Congressman Brad Wenstrup visits University of Cincinnati Neurology Lab
During the 2015 Society for Neuroscience Hill Day, 2015 Early Career Policy Fellow Ryan Makinson and Kim Seroogy, member of SfN's Government and Public Affairs Committee, met with Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) at his D.C. office. During this meeting, they discussed their research and expressed concerns over the future of scientific progress as related to NIH and NSF funding. At the end of the meeting, Seroogy invited Wenstrup to visit his laboratory to learn more about their research, which investigates mechanisms that contribute to depression and PTSD.
During the 2015 congressional recess, Wenstrup's staff contacted Makinson and Seroogy to arrange a visit, and on Sept 3rd, Wenstrup toured Seroogy's lab at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. During the tour, led by Seroogy and Makinson, Wenstrup met with members of UC leadership and distinguished principle investigators, including Marshall Montrose, vice provost and dean of the graduate school; Melanie Cushion, senior associate dean for research; and Renu Sah, associate professor of psychiatry.
Wenstrup spent over an hour at the lab learning more about the research being done and some of the specialized pieces of equipment necessary for the work. They spoke about how dependent the lab's work is on consistent levels of NIH funding. They also discussed the importance of scientific research for human health and how federal funding of science impacts research progression and the economy. As a U.S. Veteran, Wenstrup was particularly interested in VA-related affairs along with collaborations with the VA hospital located on UC’s campus. At the end of the tour, Makinson and Seroogy offered to be a resource on scientific information in the future. After the tour, Wenstrup posted on this twitter page about the visit saying, “Great tour, always good to see what's happening at UC!”
SfN helps neuroscientists form lasting relationships with policymakers and their staff. Email advocacy@sfn.org if you are interested in learning more about how to give a member of Congress or other VIP a tour of your laboratory.
