As a former molecular biologist, I have witnessed firsthand the potential of emerging bio-research. My time spent in the lab, studying life under a microscope, instilled in me a passion to see to it that these scientific advancements lead to healthier, safer, and stronger societies.
Clearly, my career journey has taken me in a lot of different directions, but my mission has remained the same: to harness the power of science and technology to better lives. On a Fulbright scholarship to Kyrgyzstan, I worked on initiatives to engage women in STEM. On my Schwarzman Scholarship to Tsinghua University, I studied the rise of China as a science and technology contributor. All of these experiences reaffirmed my interest in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and policy.
I made a career jump last year when I decided to pursue a policy research fellowship at the Wilson Center. It was an entirely new, and daunting, experience. I had the chance to dive deep into an issue and study it, from the minutiae of the technology to the nationwide policy implications. In my policy research, I found that my scientific literacy was not a hindrance, but rather provided me with a critical vantage point to understand and analyze technological innovation with a dual perspective. At the Wilson Center, I undertook an independent project to research and write on cross-border genomic data sharing between the US and China, and determine the policy implications of this emerging issue. Genomic data is a valuable resource for spurring biotechnology innovation. The unhindered flow of genomic data both within the private sector and across our borders could present serious risks to our bioeconomy, our national security, and to individual privacy. I completed my monograph and my fellowship with an eagerness to work in policymaking.
I came across the TechCongress by chance, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to move beyond policy research and into the dynamic world of policy making. I truly believe that emerging biotechnologies will have profound and unseen impacts. I am excited to apply my technical expertise and to work with our elected officials in ensuring a safer and more secure future with emerging biotechnologies. This year will be an invaluable learning experience on my journey into public service, and I cannot wait to get started.
Zeena is serving with the House Foreign Affairs Committee and will be supporting issues related to Issues related to biotechnology, China, and export controls.