In this conversation with Kanika Jain, PhD, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (YCVRC) postdoctoral associate Michael Rudokas, PhD, describes his interest in science policy as a career choice. Rudokas works in the Electro-Biology and Arrhythmia Therapeutics Laboratory of Fadi G. Akar, PhD, where he studies the interplay between metabolism and cardiac electrophysiology. He will be transitioning this summer to the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program in Washington, D.C.

Kanika Jain: What attracted you to science policy as a career?

Michael Rudokas: I was looking for a career path that would allow me to work at the intersection of science and other fields. I was drawn to science policy because it offered an opportunity to make an impact on science and society by serving as the bridge between research, the public, and policy makers. This career choice also allows me to leverage my strongest skills, while applying all that I have learned in academia.

KJ: How did you become involved in science policy?

MR: My involvement in science policy began during my graduate studies when I joined the Biophysical Society. Through the society, I discovered resources and programs related to science policy and advocacy. This sparked my interest and motivated me to further explore the field. I actively engaged in various science policy projects and organizations, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience and expand my network.

KJ: Was this career path always your first choice during your training?

MR: I actually only discovered the field of science policy near the end of my graduate studies. It was one of many options I was considering as I closed in on graduation. I ended up taking my current postdoc position in the YCVRC. However, I wasn’t sure a career in academia was right for me , so I began considering alternative career paths. Science policy emerged as a compelling option that aligned with my interests and aspirations. It offered a way to contribute to science on a broader scale while utilizing my skills outside of traditional academic research.

KJ: You’re now headed to a science policy fellowship, right? What are those?

MR: Science policy fellowships offer a way for scientists to be introduced to the field of science policy while directly contributing their expertise and skills to the development and implementation of policy in many different domains. There are a multitude of different fellowship programs each with their own unique structure and focus. These fellowships are available to scientists at various stages of their career, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and even academic faculty members on sabbatical. These fellowships can provide an immersive experience, during which fellows can engage in policy-related activities, attend relevant events and meetings, and collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders.

KJ: What will be your role during your fellowship?

MR: I will be working as the industry and trans-government liaison for the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program at the National Institutes of Health. My primary responsibility will be to engage and communicate with industry partners to assist in coordinating research and development efforts to produce medical countermeasures that mitigate or treat injuries resulting from radiation exposure.

KJ: What are your career plans following completion of the fellowship?

MR: I’m partially using this fellowship opportunity to explore and learn more about what options are available in the science policy field. Based on what I’ve learned so far, many of the fellows in my program continue in positions within government agencies and/or stay in the policy field. Many also go on to work at non-profit organizations and in industry. This makes it a very exciting career track because there are so many options for the future!

KJ: What are the resources that you found helpful at Yale?

MR: Yale has excellent career resources that all trainees should leverage for our professional development. I recommend everyone utilize the workshops, networking events, and seminars organized by the Yale Office of Career Strategy, Yale Postdoctoral Association, and other thematic trainee organizations. For example, those interested in exploring science policy at Yale should look into the Yale Student Science Diplomats, which is a group of graduate students and postdocs passionate about science policy and advocacy.

KJ: How did being at YCVRC help you in your time here?

MR: Being at YCVRC provided me valuable support and opportunities. Dr. Akar was incredibly supportive of my interest in exploring a non-academic career path and allowed me the flexibility to attend career resources and events. Serving as the trainee co-chair of the YCVRC Early Career Committee (ECC) offered me a platform to develop, and enhance my teamwork, organization and communication skills and foster lasting relationships with the faculty and my peers.

KJ: Any tips for those who might be interested in pursuing Science Policy?

MR: There are many great organizations focused on science policy out there but, I recommend starting with events and opportunities provided by scientific societies, the National Science Policy Network, and the Yale Student Science Diplomats. Lastly, I highly encourage informational interviews no matter what field you are interested in! Connecting with professionals in the field and learning about their journey and experiences is invaluable. I know it can be intimidating, but don’t be afraid to reach out to people of interest. You’ll be surprised how often people will say yes! Overall, my journey into science policy would not have been possible without active outreach, networking, and exploring different opportunities. I am always happy to discuss more; please feel free to reach out to me at rudokas.michael@gmail.com.