Huskies Seek to Explore Science Policy at Cambridge
We are delighted to share news of the two seniors, future physician-scientists, Northeastern recently nominated for the Kanders Churchill Scholarship. The Kanders Churchill Scholarship enables outstanding STEM students interested in science policy to pursue Cambridge’s M.Phil. program in public policy. Read on to learn more about Northeastern’s two remarkable nominees for this award.
Kareem Abdelkader COS/CSSH ’23, Biology/Political Science
Mentors: Sara Lazar, Christopher Parsons
A biology and political science major, Kareem is deeply interested in how scientific findings and discoveries do, and do not, affect the policymaking process. He is also passionate about strengthening the US public health system. Earlier in his undergraduate years, Kareem gained first-hand experience of public health institutions in the US through an internship with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. More recently, he served as an intern at Northeastern’s Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research and an undergraduate researcher at Harvard Medical School’s Lazar Lab. Kareem is active in Northeastern’s Japanese Student Association and NUImpact, an impact investing fund run by students. His future plans include obtaining a medical degree and working in the science policy field.
Jason Denoncourt COE ’23, Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry
Mentors: Jonathan Kaufman, Hilary Sullivan
Jason is a future physician with a deep interest in improving the US healthcare system. He is particularly concerned with the shrinking number of community hospitals in the US and with the implications of healthcare system consolidation for people of color, people with low incomes, and people living in rural areas. He intends to build a career that blends medical practice with policy advocacy work. A chemical engineering and biochemistry major at Northeastern, he has conducted research at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA and Northeastern’s Geisinger Lab; his work in the Geisinger Lab this spring was supported by a PEAK Experiences Base Camp Award. Jason has also served as a writer and editor for NU Sci, a student-run science magazine, and received multiple awards for his extensive work with Northeastern’s Alliance of Civically Engaged Students (ACES).