February 14, 2017

The Society for Neuroscience has selected Mollie Marry, an M.D./Ph.D. student in the OHSU School of Medicine, to be an Early Career Policy Ambassador. As a participant in this prestigious, year-long program, Marr will have unique and prominent opportunities to learn about becoming an effective advocate for science and engaging others in doing the same.The program is open to graduate students and early career physicians and scientists.

Marr was compelled to apply by an interest in the impact of childhood adversity on developmental psychopathology, especially in the context of trauma-related disorders. “I believe that researching and understanding trauma-related disorders carries with it an inherent commitment to activism and policy change,” she said. “I hope this program will help me to develop the skills I will need to advocate for the interventions, policy and system changes necessary to improve the lives of those who are less able to advocate for themselves.”

Early Career Policy Ambassadors will commit to engaging in two advocacy-related events at their home institution during the 2017-18 academic year. They will also have the opportunity to meet with congressional representatives to advocate for a national investment in biomedical research as part of Society for Neuroscience Capitol Hill Day.