Cristina Nigro

Cristina Nigro, PhD, MS, began her research training in Neurosciences at UCSD, but found a different calling toward science policy work. She left academic research earlier than anticipated to work on a President’s Bioethics Commission project spurred by the launch of the BRAIN Initiative. When that project concluded, we went back to school to get her PhD and complete the Presidential Management Fellows Program. Cristina now works as a Health Science Policy Analyst at National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).  

Can you describe your academic and professional background? What path led you to pursue this field? 

I received my undergraduate degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from University of Pennsylvania, which included coursework in biology, psychology, neuroscience. I also did some undergraduate research in wet labs on campus. I enjoyed scientific research, but wasn’t sure which career path to pursue, so I applied to graduate school for more research training and joined the Neurosciences program at UCSD. During grad school, I participated in a summer industry internship and after completing minor prop, I decided to withdraw from the program with a Master’s degree. 

My first position was at a consulting firm where I helped price and analyze market access issues for early stage biotechnology and pharmaceutical assets and devices. I quickly realized consulting was not for me with the long work hours and less rewarding bottom line goals, and was alerted by a friend about a position exploring the neuroethical issues associated with research and tool development by the NIH BRAIN Initiative which was announced in 2013 by President Obama. In this position, I helped to gather information and write proposals in the bioethics of neurotechnologies, drug approval, human clinical trials, and more. With this experience, I realized that there are many ways to interact with science that aren't in the traditional experimentation sense. 

Once the project was completed, I went back to get my PhD in History of Health Sciences at UCSF and joined the Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMFs), specifically with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). About a year with CMS, I transferred to NINDS to coordinate Congressional communications and evaluate clinical trial networks for stroke and other neurological disorders. 

How did you find this particular position, and what was the hiring process like? Is there a typical structure for this in your field? 

There is an online application (writing component, resume, cover letter, etc.) along with an online general assessment with character questions for the PMF program. Once accepted, you have 1 year to find a job that is specific for PMFs. The fellowship program is 2 years long and you have to complete at least one other rotation in another agency from your appointment or in a different office within the same agency. 

Can you tell us about your current responsibilities? What is a typical day or week like in your role?

NINDS has two large clinical networks to help with patient recruitment and retention as well as set standardized practices. I look over project details and monitor progress to make sure clinical groups are hitting their metrics and goals, have incorporated a diverse population that is somewhat representative of the nation, and are training new clinical investigators. One of my projects was to develop a survey to ask PIs and other research personnels (clinical coordinators, project managers, biostatisticians, etc.) feedback on research program progression and resources available to help make the process better.  

What do you enjoy about your current job and work environment? 

I enjoy the feeling of being able to dip my toes back into academia but with a more balanced lifestyle. The work is very rewarding with a general goal of public service and helping others. It is exciting to be part of a team that helps steer the ship (clinical projects) from a holistic position. 

What are some of the challenging aspects of your job? Is there anything you wish you had known about your job or industry before joining?

One downside is the less flexible work hours and scheduling as compared to what graduate students are able to do. It can also be frustrating at times to not have the same autonomy I used to have as a graduate student. Just like in other jobs, there are some mundane tasks that are much less interesting to do but need to get done. 

Do you have any professional plans for the future? What are some future career paths that could open up for someone in your position, 5-10 years down the road?

I enjoy figuring out big picture stuff, like how to manage a project or coordinate broader goals of an office or institute. I’ll most likely try to rise the ranks within a given office and eventually arrive in a role like Director of Operations or something similar.  

What’s changing in your industry? Are there any future trends we should be aware of?

Generally, government jobs are very stable. I have noticed a push for more accountability, like making sure funds are appropriately spent, more thorough evaluations, more reflection on how we can cut some red tape but also do what needs to be done to facilitate supporting impactful and rigorous scientific research. There is more effort in the workplace to incorporate diverse perspectives and be inclusive of different cultures. 

What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?

Besides being a part of the PMF Program, I joined listservs and a few working groups/ journal clubs that were of interest to me. This helped me develop my interest in the broader scientific endeavor and appreciate the work other people were pursuing as well as how these works would influence the public sphere. With that being said, find the right balance of commitments that you are passionate about and don’t overextend yourself and face potential burn out! 

Is it common for people in your field to have a scientific/academic background (i.e. have PhDs)? Can you think of any advantages or disadvantages someone with a PhD might experience in your field?

At NIH, many have PhDs and were former scientists which helps to have that shared background and training. The skills from pursuing a PhD like problem solving and critical thinking are transferable in any given career. Having an MD can be advantageous if you’re at CMS because medical knowledge can be useful at times. 

Do you have any final words of advice for those navigating these career questions? Is there anything you would have done differently given what you know now? 

Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out or be continually progressing towards some obscure end goal. Sometimes it’s beneficial to take a step back and enjoy the moment and respect and accept the process psychologically. In general, direct yourself with clarity but also consider taking unexpected risks in your job experiences. Try to accept and make opportunities for yourself that you wouldn’t necessarily take but will help you gain skills that will help you get to the next step. Also: email people with a variety of careers and ask about what they do.