Shiraz Belblidia
USA
Biomedical Science Policy Master’s Student
Shiraz is a masters student in Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy within the Microbiology and Immunology department at Georgetown University. She currently serves as the founding president of the Georgetown chapter of the Next Generation Global Health Security Network. As an undergraduate at Barnard College she majored in biochemistry but was always fascinated by science's intersection with and impact on society. During her time as a research assistant both in academic labs (Barnard College, the Rockefeller University) and private industry (Xencor, an immuno-oncology biotech startup), she was struck by the necessity of scientists who were well-versed in policymaking. She hopes to use her knowledge and expertise to become a fierce advocate for scientific progress (especially within the context of global health) and its translation into real, meaningful, and actionable policy. On her days off of Zoom, she enjoys discovering new bike trails, listening to podcasts, and trying to improve her watercolor skills.