As Director of Strategic Initiatives, Mikel serves as CCST’s organizational integrator, translating strategic vision into coordinated action across all programs and operations. He previously co-led CCST’s strategic planning process and now leads the implementation of CCST’s Strategic Plan.
Previously, Mikel served as Science Communications and Content Manager, leading development of strategic and creative content to explain, promote, and advance CCST’s work. He provided strategic planning and tactical support to all levels of the team, including contributing to the design and implementation of CCST’s strategy, the delivery and facilitation of science advice, the distribution of public information and marketing, and outreach support for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. He designed CCST’s products and manages CCST’s print and digital presence, including CCST’s website, Spotlight Newsletter, annual report, social media, email marketing, and more.
Mikel also served as project manager and co-author on CCST’s peer-reviewed report, “Orphan Wells in California.” As a 2017 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow, Mikel worked in the California State Senate on the Transportation and Housing Committee. Prior to the fellowship, he worked with the Genetic Experts News Service, providing journalists access to and feedback from scientists on the latest studies and news.
Mikel received his PhD in Plant Biology from UC Berkeley, and his BA in Biological Chemistry and in Russian at Grinnell College in Iowa.