Elika Somani
About Elika Somani
Elika Somani is a Bioethics Fellow at The National Institutes of Health, focusing on health priority setting and applied ethics. She has a diverse background in policy and global health, with previous roles in the U.S. Senate, CDC Foundation, and various research institutions.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Elika Somani serves as a Bioethics Fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2022. In this role, she focuses on health priority setting and applied ethics, contributing to biosecurity studies. Her research includes topics related to dual use and gain of function, which are critical in the context of public health and safety.
Previous Experience in Public Policy
Somani worked for four months in 2021 at the United States Senate under U.S. Senator Tina Smith in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position provided her with valuable insights into legislative processes and public policy, complementing her background in global health and biosecurity. Additionally, she served as a Program Manager at the CDC Foundation from 2021 to 2022, where she further developed her expertise in health-related initiatives.
Educational Background
Elika Somani holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Health and International Development from Macalester College, which she completed from 2018 to 2021. Prior to this, she achieved an International Baccalaureate Diploma at UWC South East Asia from 2016 to 2018. Her educational experiences have equipped her with a strong foundation in health policy and international development.
Research and Focus Areas
Somani's current research at NIH emphasizes health priority setting and applied ethics. She has a specific focus on biosecurity topics, including dual use and gain of function research. Her previous roles, including her time as a Health Systems Researcher at icddr,b and a Public Health Research Intern at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have contributed to her understanding of public health challenges.
Diverse Professional Experience
Throughout her career, Somani has held various roles that span multiple sectors. She worked as a Deputy Head of Events at Atlas Fellowship for three months in 2022 and as a Data Manager at National University Hospital in Singapore for two months in 2020. Her experience also includes mentoring at the Minnesota Historical Society and serving as a Data Analyst at the Institute for State Effectiveness, showcasing her versatility in different professional environments.