NHGRI logo

Office of Communications

The Office of Communications (OC) leads corporate communications about the research and programs supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).

Overview

The OC staff writes stories, takes photos, films video and creates websites and graphics that help people understand genomics research and how it can impact their lives. By providing high quality and timely genomics information and resources, the office helps equip people with knowledge that can help to advance scientific research and health care; inform better policymaking, education, and reporting; and fuel exciting careers in genomics. The office is also the point of contact for all news media requests, inquiries from the scientific community, and questions from the general public.

View our Press Resources

Forefront of Genomics

Forefront of Genomics Newsletter

The NHGRI Office of Communications rounds up the best and latest news stories from our institute and the broader world of genomics in our quarterly newsletter.

Learn More
Genomics and the Media

Genomics and the Media Seminar Series

A series that featured science communicators, including podcasters, writers, public speakers and others who discuss what it is like to communicate genomics today.

Learn More

Branch Staff

Profile Photo
Sarah A. Bates, M.S., M.A.
  • Communications Director
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Britny J. Kish
  • Deputy Director
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Sonja Soo, Ph.D.
  • Science Writer
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Jenny Montooth, M.A.
  • Lead Public Affairs Specialist
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Christopher R. Donohue, Ph.D.
  • Historian
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Zach Utz, M.A.
  • Archivist
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Mukul Nerurkar
  • Digital Information Specialist
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Darryl Leja, M.F.A.
  • Senior Graphic Artist/Scientific Illustrator
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Ernesto Del Aguila III
  • Digital Communications Specialist
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Julia Fekecs
  • Visual Information Specialist
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Alvaro W. Encinas
  • Audiovisual Production Specialist
  • Office of Communications
Generic Profile Photo
Kenya R. Smith
  • Web Developer
  • Office of Communications
Generic Profile Photo
Ellaha Sadat
  • Front-End Web Developer
  • Office of Communications
Profile Photo
Elizabeth Dietz, Ph.D.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Bioethics Core/Institutional Review Board
Profile Photo
Jacqueline Cohen, M.P.H.
  • ASHG-NHGRI Genomics Communications Fellow
  • Office of Communications

Last updated: February 14, 2025