Mara Olenick, PhD
About Mara Olenick, PhD
Mara Olenick, PhD, is a Health Science Policy Analyst at the National Institutes of Health, where she has worked since 2021. She focuses on improving science communication and bridging gaps between scientists and the public.
Work at National Institutes of Health
Mara Olenick serves as a Health Science Policy Analyst at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2021. In this role, she develops and maintains the Research, Condition, and Disease Categories for reporting NIH expenditures to Congress and the public. She works within the Division of Scientific Categorization and Analysis, Office of Research Reporting and Analysis, Office of Extramural Research. Her focus is on enhancing science communication and bridging gaps between scientists and non-scientists.
Education and Expertise
Mara Olenick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Biology from King's College, which she completed from 2009 to 2013. She further pursued her education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from 2013 to 2018. Her academic background provides her with a strong foundation in scientific research and policy analysis.
Background in Science Communication
Mara Olenick has a commitment to improving science communication. She aims to bridge the gap between scientists and non-scientists, facilitating better understanding of scientific concepts and research. Her experience in informal science education environments has equipped her with hands-on teaching skills, enhancing her ability to communicate complex scientific topics effectively.
Previous Positions and Experience
Before her current role at NIH, Mara Olenick worked as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the NIH from 2019 to 2021. She also served as a Meeting Blogger for the Biophysical Society for one month in 2018. Additionally, she has experience as a Biomedical Researcher at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine from 2013 to 2019 and as a Summer Research Student at Thomas Jefferson University in 2012.