Who We Are
About Us
Allegheny Science Policy and Governance (ASPG), previously known as Pitt Science Policy Group (PSPG), is an initiative started by the University of Pittsburgh STEM graduate students back in 2016 that seeks to increase the participation of graduate students in the deliberation of evidence-based policies.
Allegheny Science Policy and Governance is an official organization through the University of Pittsburgh and a recognized chapter of the Union of Concerned Scientists and National Science Policy Network
Our Mission
Providing an inclusive and equitable space for members of all backgrounds to acquire the tools and resources to involve themselves within Science Policy, Advocacy, Communication, and Diplomacy (Sci-PACD) such that they are equipped to contribute diverse perspectives, knowledge, and expertise to drive evidence-based policy decisions.
Sciences
Public Health
Environment
Technology
Engineering
Advocacy
Governance
International Policy
Science Communication
Professional Development
Our Vision
Create a world where science and the scientific method is integrated into the policy making culture on the local, state, national, and international level.
Our Executive Board
Anthony Bragoli
President | Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program
Anthony (AJ) is a second year graduate student in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Program in Microbiology and Immunology. AJ works in Dr. Jing Wang’s Lab where he studies the role of virtual memory CD8+ T cells in recognizing chemotherapy-treated tumor cells. AJ became a member of the Allegheny Science Policy and Governance organization in 2023 and has since taken over as the club’s president. AJ is now unsure what career he will pursue after graduate school; but he eventually would like to work in legislation on the federal level. In his free time, AJ enjoys exercising, reading, and playing video games.
Haley Arbore
Vice President | Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program
Haley is a second year PhD student in the Cellular and Molecular Pathology program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Haley is a student in Dr. Gary Kohanbash’s lab at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she works on developing surgical oncology and immunotherapy approaches to treat pediatric cancers, such as neuroblastoma and glioblastoma. Haley became a member Allegheny Science Policy and Governance in 2024 and is excited to bring new events and ideas to the organization. After graduate school, Haley would like to work with governmental organizations on a national and global level to help address the world’s most pressing health challenges, with an emphasis on making access to health care more equitable. When not in the lab or classroom, Haley enjoys learning languages and is currently training for her black belt in karate.
Kelly Barko
Treasurer | CNUP PhD Program
Kelly is a PhD graduate student at the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP). Currently, Kelly’s research interests center on the gut microbiome and brain-axis in relation to psychiatric disorders. In 2023, she joined the ASPG to better understand science policy and is currently the organization’s Business Manager. Outside the lab, she enjoys hiking in the Laurel Highlands, reading cozy murder mysteries, and savoring coffee.
Alex Kunisky
Secretary | CNUP PhD Program
Alex is a fourth year PhD candidate in the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP) in the neurobiology department. Working under the guidance of Dr. Hansruedi Mathys, his research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms underlying cognitive resilience to Alzheimer’s disease related cognitive decline. Alex’s interest in science policy stems from his awareness of the shifting age demographics in the US and desire to better understand how policy can preemptively prepare for an increased proportion of older Americans. Outside of his studies, Alex enjoys biking, producing music, traveling, and cooking.
Get involved by taking on a role in our community!
Alumni Spotlight
Ryan Staudt, PhD – Former President
Program: Molecular Pharmacology – HIV Virology
Current: Medical Writer for Complete HealthVizion
Ryan served in a number of roles within the Allegheny Science Policy Group, including Vice President and President. During his time with the organization, Ryan pursued his passion for scientific communication by helping to organize several educational events and developing a science policy news blog. Ryan received his PhD in Molecular Pharmacology in 2020, and has since worked as a medical writer for Complete HealthVizion, an IPG Health medical communications agency. As a medical writer, Ryan helps to develop publication and medical affairs materials for pharmaceutical companies working in the fields of oncology and immunology.
Mondraya Howard, PhD – Former President
Current: Departmental Fellow in Clinical Microbiology (CPEP) at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Previous: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics — Vibrio Cholerae Microbiologist
Eileen Wong, PhD
Current: Health Program Analyst at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Previous: AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of State and Molecular
Virology and Microbiology — T-Cell Response in Tuberculosis
Haley Grimm, PhD
Current: Virtual Lab Manager at HappiLabs
Previous: Bio-Organic Chemistry — Piezoelectrics
Haley was a founding member of ASPG (then PSPG) when she was a graduate student at Pitt in Chemistry. She served as Informational Committee Chair, organizing events and inviting guest speakers, to help members learn more about the intersection between science and policy. After defending her PhD in 2019, Haley began working as a Virtual Lab Manager at HappiLabs, where she is still currently working. She and her team of lab managers help biotech start-up companies set up their labs, research and obtain the equipment needed for their research, and make scientists’ lives better by allowing them to focus on their science!
Allegheny Science Policy and Governance 