Biographies for 5 Sigma Physicists

Stephen Albright built a team of APS advocates to meet with US Representative Rosa DeLauro’s staff concerning the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019 as well as team of volunteers to advocate for the Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019.

Lauren Aycock led the research, published in a Phys. Rev. Journal, that was critical to advancing our advocacy on the Combatting Sexual Harassment in Science ACT of 2022, which is now law.

Michelle Bailey served as a member of the joint Optica/APS Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations report panel. She also moderated the launch-webinar for the report and organized a presentation on the report at the Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and a workshop on “Metrology for Climate Action” at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Klaus Bartschat met with staffers from the office of US Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley regarding the Keep STEM Talent Act.

Eric Beier wrote an op-ed about the importance of scientific research that appeared in The Spokesman-Review.

Jerry Blazey co-authored an op-ed in The Hill on broadening research opportunities, testified in Congress on the topic of equity in federal research and development (R&D) funding, and advocated with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other stakeholders on equity in federal R&D funding.

Eric Brewe attended meetings on Capitol Hill to promote STEM education.

Phil Bucksbaum recorded two videos regarding the importance of international students to the physics community and scientific enterprise, interviewed with several media outlets on science policy issues, and wrote a letter to Congress outlining a series of recommendations to ensure that we emerged from the pandemic with our nation’s research capabilities fully restored. He also sent a second letter to Congress in support of the bipartisan Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act, and a third letter to then President-Elect Joe Biden covering six policy priority areas for the physics community and recommending actions his Administration should take to address them.

Dominic Calabrese wrote an op-ed about the funding for scientific research in the Auburn Journal and attended a meeting with a staffer in the local office of US Rep. Tom McClintock

Paul Campbell conveyed to his elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Senator Gary Peters’ office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

Matt Caplan met with Representatives Pramila Jayapal’s, Jerrold Nadler’s, and Darin LaHood’s offices in support of No First Use (NFU) of nuclear weapons. He also served as a Next-Generation Fellow of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction and worked with the Physicists Coalition on the video development committee.

John Chernega took action on campaigns involving the Optional Practical Training Program, helium, visas, research funding, methane, sexual harassment in STEM, COVID-19 relief, and international students.

William Collins led the effort to update the APS statement on Earth’s Changing Climate and supported APS's efforts to increase regulations of methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.

William Connacher made 24 connections with Congress in 2022 on COMPETES/USICA, methane emissions, teacher preparation, research and development funding, the Keep STEM Talent, and the CHIPS and Science Act.

Jacinta Conrad worked with APS staff to write an op-ed published in the Houston Chronicle titled “CHIPS and Science bill isn’t enough. America needs to retain its international students.” She also promoted the op-ed on social media and with key contacts at her workplace – the University of Houston.

Kristan Corwin wrote an op-ed in the Topeka Capital-Journal about the impact of National Science Foundation (NSF) research in building Kansas’ scientific and technical workforce and participated in APS’s Congressional Visits Day.

Bárbara Cruvinel Santiago met with Representatives Pramila Jayapal’s, Jerrold Nadler’s, and Darin LaHood’s offices in support of No First Use (NFU) of nuclear weapons. She also sent letters on APS’s Research Security campaign and the Smith-Warren NFU campaign and served as a Next-Generation Fellow of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction.

Ivan Deutsch met with US Senator Tom Udall’s staff concerning problematic language in the original National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act and stated that he was willing to volunteer for additional meetings, if necessary, to help ensure that language in the NQI did not negatively impact other research programs.

Sarit Dhar wrote an op-ed in the Opelika-Auburn News about the F-1 “dual intent” visa and inspired an editorial also published in the Opelika-Auburn News based on his op-ed.

Joseph DiVerdi wrote an op-ed about the helium shortage in The New York Times and met with legislators in Colorado.

Mike Duczynski participated in APS’s first science policy internship, met with Michigan State Representative Jeff Irwin and Michigan State Senator Rebekah Warren as well as prepared advocacy materials for SB 301 to add cellular phones to Michigan’s list of covered devices. Additionally, he prepared materials for and participated in local Earth Day events to raise the importance of electronics recycling.

Tracy Edwards conveyed to her elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Senator Gary Peters’ office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

Joshua Einstein-Curtis was recognized on behalf of the Forum on Graduate Student Affairs (FGSA) for FBSA's superb work in carrying out the successful advocacy campaign against the bill that would have taxed students’ tuition waivers.

