Lives Disrupted: Science Community Faces Fallout from Trump Era

In 2025, the repercussions of the Trump administration’s actions on scientific research and public health became increasingly evident. Spending cuts, grant terminations, and layoffs affected countless individuals, from researchers to patients. Interviews conducted by STAT with affected scientists, patients, and university officials shed light on their struggles and resilience in the face of these challenges.

Veteran Finds New Purpose After FDA Job Loss

Karen Hollitt, a former Air Force veteran, experienced a resurgence of PTSD symptoms just before her job loss at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 1. Having enlisted at 17 and faced trauma during her training, the prospect of losing her livelihood reignited her mental health struggles. Despite the challenges, Hollitt secured a new position as a trainer for a credit union serving military families. While she appreciates the supportive workplace culture, her new salary is nearly half of what she earned at the FDA. Hollitt noted that only she and one other colleague managed to find new employment out of eight individuals from her former office.

Tracking Grant Terminations: An Epidemiologist’s Journey

Scott Delaney, previously an epidemiologist at Harvard, found himself compelled to document the widespread termination of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research projects. Although a judge later reversed the cuts at Harvard, Delaney had already decided to leave in order to focus on Grant Witness, a database he co-created to record cancelled NIH grants. With private funding secured, he also started a consulting firm with colleagues to address health disparities related to the environment. “The threat to American science and public health remains,” Delaney stated, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for science through Grant Witness.

A Cancer Patient’s Battle Against Red Tape

Brooke Kajdy, a 24-year-old mother of two, faced significant delays in receiving treatment for her stage 4 diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Initially scheduled to participate in a clinical trial at the NIH, her treatment was postponed due to necessary updates mandated by the administration. Eventually, her physician in Alberta, Canada, provided the drugs off-label. Despite initial success, Kajdy’s condition worsened, and she sought options in the United States, Mexico, and Germany. Unfortunately, travel became impossible, and she passed away on September 19, 2025. Her husband, Gabe, reflected on her enduring spirit, stating, “She smiled and never accepted defeat.”

University Administrator Confronts Ongoing Uncertainty

Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Pennsylvania State University, grapples with the persistent threat of federal funding cuts. He described the uncertainty surrounding research overhead payment cuts as “a huge wet blanket,” leading to stalled investments in critical areas like quantum computing. Despite these challenges, Penn State’s NIH funding rose from $165 million to $182 million between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, providing a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.

Former NIH Physician Seeks New Direction

After resigning from the NIH due to moral objections to grant cancellations, physician Josh Fessel found himself navigating a tough job market. He described the current landscape as “the most difficult job market by many measures” he has encountered. With aspirations to transition into the pharmaceutical sector, Fessel remains committed to finding a role that allows him to contribute meaningfully to public health.

A Postdoctoral Researcher Pursues New Opportunities

Sam Degregori faced a significant setback when the NIH terminated his postdoctoral grant program earlier this year. The program, designed to support postdoctoral researchers, was abruptly cut, forcing Degregori to seek new funding opportunities. He successfully applied for a Hartwell Foundation Fellowship but acknowledged the fierce competition for academic positions. Despite the obstacles, Degregori expressed a renewed sense of purpose, stating, “I feel this new energy like, by doing my job I’m fighting back somehow.”

The stories of individuals navigating the aftermath of the Trump administration’s policies reveal a complex tapestry of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. As funding cuts and job losses continue to impact the scientific community, these narratives serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of policy decisions.