenges,” said Robert Megna, president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. “This incoming cohort of fellows brings outstanding scientific rigor and dedication to public service, strengthening our state’s capacity to develop sound, evidence-based solutions for all New Yorkers.”

The 2026–2028 cohort of New York State Science Policy Fellows includes:

• Olivia Asher, who received her PhD in bioinformatics from the University of Georgia, where she utilized DNA sequencing and high-performance computing to study plant microbiomes. A former Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellow with extensive volunteer and community leadership experience, she brings strong computational and analytical skills to support state policymaking. Olivia is placed in the New York State Assembly Program and Counsel.
• Emily Costa, who received her PhD in chemistry from the University of Michigan, applied analytical techniques to investigate atmospheric aerosol particles and their impacts on climate and human health. She holds a graduate certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy and brings demonstrated leadership in student-led science policy and research. Emily is placed with the New York State Senate Finance Committee.
• Viet Dinh, who completed his PhD in biomedical sciences at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, focusing on cerebral hemodynamics and novel therapeutic interventions for severe blood loss. As an integrative physiologist, he is committed to translating complex biomedical discoveries into actionable systemic change and health policy. Viet is placed in the New York State Department of Health, Office of Science.
• Hannah LeBlanc, who earned their PhD in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, focusing on gene regulation and messenger RNA dynamics. They are interested in policy solutions to ensure full and equitable realization of the benefits of scientific research and are excited to apply their background in molecular biology and higher education to advance equitable science and technology policy. Hannah is placed in the State University of New York (SUNY) Office of the Chancellor under Policy Implementation and Access Initiatives.
• Briana McRae, who received her PhD in neurobiology and behavior from Columbia University utilizing whole-brain imaging to investigate maternal neural plasticity. A former Society for Neuroscience Early Career Policy Ambassador and community engagement leader, she applies her analytical and science communication expertise to evidence-informed public health policy. Briana is placed in the New York State Department of Health, Division of Family Health.
• Cody Shaw, who earned his PhD in chemistry from Stony Brook University, specializing in marine geochemical processes and ocean alkalinity enhancement for atmospheric carbon removal and storage. He brings valuable experience in cross-sector climate mitigation partnerships and stakeholder engagement to bridge scientific innovation with state environmental policy. Cody is placed with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“We are excited to see Dr. Asher get the opportunity to apply the rigorous training in computer science and biology she gained at the University of Georgia to help solve real-world problems as a New York State Science Policy Fellow,” said Dr. Casey Bergman, associate professor in the Institute of Bioinformatics and Department of Genetics. “Dr. Asher has established an impressive track record through her early science policy efforts in Georgia, and we look forward to seeing the impact her genuine enthusiasm and fluency in science policy brings to her native New York State.”

“Dr. Emily Costa has always been motivated to connect environmental science and effective policy to improve lives,” said Dr. Kerri Pratt, professor of chemistry at the University of Michigan. “For her PhD research, Dr. Costa tackled important research questions focused on wintertime air quality and the rapidly changing Arctic, while also developing her science communication skills. I am excited for Dr. Costa to follow her passion and enact change through the New York State Science Policy Fellowship program!”

“Dr. Costa arrives at the New York State Policy Fellowship with a nuanced and critical understanding of how her technical scientific background intersects with the broader community and society”, said Julie Berson Grand from the University of Michigan’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. “We are excited to see her build on these skills to positively impact the residents of New York.”

“It is so important to place trained scientists in science policy roles as they have the education and skills to understand the complexities of scientific discoveries but also know how to translate these discoveries for a variety of audiences, including policymakers and the lay public,” said Dr. Caroline Rickards, professor of physiology at UNT Health Fort Worth’s College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. “During his time as a graduate student at UNT Health, Dr. Dinh took advantage of many opportunities to develop his science communication skills, from formal scientific communication coursework to presenting his research at national and international scientific conferences. I am confident that Dr. Dinh will be an outstanding ambassador for the New York State Science Policy Fellowship program.”

“Dr. LeBlanc combines rigorous quantitative science with an unmatched passion for public service,” said Gene-Wei Li, associate department head and professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “They taught themselves computational biology from scratch, built tools to make complex data accessible to others, and I have no doubt they will bring that same clarity, tenacity, and generosity to serving the people of New York.”

“By combining her neuroscience expertise and demonstrated dedication to civic engagement, Dr. McRae has unlimited potential to make a substantive, creative and lasting impact on science-informed policymaking,” said Wesley Grueber, PhD, who served as a mentor of Briana McRae as director of Columbia University’s doctoral program in neurobiology and behavior. 

“The Stony Brook Chemistry Department warmly congratulates one of its recent PhD graduates, Cody Shaw, on his selection as a New York State Science Policy Fellow,” said Stanislaus S. Wong, distinguished professor and chair of Stony Brook University’s Department of Chemistry. “Dr. Shaw’s technical expertise and creativity in chemistry combined with his passion for environmental issues render him as an excellent choice and fit for this program; he will undoubtedly contribute towards meaningfully addressing key issues in environmental conservation.”

In addition to their full-time placements alongside senior policymakers, fellows participate in professional development coursework, state policy seminars, and mentorship programs administered by the Rockefeller Institute. During their second year, each fellow will complete a capstone project addressing a critical science and technology policy issue facing New York State.

Learn more on the Rockefeller Institute’s NYS Science Policy Fellowship program page.