Roger Falcone advanced APS’s science policy initiatives through countless meetings with members of Congress and Executive Branch officials.

Midhat Farooq participated in advocacy to support the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019.

Nadia Fomin met with US Senators Lamar Alexander’s and Marsha Blackburn’s offices in Tennessee concerning the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019 and followed up with Senator Blackburn’s Washington, DC, office following her meeting.

Scott Franklin established a good relationship with US Representative Louise Slaughter's office, especially concerning women in science, and consistently worked with APS on having meetings in Washington, DC. Additionally, he participated in the November 2016 experimental advocacy campaign to visit New York federal offices for Representative Slaughter and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and continued communications with those offices.

Juan Gallardo took action on campaigns involving the Optional Practical Training Program, visas, research funding, methane, helium, COVID-19, sexual harassment in STEM, and the RISE Act.

Sylvester James Gates co-authored an op-ed in The Hill on broadening research opportunities and wrote letters to Congressional leaders and Biden Administration officials regarding APS’s science policy priorities. He also participated in the Task Force on American Innovation’s panel on the nation’s global competitiveness and led Delta Phy webinars on the impacts of research security, policies and US visa and immigration policies. Additionally, he met with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) officials regarding research security and supported the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction’s outreach efforts.

Raju Ghimire designed and implemented a survey of international physics graduate students regarding their experiences with US visa processes and perceptions of studying and working in the US.

Laura Gladstone completed the APS science communication workshop, testified on government shutdown submitted to Congress, gave an interview to a McClatchy paper on sequestration and science, and contributed to Capitol Hill Quarterly.

Laura Greene advanced APS’s science policy initiatives through countless meetings with members of Congress and Executive Branch officials.

Laura Grego served as co-chair of the Missile Defense (MD) Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) study.

Lauren Guerrido participated in APS’s first science policy internship, met with Michigan State Representative Jeff Irwin and Michigan State Senator Rebekah Warren as well as prepared advocacy materials for SB 301 to add cellular phones to Michigan’s list of covered devices. He also prepared materials for and participated in local Earth Day events to raise the importance of electronics recycling.

William (Bill) Halperin advocated on the challenges with helium price and supply for the research community and served as a member of the APS-ACS-MRS report titled “Responding to the US Research Community’s Liquid Helium Crisis”. He also previously testified at a hearing held by the House Natural Resources Committee and regularly engaged in conversations with APS and policymakers on helium issues.

Mina Hanna wrote an op-ed about the funding for scientific research in the Houston Chronicle and held a meeting on Capitol Hill with a staffer who works for US Representative Lamar Smith.

Sophia Hayes represented the academic research community at a helium stakeholders’ meeting in Washington, DC, offered policy solutions to helium issues at a House Science Committee hearing, and served as a source for reporters’ stories on helium issues.

Mark Haynes conveyed to his elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Sen. Tim Kaine’s office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

Frances Hellman authored multiple letters to Congressional leaders in support of APS’s policy priorities, including support for the CHIPS and Science Act and developing data guidelines that will improve the measurement of LGBTQI+ representation and experiences in U.S. physical sciences.

Austin Hinkel wrote an op-ed about the funding for scientific research in the Lexington Herald-Leader and drafted a student letter hand-delivered to representatives in Kentucky.

Eliot Kapit met with US Senator Cory Gardner’s staff concerning problematic language that appeared in the original National Quantum Initiative Act and followed up with Senator Gardner’s staff following his meeting.

Alan Kaptanoglu met with Representatives Pramila Jayapal’s, Jerrold Nadler’s, and Darin LaHood’s offices in support of No First Use (NFU) of nuclear weapons. He also sent letters on APS’s R&D campaign and served as a Next-Generation Fellow of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction.

Ralph Kelly made 27 contacts with Congress in 2022 on sexual harassment, COMPETES/USICA, methane emissions, U.S. missile defense testing, teacher preparation, research and development funding, and the Keep STEM Talent Act.

Karen King wrote an op-ed about STEM education in the St. Louis Dispatch and a meeting with a staffer in the local office of US Senator Roy Blunt.

Pawel Kozlowski conveyed to his elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Senator Martin Heinrich’s office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

Don Q. Lamb wrote an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune about the loss of international students at US institutions and attended multiple meetings with staffers in US Senator Dick Durbin’s office regarding the issue.

