Welcome to the ORISE Research Participation Programs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On this site you will find information about these educational and training programs, designed to engage students and recent graduates in the research performed at FDA. Whether you are interested in joining the programs, are a current participant, or are an FDA employee sponsoring or mentoring participants, our site has valuable information for you. We welcome you to learn more about our programs by selecting the category that best describes you.
Research Profile - Ashley Gucinski
Dr. Ashley Gucinski received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Arizona. While an ORISE participant at FDA, she developed qualitative and quantitative methods for the analysis of complex biological drug products and protein therapeutics using mass spectrometry. Participating in the ORISE program taught her much about the different areas of research within FDA: how the regulatory and research scientists interact with each other, and the types of scientific challenges that are presented to FDA in order to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medications. She particularly appreciated having “been given a lot of scientific and intellectual freedom in order to solve the challenging aspects of my project. Additionally, access to a wide variety of high end instrumentation and working in a friendly, cooperative research environment is a plus!” Ashley is now an FDA employee, working as a chemist in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Research Profile - Dr. Andrea Franco
Dr. Andrea Franco received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Biotechnology from the University of Bologna, Italy, and his Ph.D. in Immunology from the Imperial College London, UK. At FDA, he studies immunoreceptors for use as potential therapeutic targets. The ORISE program has helped Andrea to develop strong analytical skills and critical approaches to scientific problems. He also was able to attend some of the main courses regarding Regulatory Affairs. He particularly appreciates that the ORISE program has allowed him to simultaneously engage in bench work while also learning some of the basic procedures and issues related to the approval and commercialization of new drugs.
Research Profile - Kathryn Gold
Dr. Kathryn Gold participated in the ORISE program at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Her research aimed to prevent infections by demonstrating how the exterior surfaces of medical devices can influence the effectiveness of disinfecting reagents to remove and decontaminate surface contaminants. The ORISE program gave her valuable opportunities to collaborate with scientists all across the Center, and with individuals in industry, government, and the public health sector. Through these opportunities, she has discovered a strong personal passion for using public health and regulatory science research to protect and improve the health of the nation.
Research Profile - Lindsay Halik
Lindsay Halik received her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Purdue University. She uses FDA’s Biosafety Level 3 Lab and Biosafety Level 3 containment pilot plant to study the processing, storage, and sanitation of low moisture foods and related equipment and processes. She has been pleased to learn that “FDA is multifaceted and does not just regulate prescription drugs and medical devices, recall food, and announce pathogen outbreaks: it makes scientific advances in the world of food safety that affect every American, every day.” She characterizes her time at FDA as “the learning experience of a lifetime. I feel a sense of community within my branch of FDA, and a support structure that encourages learning and growth as individuals and as a larger entity. Science is important to me, and good, honest science is the heart of FDA.”