John Woods

Biologist by day and violence prevention activist by night, I work to improve and save lives. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2007, three weeks after the worst school shooting in U.S. history. Shortly thereafter, I began doctoral studies in molecular biology at the University of Texas at Austin. There, I organized successfully to kill two bills that would have forced colleges and universities to allow guns in classrooms. The first was in 2009; the second, which most observers had said was certain to pass, was in the 2011 session of the Texas Legislature. In the process, I learned a great deal not only about organizing, but about communication. I want to apply what I learned to science, and in doing so, to improve the state of science policy in America.