Congressional Staffer Tours Kentucky Lab
Less than a week after a successful meeting during the 9th annual SfN Hill Day on March 26, graduate student Naomi Charalambakis and Government and Public Affairs Committee member William Guido hosted Zack Marshall, the legislative director for Representative John Yarmuth (D-KY), at their lab at the University of Louisville. During his personalized tour, he learned about the experimental approach used in the lab and spoke with the chair, faculty, and students of the department.
Marshall quickly recognized the necessity of basic science research to serve as the foundation for studying disease models. He commented, “Seeing firsthand the inspiring work that researchers like Naomi and Dr. Guido are doing highlights both the importance of federal investments in basic scientific research as well as the dangers of sequestration. Those indiscriminate funding cuts must be reversed, otherwise we risk jeopardizing the next great medical discoveries." After the tour, Charalambakis observed, “It was truly motivating to witness the support and willingness of my legislator to see the research I do on a daily basis. More than ever, I understand the power of advocacy and that scientific research is a team effort — one that requires a united voice.”
If you are interested in invited a legislator to tour your lab, learn more at SfN.org or contact advocacy@sfn.org.
