Helen Blaine, PhD

Helen Blaine is a Senior Associate at Lewis-Burke Associates, specializing in energy technologies. Helen provides strategic counsel to help clients navigate emerging opportunities across the federal science and technology landscape, bringing both technical scientific expertise and direct executive branch experience. Prior to joining the firm, she served as an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow in the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. During her time at the agency, Helen supported DOE leadership on a portfolio that included international science cooperation, research security, and interagency coordination. This hands-on experience gave her a deep understanding of the inner workings of DOE and its National Laboratories, including current priorities and funding pathways. In addition, Helen maintains strong relationships and insights spanning executive branch departments and agencies, enabling her to help clients navigate federal environments and maximize opportunities.

Issue Expertise: Fundamental and applied energy research, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, research security, international science policy, interagency coordination, federal basic research programs, workforce development.

Additional Experience: Before transitioning into policy, Helen completed her Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, focusing on bacterial DNA replication. Her graduate work strengthened her analytical skills and her ability to quickly distill dense, technical information, strengths she now applies to federal science and technology policy.

Vital Statistics: Helen holds a Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Boots, catching the latest horror movies, and working on jigsaw puzzles.