Sarah Smaga, PhD, is the 2025-2026 Biophysical Society/AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04). She previously served as executive director of the NSF Center for Genetically Encoded Materials (C-GEM) and coordinating editor at Biochemistry. Sarah received her PhD in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University.
Sarah joins QB3-Berkeley’s Professional in Residence program on February 23rd. In a recent conversation, she explained how her career grew from a passion for bridging the gap between scientific research and the community.
QB3-Berkeley: Early in your post-PhD career, you held roles with the journal Biochemistry and the NSF Center for Genetically Encoded Materials (C-GEM). How did managing these dual roles shape your professional trajectory?
Sarah Smaga: Both gave me the opportunity to step away from the narrow focus of my graduate work and view science in a broader context. As the coordinating editor at Biochemistry, I saw manuscripts from across the discipline and learned a bit about what drives different actors in the publishing system.
At C-GEM, I became part of an incredible team working in an area very different from my graduate work. Beyond the subject matter, it was a mindset shift: I became a facilitator of collaboration, not the person operating the pipette.
I also had the opportunity to design (and eventually execute) a variety of education and outreach programs. . Finally, C-GEM was a crash course in all of the behind-the-scenes work that makes the science possible: grantsmanship, budgeting, policy, and administration. In my current role, I’m grateful that I can draw on each of these different experiences in addition to my graduate training.
QB3: What motivated your transition away from scientific research? In retrospect, which aspects of your academic training best prepared you for your first position?
SS: When I entered graduate school and began exploring career options, I knew I wanted to work at the intersection of research and society. I took advantage of every opportunity to meet scientists working “off the bench,” from consulting and journalism to law and policy. These interactions, and my extracurricular activities, helped me figure out where I wanted to land.
In every position I’ve had since graduation, I’ve found myself relying both on my training as a researcher and skills I learned outside my PhD program.
QB3: When did you develop an interest in science and education policy?
SS: In retrospect, my career path isn’t a big surprise. As an undergraduate at Michigan State, I was in Lyman Briggs College—a residential college program focused on training scientists who were conversant in the history, philosophy, and sociology of science.
When I got to graduate school, I leaned into activities outside the lab to explore how we do science and train scientists. I sat on advisory committees that shaped career development and other elements of the graduate student experience. I worked with students and faculty in my department to develop a bystander intervention training program, and a climate survey that spread to other departments through my involvement in graduate student government. When a 2017 tax bill threatened to tax graduate student tuition waivers, I organized a phone bank and a flurry of hometown op-eds opposing the provision. At C-GEM, I was able to design programs that addressed some of the gaps I saw or experienced as a graduate student.
QB3: While at C-GEM, you also coordinated efforts for 314 Action. What drew you to their mission of electing scientists to office, and what did that work entail?
SS: In the summer of 2018, I worked on a state senate campaign for a cell biology faculty member. She was part of a groundswell of scientists running for office that cycle. That campaign was a transformative experience: I learned so much about campaign mechanics and local politics, and I saw voters enthusiastic about the idea of a scientist representing them in Hartford.
After the campaign, I realized most scientists know very little about running for or serving in office, especially at the state and local levels where many positions are part-time. For a number of years, I worked with 314 Action to organize workshops and panels at scientific conferences to highlight the experiences of scientist-candidates and demystify that career path.
Through this work, I met dozens of scientists serving their communities at all levels, and even more audience members who left energized and ready to get involved. It even inspired me to explore local opportunities and join the Emeryville Housing Committee!
QB3: As a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow in the Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, what does your daily portfolio look like, and what do you hope to achieve during your time on the Hill?
SS: I cover energy, environment, space, and science issues for Rep. Dean. I’m responsible for ensuring the Congresswoman has the information she needs to cast votes, sign on to letters or bills, and participate in meetings, hearings, and bill markups within my portfolio. My daily activities vary a lot, but often include meeting with constituents and advocacy groups, talking with colleagues on the Hill, and attending briefings to learn about issue areas and develop new policy ideas. I’m eager to learn everything I can during my year on the Hill and to use my background as a scientist to have a positive impact.
QB3: What advice do you have for current trainees interested in engaging with science policy or advocacy, or who might want to explore careers in these fields?
SS: Start exploring early and often and talk to anyone in your network who is working in these fields.
There are science policy professionals everywhere: your university, your professional society, your state government, and advocacy organizations. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask these folks about what they do, how they got there, and how you can get involved!
Sarah participated in this interview in her personal capacity. Her views, thoughts, and experiences are her own and should not be taken as representative of Congresswoman Dean, the Biophysical Society, AAAS, the AAAS journals, or any of her former employers.