Fred Lamb served as co-chair of the Missile Defense (MD) Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) study.

Amber Lauer met with Thom Tillis’ staff in North Carolina concerning the Keep STEM Talent Act and wrote an op-ed on Keep STEM Talent Act in the Raleigh News-Observer.

Jay Marx made 57 legislator contacts in 2021, the most of any APS member participating in letter-writing campaigns organized by the APS Government Affairs team.

Mike Mayo wrote an op-ed about the importance of funding for scientific research in the Austin Statesman.

Laurie McNeil took action on campaigns involving the J-1 visa, Optional Practical Training Program, helium, the RISE Act, and international students.

Grant Meadors conveyed to his elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Senator Martin Heinrich’s office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

John Mergo wrote an op-ed in the Ithaca Journal detailing choices young scientists face when considering whether to stay in the US as they advance their careers. He also participated in an APS webinar on advocacy, contributed to APS News's "Focus on Advocacy," and participated in Congressional Visit Days.

Christine Nattrass created a team in Tennessee to participate in meetings with staff representing US Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn to ask lawmakers to co-sponsor the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019.

Tiffany Nichols participated in advocacy to support the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019.

Kevin Nuckolls participated in advocacy to support the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019.

Ray Orbach served as co-chair of the joint Optica/APS report on Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations, alongside William Collins.

Saeed Pegahan met with US Senator Thom Tillis’ staff in North Carolina concerning the Keep STEM Talent Act and led a laboratory tour for Tillis’ staff.

Julia Phillips wrote an op-ed in The Hill about reducing nuclear risks while maintaining research reactors and advocated for recommendations outlined in the APS Panel on Public Affairs (POPA report), “Neutrons for the Nation.”

Wayne Polyzou met with staffers for US Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley regarding the Keep STEM Talent Act.

Justin Powell wrote an op-ed in the Knoxville News-Sentinel about the negative effects of the proposed PROSPER bill; and helped to organize the delivery of the PROSPER petition to US Senator Lamar Alexander’s office.

Kelly Reidy wrote an op-ed about the importance of science funding that appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Reidy also participated in an APS media training session, continued advocacy following this training, and participated in the Student Sequester Letter Initiative.

Andrea Richard conveyed to her elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Senator Gary Peters’ office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

Kenneth Rudinger wrote an op-ed in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about the effects of the government shutdown on the scientific enterprise. He also appeared on a radio interview to further educate the general public, contributed to APS News's "Focus on Advocacy," and contributed to Capitol Hill Quarterly.

Shua Sanchez wrote an op-ed in The Spokesman-Review about the negative effects of the proposed PROSPER bill and delivered the PROSPER petition to US Senator Patty Murray’s office.

Stephen Schiff conveyed to his elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, sent letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing, and discussed with staffers from Senator Tim Kaine’s office the importance of maintaining the moratorium on US nuclear testing and excluding funding for nuclear testing from the final fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2021 NDAA).

Elizabeth Mae Scott created a team to meet with staffers for US Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee concerning the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019.

Anshu Sharma made 24 connections with Congress in 2022 on COMPETES/USICA, methane emissions, U.S. missile defense testing, teacher preparation, research and development funding, and the Keep STEM Talent Act.

Michael Sobel conveyed to his elected officials the priorities of the Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction and letters to Congress in support of an extension of New START and in opposition to funding for resuming explosive nuclear testing.

James Vary met with staffers for US Senators Joni Enrnst and Chuck Grassley concerning the Keep STEM Talent Act and wrote an op-ed on Keep STEM Talent in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Dany Waller raised awareness among APS members about the importance of contacting their legislators regarding increased federal funding for science and wrote an op-ed on lifting budgetary caps to avoid cuts in federal science budgets in the Louisville Courier Journal.

James Wells served as co-chair of the Missile Defense (MD) Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) study and the effort on the APS statement, “Verification Science for Peace and Security.” Additionally, he interned with the University of Michigan as part of APS's first science policy internship. He also met with Michigan State Representative Jeff Irwin and Michigan State Senator Rebekah Warren and prepared advocacy materials for SB 301, which would add cellular phones to Michigan’s list of covered electronic devices for recycling.

Jessica Winter wrote an op-ed about the importance of funding for scientific research in The Hill and met with a staffer from the local office of US Senator Rob Portman.