AWIS-CJC Science & Policy 101
Can you, a science professional influence & engage outcomes in science policy?
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Assemblyman Dan Benson
Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-14 Mercer) first joined the Assembly in 2011 and is currently seeking his third term this fall. The Assemblyman Benson has a Bachelor of Science in physics and government from Georgetown University and a Master of Public Policy in science and technology policy from Rutgers University. Assemblyman currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Health Committee and member of the Environment and Commerce Committees. In his tenure in the Assembly, Dan is known for sponsoring bills dealing with complex issues in health, energy, environment or technology that seek to find an evidence based solution that advances innovation while protecting the values and rights New Jersey's residents share. Whether advancing legislation on biosimilars, solar energy, opioid antidotes, or drones, Assemblyman Benson uses his science background and knowledge of New Jersey politics to achieve success. Assemblyman Benson has a Bachelor of Science in physics and government from Georgetown University and a Master of Public Policy in science and technology policy from Rutgers University.
Andrew Zwicker, PhD,
Andrew Zwicker, PhD., a physicist and a Fellow of the American Physical Society, is the Head of Science Education at the Princeton University’s Plasma Physics Laboratory, a Department of Energy national lab facility at Princeton University and one of the largest alternative energy research facilities in the country.
Andrew believes that science and scientific thinking is under attack throughout the US and it is crucial that the scientific community brings its critical thinking skills to government and the political process. He is therefore stepping away from the laboratory to do just that. Andrew says “NJ has the highest density of scientists and engineers in the world. We have a rich history of innovation and high tech companies both big and small and we have some of the finest research universities. It is crucial that the State creates a climate that nurtures and helps grow this sector. I believe that this is the best way to grow New Jersey’s economy.” Andre is a candidate for the NJ General Assembly with an upcoming election in November 2015.
Navneet Puri, PhD
Dr Puri, recepient of E&Y Entrepreneur of the year award from the state of NJ in June 2015 and Smart CEO award by Future 50 magazine in Jan 2015 is a pharmacist by education, and a pharmaceutical business executive by training and experience. He founded InnoPharma in 2005 with a focus on developing complex generics and specialty pharmaceuticals of sterile injectable and ophthalmic dosage forms where no generic option were available, primarily attributed to complexity of developing and manufacturing the drug products.
Between 2005 and 2014, InnoPharma grew as an R&D centric company with approx. 70 team members (majority scientists), and a product pipeline that included 11 FDA approved and commercialized complex generics, 17 filed products with FDA (including 2 NDAs and 15 ANDAs), and several products under development. InnoPharma created an intellectual property estate by filing numerous patent applications worldwide for its novel formulations of specialty products. InnoPharma was acquired by Pfizer in Sept 2014, and became an integral part of Pfizer’s Global Establish Pharma business thereafter. Dr Puri stayed with Pfizer, following acquisition, as President InnoPharma and VP of Pfizer’s Worldwide R&D, and left Pfizer in July 2015 to pursue his entrepreneurial interests.
Jeanne Herb
Jeanne Herb is the Associate Director of the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group at the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Jeanne’s work focuses on collaborative research and applied projects that advance sound environmental and sustainability policy and practices at the state, local and regional levels. Among other projects, Jeanne co- facilitates the New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance, a network of governmental, non-profit, and business organizations focused on advancing climate change policies and practices in New Jersey and the New Jersey Health Impact Collaborative a network of organizations focused on building capacity to promote health in all policies and to integrate health into decision-making at the state and local level.
Prior to joining the Bloustein School, Jeanne was the Assistant Commissioner for Policy, Planning and Science at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection where she led multidisciplinary and cross-program efforts related to climate change and energy, Environmental Justice, smart growth and sustainable development, environmental health and science policy and coastal management. Earlier in her career, Jeanne was the Manager for the Public Policy Program at the non-profit Tellus Institute, was the founding Director of the New Jersey Pollution Prevention Program and oversaw risk reduction and risk communication efforts at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Jeanne has a Master degree in environmental journalism from The New York University and a Bachelor’s’ degree in environmental studies and education from Rutgers University.
Daniel J. Van Abs, PhD, PP/AICP
Dr. Dan Van Abs is an Associate Professor of Practice for Water, Society & Environment at Rutgers University, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Previously, he was Senior Director for Planning & Science with the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (NJ), where he managed staff efforts regarding implementation of the Highlands Regional Master Plan. He also has served as Director of Watershed Protection, NJ Water Supply Authority for over eight years; with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for 12 years, six as manager for statewide water resources planning; and as Technical Director of the Passaic River Coalition for four years. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is a licensed Professional Planner in New Jersey, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and Chair of the New Jersey Clean Water Council.
Ann Stock, PhD.
Dr. Ann Stock is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Interim Director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine. Dr. Stock's research is focused on structural and functional analysis of bacterial signaling systems, processes fundamental to both commensal and pathogenic interactions of bacteria with hosts. She teaches medical school and graduate courses and serves as co-director of the Rutgers Graduate Training Program in Biotechnology.
Dr. Stock served on the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Council from 2008 to 2011 and currently is a member of the ASBMB Education and Professional Development Committee, the ASBMB Finance Committee, the ASBMB Subcommittee for Accreditation of BMB Programs, and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Policy and Government Affairs Subcommittee on Training and Career Opportunities for Scientists. Dr. Stock holds bachelors and doctorate degrees in Biochemistry and Comparative Biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley.
Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD
Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, M.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience & Cell Biology as well as Pediatrics, where he sees children with neurological disorders, at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. DiCicco-Bloom’s research focuses on gene and growth factor regulation of neurogenesis during brain development, using cell and animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia and environmental teratogens. He teaches medical and graduate students in the classroom and the laboratory, and trains pediatricians in the clinic.
Dr. DiCicco-Bloom has served the autism and brain disease communities by providing research guidance and strategy to organizations including National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), Autism Speaks and the Autism Tissue Program, and currently serves on the Autism Science Foundation, International Rett Syndrome Foundation, NIH Developmental Brain Disorders study section, Children’s Specialized Hospital and Rutgers Brain Health Institute. Currently, he is a Councilor of the Society for Neuroscience, and previously served on the Public Education & Communication Committee and the Government & Public Affairs Committee. Dr. DiCicco-Bloom received his BA from Princeton University and obtained his MD and Child Neurology training at Weill Cornell Medical College.