In the realm where scientific expertise meets policy decisions, individuals with a unique blend of skills become essential. Kensey Bergdorf-Smith, a passionate scientist and recent graduate with a Ph.D. in pharmacology, is beginning an exciting journey with the Bridge Initiative for Science & Technology Policy, Leadership, and Communications. Recently, Kensey was selected as one of the Science and Technology Fellows for the West Virginia Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (WVSTPF) and will spend the next six months working on her public policy skills.
Kensey graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Immunology and Medical Microbiology and a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMdS). Throughout her undergraduate years, she engaged in impactful research with Dr. John Barnett at the Health Sciences Center (HSC), sparking a passion for biomedical sciences. She also was a Foundation Scholar and a Milan Puskar Leadership Scholar, showcasing her leadership and academic excellence.
Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Kensey joined the Vanderbilt Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in 2018. Under the mentorship of Drs. Vivian Weiss and Ethan Lee, Kensey worked on projects aimed at advancing therapy options for individuals with aggressive thyroid cancer. After successfully defending her dissertation in March 2022, she continued her scientific journey with post-doctoral work at Vanderbilt, focusing on understanding how developing melanoma exploits the immune system.
Shortly after Kensey’s return to WVU to work on a project related to melanoma, she realized a growing desire to shift from the laboratory to the realm of science communication. Driven by a passion for teaching and communication, Kensey found public policy to be an ideal avenue for her interests. The constraints of traditional teaching inspired her to seek broader science communication-related careers. Of this, “I enjoy teaching, talking about science, and "translating" advanced concepts to different audiences. In teaching, I was always limited by the time and content constraints of the course,” said Kensey.
“I think policy is a great place for my interests, because I get to be more of a generalist, apply those “translation” skills I enjoy so much, and see the impacts of my work in policy discussion,” said Kensey.
As a native of West Virginia with a passion for bettering the state and an interest in policy, the West Virginia Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (WVSTPF) was a serendipitous match. The fellowship offers the perfect platform to explore a career outside of bench science without the need for relocation.
Kensey hopes to use the fellowship to build connections in the policy sphere and gain insights into the legislative process. She aspires to learn the standards and norms of communicating science to inform policymakers effectively.
When discussing opportunities she’s excited about, Kensey said, “I love an ‘aha’ moment when someone has a misconception or hasn’t thought in-depth about a topic, and I’m able to bring them clarity in a way that is easily understood.”
With limited time and diverse responsibilities, legislators benefit from informed decision-making facilitated by comprehensive background knowledge, policy options from other states, and in-depth analyses. Kensey emphasizes the importance of providing legislators with unbiased, data-driven summaries.
Kensey’s new position will show the seamless integration of scientific expertise with public policy. Her transition to the realm of science communication and public policy showcases the diverse career paths available to those with a passion for making a broader impact. Kensey is poised to contribute significantly to the intersection of science and policy, creating positive impacts in West Virginia's legislative landscape and the Bridge Initiative team.