Helen Blaine, PhD
Washington
Summary
Science policy and research professional with expertise in federal agency engagement, research security, federal grantmaking, and international engagement. Proven track record of fostering collaborations, advising senior leadership, and aligning institutional research priorities with national science and innovation objectives. Experienced in translating complex scientific concepts into clear and concise briefing memos and talking points.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
AAAS S&T Policy Fellow
Department of Energy (Office of Science)
Washington
09.2024 - Current
- Manage promotion and protection of emerging technologies, including quantum computing, fusion energy, and AI.
- Develop international engagement strategies and prepare briefings for senior DOE leadership and White House–led meetings.
- Manage the research security process for university funding awards and maintain expertise in DOE grantmaking processes.
- Monitor congressional activity affecting Office of Science programs and funding.
- Support international agreements and frameworks for collaboration with leading research institutions.
- Collaborate with representatives with multiple federal agencies.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Washington University in St. Louis
Saint Louis
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Advanced federally funded (NIH) research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis at an R1 institution.
- Managed multiple concurrent projects and supervised up to four graduate and undergraduate researchers.
- Published peer-reviewed research and review articles and contributed to the development of a patented technology.
- Participated in the scientific peer review process.
- Presented findings to internal and external audiences, translating complex biomedical concepts into clear, concise written and oral communications for diverse stakeholders.
Graduate Student Researcher
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis
08.2018 - 08.2023
- Advanced NIH- and privately funded research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis at an R1 institution, designing and executing experiments using genetic and biochemical techniques.
- Authored multiple grant proposals, including responses to NSF and NIH NOFOs.
- Secured sponsorship to present research at multiple conferences, including the American Society of Microbiology and Gordon Research Conferences and received multiple internal funding awards.
- Contributed to peer-reviewed publications, including technical research articles and scholarly reviews.
Education
Ph.D. - Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO08-2023
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, MO05-2018
Skills
- International engagement
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Scientific communication
- Policy analysis
- Problem solving
- Multitasking
- Collaboration
Timeline
AAAS S&T Policy Fellow
Department of Energy (Office of Science)
09.2024 - Current
Postdoctoral Researcher
Washington University in St. Louis
09.2023 - 05.2024
Graduate Student Researcher
Washington University in St. Louis
08.2018 - 08.2023
Ph.D. - Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Missouri