NIH BRAIN Initiative, NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, Neuroethics
Dr. Dana DiScenza serves as a Health Science Policy Analyst in the Office of Neuroscience Communications and Engagement (ONCE), Neuroscience Content and Strategy (NCS) Branch, at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The mission of ONCE is to foster knowledge about the brain and nervous system and share information about neuroscience discoveries and research programs through strategic, comprehensive engagement with public and scientific communities. The NCS branch works closely with NINDS leadership and across the Institute on communications activities and provides coordination and management support for trans-NIH neuroscience research programs, such as the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative and the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research. NCS also lead strategic scientific and policy efforts relating to neuroethical implications of neuroscience research. Prior to joining ONCE, Dr. DiScenza worked as a laboratory manager for the Venton Lab in the Chemistry Department at the University of Virginia. Research in the Venton Lab is focused on the development of sensing and sampling techniques to detect neurotransmitters in the brain. Dr. DiScenza earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Marist College and her Master’s in Business Administration and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island. Her graduate research was focused on the detection of persistent organic pollutants in biological fluids and environmental samples using fluorescence-based sensors. After graduate school, Dr. DiScenza worked as a project manager for the Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) BrandLab in Washington, DC. She managed the editorial production schedule for various materials for the C&EN BrandLab and wrote and edited materials, such as e-books, native advertising campaigns, and promotional assets, for the C&EN BrandLab and C&EN magazine/website.