Dr. Sophia Kaska Relishes Her Role in Research Advocacy and as "Science Cheerleader"

Dr. Sophia Kaska proudly calls herself, “a science cheerleader.”

“It’s important for scientists to advocate at all levels, whether in graduate school or whether they’ve moved into other positions,” she said. “The best advocates for science are the scientists themselves.”

And she has the background, knowledge, and passion to be the best science advocate she can be.

Dr. Kaska earned her Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology from MSU in 2017, studying the impact of opioids in the brain in the lab of Dr. Michelle Mazei-Robison in the Department of Physiology and the Neuroscience Program.

Her dissertation examined molecular changes in the brain in opioid addiction and depression.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, she went on to post-doctoral positions at the University of Kansas and University of Kentucky, focusing on the intersection of drug discovery and pharmacology and evaluating novel opioid compounds that could be used to treat pain without the negative side effects opioids can produce.

But she soon decided that as much as she loved the process of studying how medicines work, she was also drawn to the public sector and became an advocate for the field she loved so much.

She began to develop her skills in science policy, advocacy, program management at the non-profit advocacy alliance, Research!America, based in Arlington, Va.

“The alliance brings different stakeholders together to find ways to champion for policies that support research and increases in health and medical research funding,” she said, adding that her role focused on working with graduate students and postdocs who wanted to explore and build skills in science policy, communication, and public engagement. “Engaging different stakeholders with science, whether they be community members or elected officials, is an important responsibility that scientists have.”

Recently, she accepted a new position as Manager of Science Policy & Research Affairs at the Endocrine Society in Washington, D.C., a scientific society that represents approximately 18,000 members worldwide.

Her new position includes an array of responsibilities ranging from monitoring developments from Congress and policies and programs at federal agencies relevant to endocrine sciences. She drafts letters, comments, and position statements and monitors specific topics related to endocrine health, all to further the goals of the society. And, yes, along with the important public policy work she’s doing, there is always the aspect of advocating for increased funding to keep the important work moving forward.

“We need robust increases in research funding,” she said.

Dr. Kaska has also continued to share her love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the D.C area. Recently, she was part of a panel at Rosie Riveters STEM Career Day in Washington, D.C., a national organization that inspires K-12th grade girls to go into STEM.

“To inspire young girls is important,” she said. “Accessing STEM activities is challenging because of some of the barriers to participation including access to experts, lack of materials, and a STEM teacher shortage. It’s important that organizations like this exist to fill in the gaps for getting more girls interested in STEM.”