In 2025, numerous individuals across the scientific and medical fields shared their experiences of disruption due to the funding cuts and policy changes implemented during the Trump administration. These changes have led to job losses, treatment delays, and a general atmosphere of uncertainty among scientists, patients, and university administrators. As a result, many have had to adapt to new realities, often with significant personal and professional consequences.
Veteran Finds New Purpose After FDA Job Loss
Karen Hollitt, a former employee of the Food and Drug Administration, faced a personal crisis when she lost her job on April 1, 2025. Having served in the Air Force, she battled symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as the uncertainty of unemployment loomed. Despite the emotional toll, Hollitt secured a position as a trainer for a credit union that serves military families. While she appreciates the supportive workplace culture, her new salary is nearly 50% lower than what she earned at the FDA. Hollitt now navigates life in a one-bedroom apartment, sharing space with her nine-year-old daughter when she is not with her ex-husband. Out of eight colleagues from her office, only she and one other found new employment.
Epidemiologist Takes Action Amid Uncertainty
Scott Delaney, a trained lawyer and epidemiologist previously at Harvard, recognized the importance of documenting the cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research projects. Though a judge later overturned some terminations, Delaney’s position was already affected, prompting him to leave the university. He shifted his focus to developing Grant Witness, a database that tracks canceled NIH grants, with private funding. Alongside former colleagues from the Environmental Protection Agency, he has launched a consulting business addressing health disparities. “The threat to American science and public health remains,” Delaney stated, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for scientific integrity.
Cancer Patient Faces Delays and New Challenges
Brooke Kajdy, a 24-year-old mother diagnosed with stage 4 diffuse large B cell lymphoma, exemplifies the human cost of bureaucratic delays. Initially set to receive experimental treatment through an NIH clinical trial, her therapy was postponed due to necessary language changes following a Trump executive order. Eventually, her physician in Alberta, Canada, arranged for off-label access to the drugs. Despite early signs of improvement, Kajdy’s condition worsened, leading her to explore treatment options in the United States and abroad. Unfortunately, on September 19, 2025, her battle ended as her family sought to keep her comfortable in her final days. Her husband, Gabe, reflected on her unwavering spirit, stating, “She smiled and never accepted defeat.”
University Administrator Grapples with Funding Anxiety
Andrew Read, the senior vice president for research at Pennsylvania State University, has felt the pressure of federal funding cuts firsthand. As concerns about potential reductions in research overhead payments linger, Read’s work has been complicated by hiring freezes and stalled investments in critical areas like quantum computing. Despite these challenges, he reported that Penn State’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 turbulent landscape.
Former NIH Physician Seeks New Opportunities
Josh Fessel, a physician who previously led initiatives to translate research into treatments at the NIH, resigned on moral grounds during the second Trump administration. Disillusioned by the cancellation of grants and the dismissal of colleagues, Fessel has struggled to find a new role that meets his professional standards. “It is unquestionably the most difficult job market by many measures,” he noted, reflecting on the shift in his career. He aims to broaden his skill set in order to contribute effectively to rebuilding efforts at the NIH.
Postdoc Faces Job Market Challenges
Sam Degregori faced an uncertain future when the NIH abruptly terminated his postdoctoral grant program in 2025. This program, known as the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA), was crucial for guiding postdocs towards academic positions. In the wake of the cuts, he has diligently applied for fellowships and has recently secured a Hartwell Foundation Fellowship to support his work for the next two years. Despite finding some success, Degregori acknowledged the fierce competition in the current job market. “Now it’s like, if there’s one opening, everyone knows about it,” he remarked, expressing concern about entering the workforce at such a challenging time.
These stories illustrate the far-reaching consequences of funding cuts and policy changes on individuals within the scientific and medical communities. As they navigate their new realities, the resilience and adaptability of those affected remain evident, highlighting the ongoing impact of political decisions on personal lives.
