Zak Kukoff
Zak Kukoff has over a decade of experience in the technology and venture capital sectors, focusing on early-stage investments and entrepreneurship. Zak works closely with founders, startups, and investors to help them navigate Washington and the government.
As the firm’s Tech and Venture Practice Chair, Zak is a leading voice in the startup and investment community, advocating for technological progress. He leverages his experience as both a founder and investor to provide valuable insights to Lewis-Burke clients. Zak also serves as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow to the Foundation on American Innovation and a Visiting Fellow at George Mason University’s National Security Institute.
Prior to joining Lewis-Burke, Zak was a venture capitalist at General Catalyst, where he served on the boards of companies like Overjet, Vial, and Luminai. He also founded and sold an education technology company.
Issue Expertise: Venture capital, startup ecosystems, healthcare technology, deep technology, entrepreneurship in higher education, family foundations, and emerging technology trends.
Vital Statistics: Zak earned his Bachelor of Arts in behavioral economics from New York University. From a family connection to Autism, he also founded Autism Ambassadors, a non-profit organization that teaches neurotypical students how to support their peers on the autism spectrum and remains active in supporting it today.
Victoria Swiler
Victoria supports Lewis-Burke by leveraging her background in biological research to assist clients in the areas of environmental, biological, space, and earth sciences. Her role involves tracking legislative and agency activities and finding funding and engagement opportunities for clients. Her agency focus is on the National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Issue Expertise: Space, Environment, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Climate, Health
Additional Experience: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke Associates, Victoria researched plant gravity response with a focus on molecular biology. Her research led her to attend and present at many space and plant-related conferences to broaden her knowledge base. During her undergraduate research, she secured an experiment to fly on the International Space Station. During this time, Victoria also joined the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Science Policy Committee as an Early Career Representative. In this role she worked with Lewis-Burke Associates to promote plant biology research funding in the government with a focus on supporting early career researchers. Victoria is passionate about protecting the Earth from climate change and securing funding for biological and space research and supporting undergraduate research experiences.
Vital Statistics: Victoria is from the Toledo, Ohio area and attended Ohio University. There, she received a B.S. in Environmental and Plant Biology and a minor in Communication Studies. Outside of the office, Victoria enjoys rock climbing, immersing herself in fantasy novels, and exploring nature.
Anjali Tadavarthy
Anjali assists Lewis-Burke clients by tracking legislative developments and funding opportunities in the areas of public health, health delivery, biosecurity, and global health and security. With a background in health policy and international security , she provides insights on programs and policies across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Defense Health Enterprise.
Issue Expertise: Public Health, Health Delivery, Biosecurity, Global Health and Security Defense Health, Biomedical Research, Social Determinants, and Prevention Science.
Additional Experience: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke Associates, Anjali interned with Senator Tina Smith (MN) in her DC office, where she gained an understanding of various aspects of health policy and helped constituents navigate federal agencies. Anjali also interned with the Organization for Security Co-Operation Europe Parliamentary Assembly. During this experience, Anjali gained expertise in communication, negotiation, and research regarding multifaceted international issues.
Vital Statistics: Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Anjali graduated summa cum laude from Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies. Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking and baking, and exploring new cities.
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.
Dominique Foster
Dominique supports Lewis-Burke by using her background in science and education to provide clients with insights related to environment, life sciences, and agriculture initiatives. Her duties include reporting on legislative and agency updates, curating funding opportunities, and attending congressional hearings.
Dominique covers agencies such as National Science Foundation (NSF), National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dominique’s background has given her a unique perspective on the impact of research, education, and innovation and a passion for STEM outreach and engagement.
Issue Expertise: Environment, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Geological Sciences, and Rural Development
Additional Experience: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke Associates, Dominique was a project coordinator at Young Men and Women in Charge Foundation (YMWIC). Here, she was a program coordinator for over 250 children trying to find their academic and career aspirations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She established and maintained relationships with community partners and organizations to secure funding and developed future opportunities for the nonprofit. Throughout her life, Dominique has made it a point to serve the community around her through multiple service projects; like the SPCA, March of Dimes, Hope Beyond Borders, and Good Works. She is deeply committed to giving back to the community that so greatly influenced her upbringing.
Vital Statistics: Dominique grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She attended Delaware County Community College and received her associate degree in science for Health Professions. In 2019, she transferred to Temple University and continued her education for her bachelor's degree in Biological Studies. Outside of the office, Dominique enjoys cooking, traveling, and watching football with her family.
Kiana Newman
Kiana supports Lewis-Burke by providing valuable insights to clients in the fields of biomedical research, biotechnology, and economic development. Her expertise involves tracking legislative and agency developments and offering tailored assistance to clients based on their individual requests. Among the federal agencies she focuses on are the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), Small Business Administration (SBA), and Economic Development Administration (EDA). With a background rooted in medicine, Kiana brings a unique perspective to each subject. This has allowed Kiana to work with clients and agencies to facilitate the implementation of cutting-edge strategies and transformative approaches in biomedical research and biotechnology.
Issue Areas: Biomedical research, biotechnology and bioengineering, health research, economic development, public-private partnerships, and technology.
Additional Information: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke Associates, Kiana was a legislative policy research intern at Advanced Continuing Education Association, where she honed her skills in analyzing and tracking policy developments. Her experience in this role gave her a keen understanding of the intricacies of legislative processes and their impact on various sectors, including healthcare. She spent part of her undergraduate experience participating in biomedical engineering research labs, analyzing complex scientific journals to extract key information for audiences. Additionally, Kiana worked in a hospital setting, gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry. This diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive perspective that she now applies to her work, providing valuable insights to our clients.
Vital Statistics: Kiana was born and raised in the DMV area, receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, where she double majored in Biology and African American Studies. Outside the office, Kiana enjoys playing volleyball, exploring the city, and skiing!
