The Trump administration’s cuts to scientific funding and research programs have left lasting impacts on individuals across various sectors. From scientists to patients, many have been grappling with the consequences of terminated grants, layoffs, and budget constraints. In the wake of these changes, several individuals shared their experiences and the ongoing struggles they face in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Veteran Finds New Purpose After FDA Job Loss
Karen Hollitt, a former employee at the Food and Drug Administration, faced a daunting reality when she lost her job on April 1, 2025. Having served in the Air Force, she was no stranger to adversity, but the loss of her federal position reignited her PTSD symptoms. As a single mother, the transition was challenging; she had to downsize to a one-bedroom apartment and share a room with her nine-year-old when her children were with her.
Despite these hardships, Hollitt managed to secure a new role as a trainer at a credit union focused on serving military families. While she appreciates the supportive workplace culture, her salary is nearly half of what she earned at the FDA. Of the eight people who previously worked in her office, only she and one other have found new employment.
Epidemiologist Turns to Advocacy Following Job Loss
Scott Delaney, previously an epidemiologist at Harvard, found his career disrupted by sweeping cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research projects. Recognizing the need for accountability, he co-founded Grant Witness, a public database documenting NIH grant terminations. Although he has secured private funding for the initiative and established a consulting business focused on environmental health disparities, the loss of his Harvard position has been a significant setback.
Delaney stated, “I know I can advocate for that science better by investing in Grant Witness than I can as a research scientist at Harvard.” His commitment to public health remains strong despite the challenges he faces.
Patient’s Battle Against Cancer Complicated by Delays
Brooke Kajdy, a 24-year-old mother from Alberta, Canada, faced her own set of challenges when she was diagnosed with stage 4 diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Initially slated to receive an experimental treatment through an NIH clinical trial, she experienced delays due to administrative changes tied to the Trump administration’s policies.
Eventually, her physician found a way to provide the necessary drugs off-label. Although she experienced promising initial results, her condition deteriorated over time, forcing her to seek alternative options in Mexico and Germany. Tragically, Kajdy passed away on September 19, 2025. Her husband, Gabe, noted her unwavering spirit, stating, “She loved her kids and family more than anything, and even in her last couple days, she smiled and never accepted defeat.”
University Administrator Faces Uncertainty in Research Funding
Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Pennsylvania State University, has felt the weight of constant uncertainty regarding federal funding. As the threat of cuts to research overhead payments looms, Read highlighted the adverse effects on hiring and investment in critical research areas like quantum computing and semiconductors.
Despite these challenges, the university’s NIH funding increased from $165 million to $182 million between the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tumultuous environment.
Former NIH Physician Seeks New Opportunities
Josh Fessel, a physician who resigned from the NIH on moral grounds, has struggled to find a fulfilling position since leaving. Frustrated by the cancellation of grants and the firing of colleagues, he stepped away from an environment he found increasingly untenable.
Fessel described the current job market as the most challenging he has encountered in his career, expressing a desire to broaden his skill set to return to a position that would allow him to contribute meaningfully to public health efforts. “I wanted to broaden my skill set,” he noted, as he explores various opportunities to support scientific research.
Postdoctoral Researcher Adapts to New Realities
Sam Degregori, whose postdoctoral grant program at the NIH was abruptly terminated, has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. The Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA) program, which provided crucial funding and training, was cut, prompting Degregori to seek alternative fellowships.
Fortunately, he received a Hartwell Foundation Fellowship that will support him for the next two years. Despite fierce competition for faculty positions, Degregori remains determined to push forward, stating that the past year’s challenges have fueled his scientific motivation. “I feel this new energy like, by doing my job I’m fighting back somehow,” he commented, emphasizing his commitment to advancing science amidst adversity.
These stories illustrate the profound impact of federal funding cuts on individuals’ lives and careers. The ongoing challenges faced by these scientists and patients highlight the importance of continued advocacy for science and public health in an uncertain political landscape.
