Fellows

Jalyn Bullock is a Master’s student in Cybersecurity at Norfolk State University and also holds a bachelor’s degree from the same institution in Management Information Systems. She leads a tech startup dedicated to providing innovative information support systems. With a strong foundation in information systems and fiscal analysis, she specializes in data analytics, reporting, and visualization, leveraging her skills to drive impactful solutions. Jalyn is passionate about enhancing cybersecurity practices and policies and aims to earn a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs after finishing her MS degree, which will allow her to influence cybersecurity legislation and policymaking in Virginia.

Dipin Khati is a PhD candidate at the College of William & Mary, working under Dr. Denys Poshyvanyk. His research focuses on applying Deep Learning to Software Engineering tasks. Specifically, he works on trustworthy, interpretable large language models for Software Engineering.

Jeanie Schreiber is a fifth-year mathematics PhD student at George Mason University with experience in pure and applied mathematical research as well as computational techniques. Jeanie’s research is focused on improving our understanding of AI and offering more mathematically principled alternatives where appropriate. In the past, she has worked on large projects involving AI explainability/interpretability, as well as various other modeling and optimization problems in the realm of data analysis. She is a well-rounded researcher with experience in many different roles offering unique perspectives on analysis and problem-solving, and is capable of providing insight into theoretical basis behind sophisticated applied mathematical techniques and their implementation.

“Although undertaking a fellowship of this nature remotely was unexpected and at times challenging, I am grateful for the invaluable experience I gained. The COVES Fellowship gave me a unique opportunity to apply my scientific knowledge in a direct and impactful way.”

Background: Sandra’s research falls within the domain of dissemination and implementation science and aims to apply research findings in relevant communities in the most effective way possible. Over the course of her education, she has had the privilege of completing clinical rotations in a variety of settings including community mental health clinics, primary care settings, and interdisciplinary agencies that provide support to children referred to law enforcement. She believes that policy changes create the most direct and pervasive changes in the lives of those who are systematically disadvantaged.

Background: Nick’s dissertation was on the American eel. It was once the most numerous fish on the Atlantic Coast, but its population has become depleted in recent decades as a result of overfishing, dams, pollution, invasive parasites and other factors. He provided a roadmap for restoring this species and its habitats. He is the executive director of a 501(c)3 non-profit called EelTown.org and the president of Journal Editors of America LLC, where he helps scientists from around the world publish their work in academic journals and textbooks.

“This experience gave me confidence in my ability to pursue a career outside of the traditional route for a PhD student, academia.”

Summer Responsibilities: Under the mentorship of Rear Admiral Ann Phillips (Ret), Erin helped work on the Virginia Coastal Master Planning Framework. This document lays out the Commonwealth’s goals in enhancing coastal resilience to increased flooding, sea level rise, and more severe storms due to climate change. 

Background: Erin’s research has involved bicycle safety in Virginia, analyzing available crash data sets and collecting statewide data on crashes and bicycle infrastructure. She now works in the Omni-Reality and Cognition Lab developing bicycle and pedestrian simulators for use in behavioral transportation research. She is passionate about transportation as a means to creating equitable, human-centered cities. Erin also leads the Institute of Transportation Engineers student chapter at UVA and is involved with the Graduate Engineering Student Council, and the Society of Women Engineers at UVA.

“The experience was phenomenal. The most valuable experience was being able to work directly with legislators on state policies.” –

Background: As a middle school teacher of engineering technology and co-founder of OvrActv Imagination (OvrActv.org), an engineering ideation consulting group with a green-space initiative, Nicole’s desire is to gain a stronger understanding of our Commonwealth’s public and private industry vision, plan and involvement in STEAM initiatives, while becoming actively engaged in securing our state’s position in the forefront of technological advancements.

“This experience solidified my career path and made me realize I want to continue onto science policy. Additionally, this fellowship helped me to start building my network and exposed me to opportunities for the future.” –

Background: Sarah’s research focuses on the treatment of metastatic breast cancer using a focused ultrasound ablation technique called nanoparticle-mediated histotripsy. She is also working with a collaborative team, called TEAM (Technology-Education-Advocacy-Medicine) Malawi, to bring this technology to southern Malawi as a sustainable means of treating cancer in this area.  She now serves as the COVES Policy Fellowship program coordinator. After completing her graduate degree, I aspire to work in science diplomacy on global health initiatives.

“Working [as a COVES Fellow] taught me that I don’t need to understand the intricacies of every industry I work in, but rather the ability to find information and then outline policies and programs is the important skillset that a good grad school experience teaches.”

Background: Ryan researches plasma physics and fusion energy; specifically, he studies experimental diagnostics and the edge region to better understand how to increase the confinement of fusion plasmas while keeping the reactor from damaging itself. He began with an internship on the DIII-D tokamak in San Diego, CA and his current project involves analyzing fast camera data on the MAST machine in Oxfordshire, UK. Through his education and research, he has come to believe the energy policy and goals established today will be among the most impactful decisions we make to safeguard our future and reduce the impact of climate change.

“I realized that so much legislation at a state or local level is enacted because citizens brought their concerns to their elected officials.” 

Summer Responsibilities: Kelsea helped Senator McClellan’s constituents secure unemployment benefits from the Virginia Employment Commission, which was facing a record caseload due to the pandemic. In addition to working with other state agencies to address constituent issues, Kelsea conducted basic policy research for future legislation.

Background: STEM exposure and representation as well as energy policy are areas in which Kelsea works to improve for future generations. She believes science policy has a more direct influence and is the trajectory needed to implement these changes.