University of Oregon faculty and doctoral candidates advocate for NIH funding

University of Oregon faculty and doctoral students traveled to Washington, DC, in April to present on their research and discuss National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and Administration actions with Congressional offices.

On April 2, Professor Beth Stormshak, Director of the Prevention Science Institute at the UO, participated in The Science Coalition’s “The Science of Addiction and Mental Health” briefing held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. With more than 180 attendees, the breakfast meeting featured US Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Congresswoman Madeline Dean (D-PA) and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR). Faculty from ten institutions were available to present their research. During the event, Professor Stormshak presented on the Family Check-Up Program that she helped develop with funding from NIH, highlighting how federal research funding fuels evidence-based strategies that reduce substance use, support youth mental health, and strengthen families and schools nationwide. Professor Stormshak then met with members of the Oregon congressional delegation to discuss impacts to NIH funding.

Later in April, UO doctoral candidates Ann-Marie Barrett and Lia Strait also traveled to Washington, DC, for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) conference and met with Oregon congressional offices, including with US Senator Jeff Merkley, to talk about their research, federal funding, and the future of science. Ann-Marie Barrett’s research examines the impact of adverse experiences on adolescent brain development and mental health, while Lia Strait’s research focuses on understanding the role of the immune response in traumatic bone injuries and using this knowledge to develop regenerative therapies. 

Funding for both of their programs comes from federal sources, including NIH. The Administration has proposed changes to NIH and the university-federal research partnership. In FY2023, UO researchers were awarded more than 250 NIH grants and over $55 million in funding.

UO Professor Beth Stormshak in front of her presentation table at The Science of Addiction and Mental Health event. Screens and signs in the background are unreadable but showcase Professor Stormshak's work.
Professor Beth Stormshak at "The Science of Mental Health and Addiction" in Washington, D.C. April 2, 2025
UO doctoral candidates Ann-Marie Barrett and Lia Strait posing for a picture with US Senator Jeff Merkley
UO doctoral candidates Ann-Marie Barrett (left) and Lia Strait (right) with US Senator Jeff Merkley (center). April 9, 2025