Jared Hooks is a third year PhD student in cancer biology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He is a born and raised Texan with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Genetics from Texas A&M University (he says this doesn’t make him a traitor). Jared became interested in science policy due to its underrepresentation in politics and a love of learning and speaking about science. He is a volunteer at the North Texas Cancer Support Community and an active member of Colleges Against Cancer for UT Southwestern. He also said that he knows how to work cattle, which might come in handy if he pursues a career in policy. This summer Jared will intern with the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.