[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Karen-Stroobants-Portrait-0394-taken-by-Gabriella-Bocchetti-©University-of-Cambridge.jpeg” name=”Karen Stroobants” role=”President”]
Karen Stroobants is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie post-doctoral Fellow at the Centre for Protein Misfolding Diseases at the Chemistry Department. With a strong background in biophysical characterisation of proteins, she recently engaged in the study of membrane protein aggregates and their potential role in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Before moving to the UK, Karen received a prestigious PhD fellowship at KU Leuven, Belgium, where she worked on the development of a novel biotechnological methodologies. Apart from being a researcher, Karen has always been engaged in promoting the communication between different academic players, industry, policy makers and society in general. In this context, she joined CUSPE in 2014, and subsequently was a member and co-head of the workshops team before taking up the role of president in 2017. Karen also is part of the Policy Workgroup of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Alumni Association, she was selected by the MEP-scientist pairing scheme of the European Parliament, and is an enthusiastic participant in the EuroScience Open Forum events (Dublin2012, Manchester2016, intention to attend ESOF2018 in Toulouse). ks741@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/pp_-_1__1__160.jpg” name=”Haskan Kaya” role=”Secretary”]
Haskan Kaya is a third year undergraduate studying Natural Sciences at Gonville & Caius College, specialising in Genetics. He is interested in the history and philosophy of science, particularly in the political and ethical issues surrounding biosciences and genetic engineering. In the past he has undertaken research placements at Illumina in Cambridge and the University of York and has spent time volunteering at public engagement in science events. In his spare time Haskan enjoys photography.
hk416@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Matt-e1512561112765.jpg” name=”Matt Linley” role=”Webmaster”]
Matt is a member of St John’s College and a PhD student within the Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials, in the Materials Science Department. Matt’s research involves developing collagen scaffolds as an implantable medical material to aid in tissue regeneration. This research is in collaboration with the Swiss company Giestlich Pharma AG. Matt is passionate about translating scientific findings into real-world applications, particularly in policy making.
mdl39@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]Finance and Fundraising Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Headshot.png” name=”Philip Lindstedt” role=”Head of Finance and Fundraising”]
Philip is a PhD student within the Department of Chemistry here at Cambridge and a member of St. John’s College. Specifically, he works within the Center for Misfolding Diseases researching novel protein based therapeutics for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Before coming to Cambridge, Philip received his B.Sc. with honors in biochemistry from the University of Washington and then went on to become a research scientist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Outside of the lab Philip is interested in public policy surrounding translational medicine and outreach to local schools through the Royal Chemical Society’s program Spectroscopy in a Suitcase.
pl421@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]Marketing Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MJ.png” name=”Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar” role=”Head of Marketing and Communications”]
I have been associated with science popularisation and understanding science policy since my days as a Youth-Scientist associated with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (having represented India at the First ASEAN Youth Science Summit). I believe evidence-based politics and policy-making is an avenue that I would like to explore and being associated with CUSPE is a good learning step in that direction.
mg712@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]Lectures Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ture.jpg” name=”Ture Hinrichsen” linkedin=”in/ture-hinrichsen-637976b4/” role=”Head of Lectures”]
Ture is a third year PhD student in Physics, researching energy transfer in organic solar cells. A strong drive to understanding how the world works lead him to both study Physics and get involved in politics. He has been Political Director for his state devision of the German Young Greens for two years. His aim at CUSPE is to encourage debates on the interface of science and politics, to discuss the effects of scientific research on the broader society. Recently he is especially interested in Machine Learning and how it might fundamentally transform the way we live.
tfh26@cam.ac.uk [/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Rodrigo.jpg” name=”Rodrigo Cataldi” role=”Lectures Team Member”]
Rodrigo is a PhD student within the Department of Chemistry at the Center for Misfolding Diseases researching drug design against Alzheimer’s disease and the molecular mechanism of protein aggregation. Before coming to Cambridge, Rodrigo studied Pharmacy and Clinical Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health in Brazil and was a research student at the University of Toronto in Canada in the field of nanotechnology for cancer treatment.
