ASCB Members Meet with Virginia Congressional Offices During Virtual Hill Day

On July 14, 2026, six ASCB members who either work in Virginia or have roots in the Commonwealth met with staff from six Virginia congressional offices to discuss the importance of research conducted in Virginia and the challenges currently facing the U.S. life science enterprise.

The ASCB members were Daniela Cimini from Virginia Tech, Giner Hunter from Howard University, Nick Sapp from the University of Pennsylvania, Michelle Spencer from the Catholic University of America, Jarred Whitlock from the University of Virginia, and Mike Woyniak from Hampden Sydney College.

The Virginia Hill Day participants met with staff from Representatives Don Beyer, John McGuire, Bobby Scott, Eugene Vindman, James Walkinshaw, and Rob Wittman.

The ASCB members emphasized both the promise of basic biomedical research and the challenges facing American science. They told staff about the loss of fellow scientists, terminated research grants, and increasing efforts by other countries to recruit American scientists.

The ASCB will continue to hold Virtual Hill Days throughout the year, depending on the Congressional calendar. Check the ASCB events calendar for future Virtual Hill Days.

Kevin M. Wilson serves as Vice President, Policy, Governance and Partnerships for The American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org