Manasi Apte

About Manasi Apte

For a quick glance, please find my work portfolio for diverse work experiences in academic research, science and scientific communication, education, public engagement, and consulting - https://highlight-communications.orgI am a trained biomedical scientist and an accomplished science communication practitioner. currently, I am a project management and policy professional at a government consulting firm specializing in working with diverse federal agencies including NIH, AHRQ, PCORI, CMS etc. With a career spanning more than 20 years in academic research, science education, outreach and science & health policy, I bring value and expertise in not only the interdisciplinary biomedical research training, but also in strategic planning, communications, project management, and people management. As an immigrant woman scientist and science communicator, I bring many aspects of my identity to all the different spaces I step in and belong to. I am passionate about making science education, communications, and engagement efforts accessible and equitable! To that end, I work with initiatives across the globe providing support and structures for storytelling, content creation and capacity as well as resource building. My demonstrated leadership abilities to work with cross-discipline teams with a mission-driven mindset and commitment to the cause have resulted in wonderful collaborations, relationship-building, and capacity building. I am looking to connect, collaborate, create and grow with individuals and organizations doing impactful work in research, communications, and policy to bridge the gap between science and society. My core skills and expertise include but are not limited to: • Academic research (literature review, data collection, critical analysis, scientific writing, and program management)• Science and Scientific communications (biomedical research, storytelling) • Strategic planning and program development of science communication and public engagement practices (versed with storytelling methods for in-person/virtual workshop methods)• Strategic communications and outreach (non-profit organizations, trainee-led initiatives)• Design, implementation, and evaluation of capacity and skill-building programs in biomedical professional development training• Project and people management, conflict resolution, partnerships, and stakeholder management skills, experience handling portfolio of $15M over 3 years• Relationship-building experience of working in diverse, cross-disciplinary, and international teams

Experience

1. Deputy Director

   Ripple Effect

   Jan 2026 — Present

   Leading Data Science and Evaluation division

Education

• M.S. University of Baroda, Gujrat, India

  Masters in Sciences, Microbiology

  2005 — 2007

• Project Management Institute

  Project Management Professional

• Wayne State University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drosophila Genetics

  2008 — 2014

• Ramnarain Ruia College

  Bachelor’s Degree, Microbiology and Vocational Biotechnology

  2002 — 2005