Our Team

Rachel Levinson, MA

Executive Director, Federal Research Engagement Office, Arizona State University DC Center

A twenty five-year veteran of science policy at the national level, Rachel Levinson is the Executive Director of the Federal Research Engagement Office at Arizona State University DC Center.  Levinson is responsible for development of relationships, intelligence and strategies that advance the University’s research agenda and connect faculty with appropriate federal agencies. Prior to coming to ASU, she served as the assistant director for life sciences, Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, while on detail from the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Levinson earned her BS (Zoology) from the University of Maryland at College Park, and her MA (Science, Technology and Public Policy) from George Washington University, School of Public and International Affairs.

Our Team
Former Commissioner
Senator Joe Lieberman

All of us at the Commission are in shock and are heartbroken at news that Senator Lieberman has died suddenly and unexpectedly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Hadassah, their children, and extended family.

We all were the beneficiaries of Joe’s many years of selfless public service, his kindness, and civility. Joe was the definition of a Mensch – a person of great integrity and honor. He always put others first and always worked to better our nation, to which he tirelessly devoted so much of his energy. He had an indefatigable spirit that always pushed our work forward.

For nearly ten years, Joe was my co-chair here at the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. He cared deeply about the mission, for sure. Even more, he cared about each of our fellow Commissioners and the staff, all of whom I know are personally grieving at this tremendous loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Tom Ridge
March 27, 2024

Ex Officios