Galini Poimenidou, a PhD student in the molecular and cellular biology program, was one of four Guarini students who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the AAAS CASE 2025 conference, which introduces graduate students to federal policymaking and advocacy for scientific research.
What do you consider your hometown and how has it shaped you today?
I consider Kavala and Thessaloniki, both of which are coastal cities in northern Greece, my hometowns. Both cities have rich histories and are centers for trade, commerce, and tourism in the Mediterranean region.
I now appreciate growing up in places with such vibrant cultural heritage because I have been exposed to people with different worldviews and that has taught me to always be open-minded and remain positive. Values like honesty, community, and hard work were at the core of my upbringing and shaped who I am today.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what did you study?
I earned my BA at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where I graduated in 2020 with a double major in biochemistry and economics.
I benefitted from the small class sizes which only liberal arts universities can offer; I was mentored by some incredible professors, namely my biochemistry advisor Dr. Kimberly Dickson and my neuroscience professor Dr. Linnet Ramos, both of whom encouraged me to pursue biochemistry on a graduate level.
What program are you in at Dartmouth, and what drew you to pursue your degree here?
I am in the molecular and cellular biology (MCB) program and specifically the biochemistry and cellular biology department. I was very fortunate to have spent the summer of 2019 in Dr. Robb Cramer’s lab at Dartmouth through a research experience for undergraduates. During my time in Dr. Cramer’s lab, I contributed to a study investigating the effect of propranolol against ocular isolates of keratitis.
My undergraduate research experience and the welcoming people I met during my interview weekend reinforced my decision to pursue a PhD in a collaborative environment like Dartmouth. Also, a huge deciding factor was my now-husband, Evan Cline, getting accepted into the graduate program within the chemistry department at Dartmouth as well!
Tell us about your research—what big questions are you tackling, and what inspired you to dive into this field?
When I began my PhD, I was not set on the field of research that I wanted to pursue. Quickly, I realized that fundamental biochemical research, like that performed in the Kettenbach lab, is integral to progressing the field.
My research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 (PP1) holoenzyme assembly through mass spectrometry-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics. I am specifically interested in a short linear motif, called the MyPhoNE motif, which is unique to 7 PP1 regulators that appear to be PP1 isoform-dependent.
Phosphatases have long been considered “housekeeping” enzymes, but our lab has shown that these proteins are intricately involved in the regulation of several processes in the cell and are often dysregulated in human diseases. Learning more about how phosphatases interact with their regulators allows us to better understand and target them in a variety of settings.
What motivated you to apply for the AAAS CASE workshop, and what did you hope to gain from this experience?
I have always been involved in student government, and by extension policy-making, as I personally view it as a tool to bring positive changes and advocate for my community.
However, the intersection of science and policy is a new passion of mine, and I wanted to further investigate how science and policy inform one another. The current political climate highlights how policy shapes scientific research, which affects us on an individual and societal level.
I knew that attending the CASE workshop would provide me with insights into federal policymaking, inform me on the operations of Congress and appropriations process, and, most importantly, equip me with real-life experience in science policy.
I walked away from the workshop and Capitol Hill visits, feeling informed and confident in my abilities to bridge the gap between lawmakers and scientists.
The CASE workshop provides hands-on experience with policymaking in Washington, D.C. Is there a particular policy issue or area of science advocacy that you are especially passionate about?
As an international student who came to the US 9 years ago, I can confidently say that I wouldn’t have made it to where I am now if it wasn’t for the mentorship, support, and resources that others invested in me.
Because of this, I am passionate about science outreach and mentorship, especially as they pertain to international students and women. I strongly believe that scientific careers with upward mobility and development opportunities should be accessible and inclusive to all, and that increases in scientific funding, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities are at the foundation of the solution.
Affinity organizations such as GWiSE (Graduate Womxn in Science & Engineering) and mentorship programs like IGMP (International Graduate Mentorship Program) allow me to engage with peer-to-peer mentorship in both formal and informal settings.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming graduate students, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice to incoming graduate students is to be open-minded and to build a community of people who will support you, both in and outside of the lab. Also, the PhD journey is long and demanding, so make sure you celebrate small victories!
What’s your favorite spot or activity in the Hanover/Upper Valley area that helps you recharge outside of research?
Although I’m a city girl at heart, I have fallen for the charm of the beautiful nature that surrounds the Upper Valley. Some of my favorite activities include hiking (short) trails during the foliage season, swimming in Lake Pinneo in the summer, and exploring local towns in the vicinity like Woodstock or Littleton.
I especially enjoy the farmers’ markets (Norwich, Lebanon), local events like “Do Good Fest” or “Feast & Field” and trying out new restaurants in the area. My friends, my cats, and having hobbies that give me purpose outside of research, are what help me recharge and keep me going through graduate school!