rlc67@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Marco.jpg” name=”Marco Egle” linkedin=”in/marco-egle-b07a8897/” role=”Lectures Team Member”]
Marco is a first year PhD student in Clinical Neuroscience, working on improving diagnostics and predictability of cognitive decline and dementia in patients having experienced a stroke. He previously studied in the Netherlands for 5 years. His aim in CUSPE is to translate scientific ideas to society and inform the wider public about it. The mutual trust between science and public is absolutely essential in solving today’s global problems.
me417@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/katarina.jpg” name=”Katarina Pisani” linkedin=”in/katarina-pisani-404baa120/” role=”Lectures Team Member”]
I am first year PhD student at the Centre for Misfolding Diseases within the Chemistry department, studying the mechanisms that underlie Alzheimer’s disease. I first became interested in the intersection between science and policy while taking part in a synthetic biology competition aimed to award teams with projects that strive to create a positive contribution to local and global communities. The most interesting part of the project for me was not just the research, but also the time spent working on the policies and practices aspect of our project, where we engaged politicians towards our research, which made me realise how important it is to understand the way that the research we do can be applied and integrated within policies.
kp476@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]Workshops Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/olivialam.jpg” name=”Olivia Lam” linkedin=”in/olivia-l-08213bba/” role=”Co-head of Workshops”]
I am currently a second year undergraduate at Fitzwilliam College, studying Politics and Social Anthropology. I first became interested in the intersection between science and policy when I came across the podcast Freakonomics. The topics of scientific methods and mind-set in policy-making, and the possibilities science can bring to society and governance especially appealed to me. This motivated me to join CUSPE, and to contribute to its mission by encouraging social scientists to take part in this conversation.
ycol2@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Simon-Davies-Photo.jpg” name=”Simon Davies” role=”Co-head of Workshops”]
Simon is currently in his second year of studying for a PhD in Engineering, working on the topic of resource use. He previously completed an MEng at the University of Cambridge and spent time in industry before returning to study for a PhD. Simon has strong interest in policy-making and government, and the role of both academia and industry in supporting this process. As part of CUSPE he hopes to provide informative events that explore the important role of science and technology in policy-making and provide opportunities for those in Cambridge to learn from and engage with policy experts.
srd47@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Matias600b.jpg” name=”Matias Acosta” role=”Workshops Team Member”]
I received my materials engineering degree from the Prof. Jorge A. Sabato Institute, Argentina in 2011. I had a full-time scholarship during my studies. I received my doctoral degree in science with honors (Summa Cum Laude) from the Technical University of Darmstadt in 2015. I received several recognitions for my scientific and entrepreneur ideas. I have lived and worked in Argentina, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and the UK. Currently, I hold a Feodor Lynen Fellowship from Alexander von Humboldt at the University of Cambridge to do research in inorganic materials for clean energy. I also work in science diplomacy projects between Argentina, Germany and the UK. I have a strong interest in social projects and politics. My goal is helping to achieve a globalized well-being through sustainable ideas and data-driven politics.
ma771@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Image-1.jpg” name=”Fred Richards” role=”Workshops Team Member”]
I am studying for a PhD in geophysics at Jesus College and the Bullard Laboratories (Department of Earth Sciences). My research aims to constrain how convection in the Earth’s mantle deforms the surface of our planet and the implications this has for heat flow, landscape evolution and ocean circulation. Through collaboration with BP and other energy companies I have become particularly interested in energy policy and the dual challenge of addressing surging energy demand whilst drastically reducing carbon emissions. More broadly, I am interested in the role of scientific research in improving policymaking decisions and promoting more effective communication between scientists and policy professionals. I’m also a passionate advocate of public engagement with science and was part of the Planet Earth Team for Pint of Science 2017.
fdr22@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]Podcasts and Publications Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Erin.png” name=”Erin Cullen” role=”Head of Podcasts and Publications”]
Erin is a PhD candidate in the Department of Plant Sciences, studying plant evolution and development. Erin completed her undergraduate degree at the University of York, with a year in research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Whilst at York Erin was an advisor to the York iGEM team, and was particularly involved in communicating the project to the public. Erin is interested in policy attaining to food security and the use of evidence-based policy in government.
evc24@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Hinal.png” name=”Hinal Tanna” role=”Publications Team Member”]
Hinal is an alumna of the University who has been working as a medical writer in Cambridge since August 2016, after completing her PhD in Medical Science and MRes in Stem Cell Biology. Before working as a medical writer, Hinal completed a Policy Development internship with Cancer Research UK, experiencing many of the fundamental practices and procedures used to influence Government policies, including organising stakeholder engagement events, and producing consultation responses and briefings for MPs. Whilst at Cambridge, Hinal communicated science from various disciplines to the public through writing magazine articles and hosting radio shows for BlueSci. Her previous involvements have resulted in a breadth of understanding of the biological sciences, data analysis, science policy and research communication. As a member of the CUSPE publications team, Hinal uses these experiences to produce ‘On the CUSP’ podcasts.
