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.
