Mackenzie Joe Selected as 2025 John Young Science Policy and Communications Summer Fellow

Washington, D.C. – June 16, 2025 — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is proud to welcome Mackenzie Joe as the 2025 Summer Fellow for the Inaugural John Young Science Policy and Communications Fellowship. This program offers early-career scientists a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of biomedical research, public policy, and science communication.

Mackenzie is currently pursuing an MD/MPH dual degree at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Mackenzie Joe, MD/MPH Candidate, McGovern Medical School

Mackenzie Joe is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a specialization in global health and environment, along with a second major in healthcare management, from Washington University in St. Louis. This interdisciplinary training sparked her interest in infectious disease, immunology, and dermatology.

During her undergraduate years, Mackenzie participated in a global public health research fellowship in Iganga, Uganda, where she explored strategies to reduce mental health stigma in local communities. Inspired by that experience, she now focuses on the intersection of dermatological conditions and social determinants of health, as well as how research, health policy, and public health efforts can improve outcomes in the United States.

In the future, Mackenzie plans to practice medicine and conduct research while advocating for equitable healthcare solutions for underserved and marginalized communities.

As an AMP Fellow, Mackenzie will engage in policy and legislative analysis, attend Capitol Hill hearings, grow science communication skills, monitor anti-research challenges, and practice writing science policy-related materials. She will also lead an independent capstone project that aligns with her career interests in advancing global public health. The fellowship, held virtually with opportunities for in-person engagement in D.C., emphasizes real-world advocacy skills and professional development.

The Fellowship honors the late Dr. John Young, VMD, MS, DACLAM. John served as AMP’s Board chair for over a decade, from 2001 to 2012. He was a leader in advocacy and played a prominent role in the development of many innovative initiatives to support and protect biomedical research. Read more about Dr. Young here.

For more information about the AMP Science Policy and Communications Fellowship, visit our webpage.

About Americans for Medical Progress
Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is a nonprofit, health research advocacy group that supports the advancement of human and animal medicine through responsible and highly-regulated research in animals. AMP informs the public and policymakers about animal-based research through outreach events like Biomedical Research Awareness Day, news and opinion articles, social media interactions, and policy Requests for Information. AMP is 501(c)3 nonprofit charity supported by the nation’s top universities, private research facilities, research-related businesses, scientific and professional societies, as well as by foundation grants and contributions by individuals. AMP’s Board of Directors is composed of physicians, researchers, veterinarians and university officials.