[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Philipe.png” name=”Philipe Bujold” role=”Publications Team Member”]
Philipe is a third-year PhD student in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. His work focuses on the brain mechanisms that drive economic choices, whereby he compares the decision-making behaviour of humans and monkeys in different economic environments. Most recently he has been interested in the neurobiology of ‘nudging’ – from where his interest in science policy stems from.
[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Roxine.png” name=”Roxine Staats” linkedin=”in/roxine-staats-106222a4/” role=”Publications Team Member”]
I am a South African currently studying a PhD in Chemistry, where I’m working on the development of therapeutics against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. As part of the Publications team at CUSPE, I’ll be working on editorial and writing pieces, as well as podcasting and other media to create valuable channels of communication for young researchers to learn about, discuss and debate policy. Please get in touch if you have any writing you’d like to publish with CUSPE, we’re always on the lookout for new ideas!
[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]Cambridge Science Policy Forum Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Gmg3.png” name=”Glenda Michel” role=”Co-chair of Cambridge Science and Policy Forum”]
I am an MPhil in Technology Policy student, interested in the interaction between science, technology, innovation (STI) and public policy, as an opportunity to shape new markets and new forms of governance, that can improve social well-being and solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. I started my career as a marketer working for P&G where I designed and executed numerous sales and brand strategies and campaigns. Later, I became Communication Manager in PRONAFIM, the microfinance programme of the mexican Ministry of Economy, where I was responsible for promoting financial inclusion through social campaigns, media and community engagement. Before coming to Cambridge I co-founded the Laboratory for Entrepreneurship and Transformation (LET), with the mission to support impact-driven entrepreneurs and promote their collaboration with the public and private sectors.
gm592@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/MR_pic.jpg” name=”Margarida Rodrigues” role=”Co-chair of Cambridge Science and Policy Forum”]
I have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences awarded by the University of Lisbon and I am currently working at the Department of Chemistry as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. I work in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and my research aims to determine the composition of the toxic species responsible for neuronal loss along with the development of early diagnosis methods. Outside my research I am interested in understanding the best ways to get scientific knowledge reach policy-making agencies, therefore promoting a more sustainable a developed world. Finally, I have been involved in many outreach events such as the European Researchers’ Night (Lisbon – 2012-2013, supported by the European Commission) and Science Lates (Science Museum London – 2016, supported by the Royal Society).
mr682@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]General Team Members[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Samer-Kurdi.jpg” name=”Samer Kurdi” linkedin=”in/samerkurdi” role=”Photographer”]
I am in my third year of my Ph.D. in Materials Science. My research focuses on new materials to incorporate in “invisible” memories for encryption and safe data storage to meet demands in current information technologies. My interest in science policy stems from the point that continuous development of science policy is important for the future of encryption technology.
I am a Canadian who has lived in France, Germany, Jordan and the United Kingdom. I have honed my photography skills through traveling in over 20 countries and volunteering at events spanning sports science to Amnesty International protests. I am currently utilizing these skills to capture the moments of the events organized by CUSPE.
[/bio]
[column width=”1″ place=”none” ][headline margin=”low-margin”]County Council Policy Challenges Team[/headline][/column]
[bio img=”https://www.cuspe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Simon-Davies-Photo.jpg” name=”Simon Davies” role=”Coordinator County Council Policy Challenges Team”]
Simon is currently in his second year of studying for a PhD in Engineering, working on the topic of resource use. He previously completed an MEng at the University of Cambridge and spent time in industry before returning to study for a PhD. Simon has strong interest in policy-making and government, and the role of both academia and industry in supporting this process. As part of CUSPE he hopes to provide informative events that explore the important role of science and technology in policy-making and provide opportunities for those in Cambridge to learn from and engage with policy experts.
srd47@cam.ac.uk[/bio]
