How can funders strengthen the pipeline from initial outreach to successful application and continued participation in the field? This session will explore strategies for engaging new applicants, supporting proposal development, and fostering long-term participation by helping researchers build competitive proposals, communicate their work effectively to diverse audiences, and identify pathways for continued success.

Speakers:

Tiana Medley, PhD, PMP – Program Officer, Additional Ventures
Tiana Medley, PhD, PMP, is a Program Officer at Additional Ventures, where she supports the strategy and operations of scientific research programs and works to help investigators successfully navigate the funding process. Her work spans programs supporting researchers at multiple career stages, from mentored postdoctoral researchers to established independent investigators. She is particularly interested in how funders can reduce barriers to research progress, provide meaningful support beyond the grant itself, and create opportunities that help investigators build sustainable careers and remain engaged in the field.Medley received her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where her research focused on protein engineering and cancer therapeutics. Prior to joining Additional Ventures, she worked at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Kristen Mueller, PhD – Chief Science Officer, Health Resources in Action
Dr. Kristen Mueller, PhD, Chief Science Officer at Health Resources in Action (HRiA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit public health and medical research organization that partners with individuals, organizations, and communities to transform the practices, policies, and systems that improve health and advance equity. Dr. Mueller leads and collaborates with the biomedical grantmaking team to spearhead and maintain HRiA’s biomedical research grantmaking and consulting services to enhance program impact and center equity. She has extensive experience in non-profit grantmaking and philanthropy, having previously directed grants programs at the Arthritis Foundation and the Melanoma Research Alliance. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Health Research Alliance. Prior to focusing on grantmaking, Dr. Mueller spent eight years as a Senior Editor at the journal Science. Dr. Mueller received her B.A. in biology from Carleton College and her Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Minnesota. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in immunology at the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Jessa R. Alexander, MPH – Senior Account Executive and Grants Strategist, Stellate Communications
Jessa Alexander, MPH, is a research translator, community health advocate, and science funding strategist helping bring data out of the abstract and into public practice. She has a strong track record for bridging disciplines, tailoring communication to audiences, and connecting hard data to high-impact, real-world applications. After 10+ years as a researcher and program architect, she pivoted that behind-the-scenes knowledge into strategic consulting and science communication at Stellate. She guides scientists, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations to clarify their visions, shape public perception, and build fundable proposals to support their goals. She works closely with media and funding contacts to build targeted momentum in press—resulting in coverage in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Independent, and The Guardian—and to unlock funding opportunities, totaling over $15M raised in public and private funding.

Moderator:

Michelle Heritage – Executive Director, American Brain Foundation
Michelle Heritage is Executive Director of the American Brain Foundation, a national foundation advancing research to prevent, treat, and cure brain diseases and disorders. With more than 25 years of executive leadership, she brings extensive experience building partnerships, mobilizing philanthropy, and turning ambitious ideas into measurable impact. At ABF, Michelle has expanded research investments across the full spectrum of brain disease while strengthening the organization’s scientific grantmaking operations and strategic partnerships. In 2026, ABF awarded more than $9 million in research grants to 20 teams, including early-career scientists and large-scale collaborative research initiatives. Before joining ABF, Michelle served for 13 years as CEO of Community Shelter Board, where she helped establish Columbus as a national model for preventing and ending homelessness and mobilized more than $100 million for housing solutions. She holds a Master of Education in Clinical Counseling from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Social Justice from The Ohio State University.