Nikky Garaga
Nikky supports Lewis-Burke by using her background and education in public policy to provide insight into the fields of future technology, economic development, and the physical sciences. Her role involves tracking and analyzing developments across governmental agencies, Congress, and funding opportunities, providing up-to-date information and guidance for clients. Nikky’s experience working in higher education spaces allows her to assist institutions and research organizations in meeting their goals for federal funding, development, and regulatory processes. Her focus includes agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Issue Areas: Future Technology, Economic Development, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Workforce Development
Additional Experience: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke Associates, Nikky was an intern for Senator John Hickenlooper (CO) in his DC office, where she had the opportunity to contribute to the Senator's Artificial Intelligence and National Security legislative initiatives. This experience solidified her passion for science and technology. Additionally, Nikky also interned in London, England at the House of Commons in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, giving her a unique international perspective on policymaking and implementation.
Vital Statistics: Nikky is from Denver, Colorado and graduated with distinction from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science and minors in journalism and philosophy. In her free time, Nikky enjoys attending live music events and frequenting DC’s farmer’s markets and museums.
Natalia Ibarra
Natalia Ibarra supports clients by researching and providing insights on various issues including education, immigration, social sciences, defense, international policies, and election monitoring. Her duties include providing legislative and policy updates, reporting on federal funding and engagement opportunities, attending congressional hearings, and tracking future legislative priorities, especially related to federal funding. She covers the Department of Education (ED). Department of Justice (DOJ), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Defense (DOD).
Issue Expertise: Education, immigration, social sciences, and national security
Additional Experience: Before joining Lewis-Burke, Natalia gained policy experience through multiple internships around Washington, D.C. She interned for the Office of Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) where she focused on the appropriations process and constituent services. Natalia then interned for the Bipartisan Policy Center, a bipartisan think tank, where she analyzed voting laws and researched election policy – developing a passion for policymaking. Most recently, she interned at Holland & Knight in their Public Policy and Regulation Group, where she was exposed to advocacy and lobbying in the private sector.
Vital Statistics: Natalia grew up in Cicero, Illinois – right outside of Chicago. She graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. In her free time, Natalia enjoys exploring new areas of the city, trying out different restaurants, and spending quality time with friends.
Dominique Carter, Ph.D.
Dr. Dominique Carter is an award-winning scientist whose pioneering work at the nexus of science policy and strategy has advanced the agriculture, health, and bioeconomy sectors. Recognized as a cross-functional thought leader, innovative problem solver, and strategic communicator, Dominique is a former federal government professional who leverages her interdisciplinary technical expertise to champion science and bolster clients’ pursuits across various health, agriculture, science, and technology areas.
Formerly, Dominique held the position of Vice President of Food & Nutrition Affairs at FoodMinds, where she provided senior counsel on nutrition policy to agricultural commodities and food & beverage companies. Prior to this, Dr. Carter served as Assistant Director for Agricultural Sciences, Innovation, and Workforce at the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, where her contributions were pivotal in shaping and executing groundbreaking policy initiatives, including the first-ever White House Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health; the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative; and National Security Memorandum on Strengthening the Security and Resilience of United States Food and Agriculture (NSM-16).
Issue expertise: sustainable agriculture and food systems policy agricultural research, education, and extension; food and nutrition research; infectious disease research; biotechnology; health and life sciences workforce development; international science cooperation; data governance, science and research security; and monitoring and evaluation of scientific and education programs.
Additional Experience:Her illustrious career also involves serving as an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF) within the Office of the Director. In this role, she defined the science and technology landscapes of emerging economies in Europe and Africa, informing strategic partnerships between NSF and foreign counterparts. She also served as an Agricultural Science Advisor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of the Chief Scientist, where she spearheaded visionary initiatives, including the development of the USDA Science Blueprint, USDA’s vision for agricultural research and innovation through 2025, and the Sustainable Agriculture Intensification Team to develop a five-year roadmap for USDA science agencies to deliver innovative, environmentally, and economically sustainable solutions for meeting global demands for healthy and affordable agricultural products.
Vital Statistics: In the community, Dominique is an Aspen Institute Food Leaders Fellow, member of the Council for Foreign Relations (CFR), an Advisory Council Member for the Harvard Business Review (HBR), and an expert for the Atlantic Council. A Chicago native, Dr. Carter holds a BS in Chemistry from Saint Norbert College and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Bioengineering from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Allison Reed
Allison supports Lewis-Burke by using her background and education in public policy to provide clients with insights related to emerging technology and education policy, including funding opportunities, policy trends, agency updates, and congressional activities. This includes agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Education, and others of relevance. Prior to joining Lewis-Burke Associates, Allison gained experience interning for organizations focused on undergraduate education and media that furthered her knowledge of technology and education policy.
Issue areas: Future Technology, education, social sciences, and communities
Vital Statistics: Allison graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with her B.A. in Public Policy with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. Allison studied abroad in Rome, Italy in the Spring of 2022, where she completed projects on humanitarian response. She is originally from Rochester, NY and in her free time enjoys traveling and exploring DC.
Madison Lambert
Madison Lambert uses her background and education in public health to provide clients with federal health and biomedical research insights on funding opportunities and emerging legislation in the health and biomedical field. The federal agencies she primarily consults on include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Madison’s background in public health allows her to provide clients with in-depth information on emerging opportunities, policy updates, and ways to promote health through science and technology. Her professional passions include improving public health outcomes, expanding the healthcare workforce, and bridging the gap between communities and researchers.
Issue Areas: Biomedical Research, Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Preventative Medicine, Maternal Health and Education
Additional Information: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke, Madison worked as a Program Assistant for The National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the Children’s Inn Non-Profit sector. Here she did program coordination for children undergoing clinical trials for ultra-rare diseases, worked alongside medical teams to assist international patients and families during their research, and facilitated grants and donations for the organization.
Vital Statistics: Madison graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Public Health concentrating in behavioral and community health as well as maternal and child health. She is a Maryland native, and an avid foodie who enjoys exploring the many tastes of Washington D.C. in her spare time.