Contributors
Raechel McKinley
Raechel McKinley is ASBMB's science policy manager. She earned her Ph.D. in anatomy from Howard University. Prior to joining the society, she co-founded the HBCU Science Policy College Tour, for which she educated and trained undergraduate and graduate students in science policy. Her policy interests are increasing funding for minority-serving institutions and supporting the next generation of scientists.
Articles by Raechel McKinley
What we do
ASBMB and advocacy: What we accomplished in 2024
Dec. 27, 2024
PAAC members met with policymakers to advocate for basic scientific research, connected some fellow members with funding opportunities and trained others to advocate for science.
Training
ASBMB seeks feedback on NIH postdoc training questions
Sept. 18, 2024
The National Institutes of Health takes steps toward addressing concerns about support caps, a funding mechanism and professional development.
Society News
ATP delegates push for improved policies
April 5, 2024
This ASBMB program helps advocates gain skills to address issues that affect science and scientists.
Diversity
The legacy of Geraldine P. Woods
Feb. 1, 2024
A trailblazer in science and diversity, she helped create NIH programs to broaden participation in STEM
Funding
NIH diversity supplements offer a pathway to independence
Nov. 29, 2023
These funding mechanisms have been underutilized. The ASBMB public affairs staff offers recommendations to change that.
Blotter
ASBMB seeks feedback on NIH plan to change grant review criteria, scoring
Jan. 20, 2023
NIH proposal aims to shift focus from investigator and institutional reputation to research merit and reduce administrative burden on reviewers.
Blotter
Scientists who are caregivers need more support
Jan. 19, 2023
The ASBMB suggests policy solutions to alleviate burdens that affect their research and careers.
Blotter
ASBMB supports bill to lower cost of federal student loans
Jan. 6, 2023
Society backs legislation to increase Pell grants and make loans more affordable for current and future students.
Blotter
ASBMB endorses the IGNITE legislation
Nov. 14, 2022
It would increase federal appropriations for vital infrastructure, such a research facilities and broadband, at HBCUs and tribal and other minority-serving institutions.
Blotter
ASBMB responds to NIH strategic plan on women’s health research
Oct. 24, 2022
Society offers four recommendations related to re-entry and reintegration supplement awards.
Blotter
What did and didn’t make it
Oct. 12, 2022
The NIH Center of Scientific Review’s strategic plan incorporates most of the ASBMB’s recommendations but falls short on changes relating to the use of artificial intelligence in peer review.
Blotter
ASBMB weighs in on Title IX updates
Oct. 6, 2022
The society recommends extending — and making explicit — protections to LGBTQ people and postdocs, as well as expanding definitions of harassment and retaliation.
Blotter
ASBMB weighs in on NIH diversity prize
Aug. 11, 2022
Society recommends that the agency reward underresourced institutions, among other guidance.
Blotter
ASBMB backs bills to bolster minority-serving institutions
July 21, 2022
One would invest defense funds in HBCUs; other would support Latino college enrollment and completion.
Blotter
ASBMB endorses LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act
June 15, 2022
Legislation would require collection of volunteered information about sexual orientation and gender identity in federal surveys.
Essay
I took the NIH implicit bias training
April 29, 2022
"As important as it is to raise awareness of implicit biases, the truth is that NIH needs to deal with explicit biases."
Blotter
ASBMB supports Pell Grant flexibility bill
Feb. 15, 2022
Legislation would allow students with disabilities to reduce course load without losing funds.
Blotter
ASBMB endorses bill on student mental health
Jan. 19, 2022
The legislation would create a commission tasked with studying disabilities, accommodations and services in higher ed.