Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellow

Jessica Chen

Jessica Chen is a graduate student at Harvard Medical School.

Describe your interest in participating in the Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship.
Chen: My first foray into policymaking occurred during my time in the Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi (ASUH), my undergraduate student government. A bill submitted to the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education proposed a cap on the resident tuition rate at 140 credits. For reference, most degrees require students to have 120 credits by graduation. Beyond that threshold, in-state students would be charged out-of-state tuition—approximately three times higher. While the bill aimed to “encourage” timely graduation, it disproportionately burdened high-achieving students pursuing dual degrees, students who changed majors, and others with legitimate reasons for exceeding 140 credits. I testified in person before the committee, explaining how the proposed policy would increase financial strain and restrict academic flexibility for local students.

That experience left a lasting impression. I learned that having the right advocate in the right room can significantly influence outcomes. It also taught me that even well-intentioned policies can have unintended and harmful consequences when they are crafted without input from those who will be affected. Effective policy requires dialogue, evidence, and engagement—not decisions made in an echo chamber. This realization has stayed with me throughout my academic and leadership journey.

I am eager to participate in the Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship because of its unique focus on science policy and structured advocacy training. While I have developed skills in leadership, advocacy, and science communication through student government and outreach, I have had limited exposure to formal science policy work.

My scientific expertise lies in infectious diseases, vaccine development, and immunology. My postbaccalaureate training at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), where I helped develop vaccine candidates against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and my current doctoral research on antibody protein stability, provide valuable insights into policymaking related to human health. I am particularly interested in learning how researchers can effectively communicate with legislators, participate in policymaking processes, and advocate for evidence-based solutions to complex public health challenges.

The fellowship’s emphasis on structured policy training and direct engagement with congressional offices aligns strongly with my long-term goal of working at the intersection of science and public policy. The fellowship will equip me with the tools, perspective, and professional network necessary to explore and ultimately pursue a career in science policy. I am excited by the possibility of building upon my advocacy experience and deepening my understanding of how science can inform policy—and how policy, in turn, can shape the scientific enterprise.

How do you plan to use the knowledge and experience gained through your participation in the Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship? 
Chen: The fellowship will help me bridge critical gaps in my advocacy approach by equipping me with practical tools to communicate scientific evidence and promote inclusive, evidence-based decision-making. Some of the policies I am especially passionate about include: (1) expanding baseline science education and improving science literacy among K–12 students, (2) increasing public and private funding for research, and (3) improving trainee compensation across all training levels.

Additionally, I plan to share the knowledge and resources gained through the program with my colleagues and community. I want to create more opportunities for scientists to engage with the public and policymakers, and to foster a culture where scientific expertise contributes meaningfully to society.

Using no more than 250 words, describe your research as you would to a non-scientist.
Chen: Antibodies are proteins that recognize and help eliminate pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. A key feature of immunoglobulins (Igs)—the classic Y-shaped antibodies—is their ability to generate vast diversity, allowing them to recognize a wide range of pathogens. Each arm of the Y binds to specific antigens, which allows for immune defense through high specificity and adaptability. In contrast, jawless fish like lampreys utilize structurally distinct antibodies called variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs), rather than a Y-shape. VLRs resemble a curved, crescent-like structure—often compared to a baseball glove—with antigen binding occurring near the thumb and index finger region.

The stark structural differences between Igs and VLRs raise compelling questions about how molecular diversity is achieved across distinct protein structures. Specifically, how does each structure support the generation of antibody diversity, and is one shape inherently more effective at enabling pathogen recognition? Exploring these questions provides insights into the evolution of adaptive immunity and the fundamental relationship between protein structure and immune function.

Briefly describe any past or present participation in additional career exploration activities, experiences, and/or programs.
Chen: I am the firstborn daughter of Chinese immigrants to the United States. With English as my parents’ second language and no prior experience navigating higher education, I had to chart my own path to college. This experience shaped my commitment to breaking down barriers to educational equity.

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), I served two consecutive years as a Senator-at-Large, where I led a committee responsible for distributing over $100,000 in scholarships and research awards annually. Through my leadership, we streamlined the funding process and expanded eligibility. This included broadening research funding to encompass the arts and humanities, as well as increasing access to study abroad scholarships. I also co-founded a campus food pantry after learning about food insecurity among students and faculty.

At Harvard, I joined the GSC, serving as vice president in my second year and president in my third. My advocacy focused on equitable graduate student resources across disciplines, including professional development access, affordable housing, transportation, and student wellness. During my presidency, we conducted a cross-program evaluation of professional development offerings and compared them with peer institutions to support our advocacy for equitable resources.

These experiences guide me in advocating for equitable access to higher education and increased resources for science education and literacy—work I hope to continue throughout my career.

Jessica Chen is a member of American Association of Immunologists, a FASEB member society.