Cherry Cheung, PhD

Scientist | Advocate | Communicator

About

I am an immunologist, science policy advocate, and communications professional working at the intersection of biomedical research, public engagement, and evidence-informed policymaking.My work spans federal research funding, postdoctoral workforce policy, science communication, environmental justice, and civic science. I am especially interested in mission-driven work with nonprofit, scientific, and public-interest organizations.Public Policy Fellow, American Association of Immunologists, 2025–2026
Grant Recipient, Union of Concerned Scientists and Research!America
Elite 50 “Premier 10” Honoree, IUPUI, 2024

SELECTED PORTFOLIO

Indiana Statehouse Engagement Day

Science Policy · Civic Engagement · Public Engagement

Led a grant-funded civic science initiative connecting STEM trainees and early-career scientists with Indiana policymakers at the Indiana Statehouse.Supported by public engagement grants from the Union of Concerned Scientists and Research!America, the program included advocacy training, participant preparation, policymaker-facing materials, and legislative office meetings.Featured by the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) and published as an event summary by Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL).

Links: AAI Feature | ESAL Event Summary

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National Postdoctoral Association Advocacy Leadership

Science Policy · Workforce Advocacy · Member Engagement

Support advocacy communications for the National Postdoctoral Association, including drafting action-oriented materials that help postdocs contact congressional offices about federal research funding and workforce policy.

Links: NPA Leadership | Representative Email Template

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Published Op-Ed: China’s Zero-COVID Policy

Science Writing · Public Health Policy · Global Health

Authored a published perspective piece in The Xylom analyzing China’s zero-COVID policy, public health risks, and the need for science-backed pandemic planning.The article combines personal narrative, public health context, and policy analysis to make a complex global health issue accessible to a broader audience.

Link: Read Op-Ed

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ESAL Communications & Marketing

Nonprofit Communications · Social Media Strategy · Civic Science

Manage social media workflows, editorial calendars, volunteer content support, and audience-centered messaging for Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally.Contributed to approximately 3x Instagram audience growth over two years.

Links: ESAL Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

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Peer-Reviewed Scientific Writing

Environmental Policy · Immunology · Lung Disease

First-author environmental policy publication in Environmental Research Communications and co-authored immunology publications in Mucosal Immunology, Nature Communications, and The Journal of Immunology.Writing spans environmental justice, airway inflammation, cytokine signaling, lung cancer biology, and immune regulation.

Link: Selected Publications on ResearchGate

Contact

Let’s connect!I’d love to stay in touch — feel free to reach out.

📧 [email protected]
📍Indiana, USA

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