Aislinn Gilmour is a doctoral student in the quantitative biomedical sciences (QBS) program. Gilmour was one of four Guarini students who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the AAAS CASE 2026 conference, which introduces graduate students to federal policymaking and advocacy for scientific research.
Where do you call home, and what’s one thing about that place that still shapes how you think or work today?
I am from Middletown Springs, Vermont, a tiny town of ~700 people. Growing up in a town that small means everyone truly knows everyone, and that emphasis on community shaped me profoundly.
Today, community is one of my biggest values, and I try to foster it everywhere I go.
Where do you call home, and what’s one thing about that place that still shapes how you think or work today?
I am from Middletown Springs, Vermont, a tiny town of ~700 people. Growing up in a town that small means everyone truly knows everyone, and that emphasis on community shaped me profoundly. Today, community is one of my biggest values, and I try to foster it everywhere I go.
Where did you complete your undergraduate studies and what did you study? Was there a moment that pointed you toward graduate school?
I got my B.S. from the University of Vermont, and I studied microbiology, though I always had an interest in epidemiology and the way diseases spread which I pursued through my class selection and extracurricular activities.
I didn’t strongly consider pursuing a PhD until I was working as a public health data analyst for the Vermont Department of Health. While I loved my time there, I realized I wanted to go beyond describing trends. I wanted to design studies, interrogate methodology, and ask new research questions.
What program are you in at Dartmouth, and what specifically drew you here?
I am in the quantitative biomedical sciences (QBS) program at Dartmouth. The great thing about QBS is how interdisciplinary it is. Though my primary research interests are in epidemiology, the ability to gain strong training in biostatistics, data science, and bioinformatics as well allows me to be more versatile and produce more cutting-edge research.
Tell us about your research—what big questions are you tackling, and what inspired you to dive into this field?
As a first year in QBS, I won’t officially commit to a lab until the end of the Spring term, though I know I will be doing research within the Department of Epidemiology.
This past year I’ve gotten the opportunity to work on research relating to the microbiome and cystic fibrosis outcomes, lung cancer screening guidelines, and parabens exposure and respiratory health outcomes. All of these research areas allow me to use data creatively to answer questions that will directly improve people’s health, my top priority in a research focus.
What drew you to apply for the AAAS CASE workshop, and what’s one concrete skill or connection you hoped to leave Washington with?
Working at the Vermont Department of Health showed me how critical policy is to make any positive change in public health. All the data in the world will never matter until someone is translating it into policies that will actually impact people.
By going to the AAAS CASE workshop, I hoped to learn more about the science policy landscape at the federal level and to empower myself to learn how to use my skillset and knowledge to advocate for more science and education funding.
Is there a science policy issue you feel isn’t getting enough attention? How does your research connect to it, even indirectly?
Training in science communication for STEM trainees is under-emphasized in our current training landscape. Most PhD programs don’t require any kind of formal science communication training, and too often, scientists struggle to bridge the gap between their research and a general audience.
Good science policy depends on strong science communication skills from us, the scientists. We can’t expect everyone to understand how essential and important our research is to our health, the economy, and the world if we can’t effectively articulate it ourselves.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming graduate students, what would it be?
Don’t fall into the mindset trap of “I’ll be happy when….” Your life is now!
What’s your favorite spot or activity in the Hanover/Upper Valley area that helps you recharge outside of research?
In the winter, being able to skin (hike up on skis) up Whaleback, a small ski hill ~10 drive from my house, before going into work is a favorite activity! No better way to start the day!
