Isabel Simons
Isabel Simons provides insights into areas pertaining to energy, environment, agriculture, and bioeconomy. With a background in energy science and national security, Isabel’s experiences enable her to provide clients with valuable perspectives on federal research and development priorities, funding opportunities, and interagency operations. Isabel focuses on programming across agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Issue Expertise: Energy, Bioeconomy, Environment, Agriculture
Additional Experience: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke, Isabel interned at the U.S. Department of State in the Office of Foreign Assistance. Through her work on the Near East and North Africa Team, Isabel developed regional expertise, informed foreign assistance levels, and contributed to interagency discussions over funding priorities and policy recommendations. This experience provided Isabel with insight into congressional budget processes and federal programing. Additionally, Isabel studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark where she engaged in research pertaining to Arctic geopolitics and developed an in-depth understanding of Arctic policy from both domestic and international perspectives.
Vital Statistics: Isabel is originally from Pasadena, CA and graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy with a bachelor's degree in public policy and a minor in energy science and policy. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, scuba diving, and playing the daily New York Times word games. Isabel is also a native French speaker.
Michael Peterson
Michael Peterson serves as a Principal at Lewis-Burke Associates, utilizing over a decade of congressional and agency experience to promote client interests, advance their long-term goals, and improve their relationships with stakeholders in both Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch. In particular, Michael specializes in advising organizations and achieving results in the health policy space and in congressional appropriations.
Prior to joining Lewis-Burke, Michael served as a senior staffer in the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations’ (FDA) congressional appropriations office, as well as led the Agency’s policy engagements with state, local, tribal, and territorial officials, as well as related associations. He also served as the Agency’s intergovernmental affairs liaison with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on critical topics such as foreign drug importation. During his tenure at the FDA, Michael worked with Appropriations Committee staff in Congress to secure important new funding for the Agency, including $10 million to permanently establish the first program to enhance U.S. supply chain resilience for medical devices. In addition to his Agency experience, Michael also served as Legislative Director for former Congressman Peter J. Visclosky (IN-01), a senior appropriations cardinal. During his time in this role, Michael coordinated efforts to successfully secure funding from HHS to assist Indiana safety net hospitals during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Issue Expertise: Congressional appropriations, federal health policy
Additional Experience: In addition to Michael’s work on health policy, he is also experienced in both appropriations and authorizing matters regarding education, agriculture, tax, and other issues. Further, Michael is well-versed in matters concerning transportation and environmental infrastructure funding, having previously worked with partners during the first Trump Administration to secure a $354.6 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to expand the South Shore Rail Line operating between Northwest Indiana and Chicago. He is also proud to have worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure approximately $20 million in new funding increases for environmental infrastructure projects in his home district.
Vital Statistics: Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Valparaiso University. In his free time, Michael enjoys catching up on tv and movies with his wife and taking his son to the park.
Isabelle Arbetter
Isabelle Arbetter leverages her experience in healthcare, consulting, and Congress to support Lewis-Burke clients on their federal priorities. She provides valuable insights into the fields of biomedical research, public health, biosecurity, and biosafety. Isabelle identifies and emphasizes opportunities for clients to build relationships with federal partners, secure funding for key programs, and advocate for their funding and health policy goals.
Issue Expertise: Biomedical Research, Biosecurity, Public Health
Additional Experience: Prior to joining Lewis-Burke, Isabelle was a Consultant at Deloitte where she supported several federal health agencies in addressing healthcare priorities relating to access to care and the patient experience. She was also involved with Deloitte’s innovation practice, Doblin, in which she conducted research on the intersection between public health and human-centered design, understanding the future of the patient experience given past, present, and future trends. Isabelle has prior internship experience with the Normandy Group,
Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison, and Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10).
Vital Statistics: Hailing from the Windy City of Chicago, Isabelle graduated cum laude from Miami University with a bachelor's degree in political science and minors in marketing and rhetoric/writing. During her undergraduate studies Isabelle was selected to participate in Miami University’s Inside Washington program, which sparked her passion for healthcare policy. In her free time, Isabelle enjoys attending concerts, musicals, singing, playing the piano, and exploring the DMV with family and friends.
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.
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.