Sam Epstein, BioCT Policy Intern
At just 14 years old, Sam Epstein is already making waves in the world of bioscience policy. A freshman at Staples High School in Westport, Sam brings a deep passion for public policy and a keen interest in how legislation shapes innovation. In a recent Q&A, he shares what drew him to BioCT, what a typical day as an intern looks like, and the surprising lessons he’s learned about the power of state-level policy. His advice for peers? “Seize every opportunity” and never underestimate the impact of showing up ready to learn.
At the start of 2025, you became a policy intern with BioCT. What drew you to the organization?
I looked into a number of opportunities, including volunteering and internship roles, when I had time in between semesters. Given my interests, BioCT looked like a good fit. People who join an organization like BioCT usually fall into one of two categories: those drawn to the substance, or the science and innovation itself, and those drawn to the process, or the policies that shape and support that innovation. I fall into the second category. What engages me isn’t necessarily the breakthroughs happening in bioscience, but the mechanisms — how public policy, economic strategy, and government decisions create an environment where the industry can thrive. BioCT sits at the intersection of public policy, economics, and innovation, making it the perfect place for someone like me who wants to understand how policy directly affects industry growth. It’s been an incredible opportunity to witness firsthand how legislation, incentives, and regulatory frameworks shape Connecticut’s bioscience ecosystem.
You are only 14 years old! How did you develop such a deep interest in policy so young?
I grew up surrounded by conversations about politics and policy, especially with my father and grandfather. My grandfather was a delegate for Clinton in ‘92 and a Democratic District Leader in New York, and his stories – about community organizing, backroom deals, and the real-world impact of politics – always fascinated me. I also came of age during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when bioscience policy suddenly became a part of everyday life. I became especially intrigued by the debates around the origins of the virus and “Gain of Function” research. I vividly remember watching Senator Rand Paul’s exchanges with Dr. Anthony Fauci. Those moments showed me how high the stakes can be in bioscience policy and sparked a deeper interest.
What does a typical internship day look like?
A typical day begins with scanning the news for articles relevant to Connecticut’s bioscience sector, which I flag for BioCT’s weekly newsletter, The Roundup. I usually do this during my free period at school. After school, I sometimes join policy calls or meetings, where I listen in, take notes, and research any topics that come up. It’s been a great way to stay informed and contribute meaningfully, even while juggling schoolwork.
Most kids spend their time on Instagram, but you read several newspapers a day. Which ones and why?
I get why people my age aren’t reading newspapers. I won’t pretend I don’t use social media too, but I think that developing the habit of staying informed is essential, especially during such turbulent times. Each morning, I start with The New York Times for in-depth coverage from a center-left perspective. I also read The Daily Wire to hear a more conservative view of current affairs. For fast-moving political updates and federal policy, I read Politico and The Hill, and for economic and business centered coverage, the Wall Street Journal is my go-to. I also make a point to check the Hartford Courant and CT Insider every day for coverage of state-level issues.
You’ve now spent 3 months with BioCT. What have you learned? What surprised you?
Before this internship, I mostly followed federal policy and saw it as the main driver of real-world change. This experience with BioCT has shown just how powerful state and even local policy can be. Shortly after I started in January, Governor Ned Lamont announced a 90% R&D tax credit for bioscience startups in his new budget plan. That single state-level decision instantly made Connecticut more attractive to innovators and research institutions. It surprised me how quickly a well-designed policy can shift the competitiveness of an entire sector, and it changed how I think about where the most impactful work gets done.
Any advice for kids your age (or their parents) seeking meaningful internships but don’t know how or where to start?
Seize every opportunity. That’s the biggest piece of advice I can give. You don’t need to have everything figured out or wait for the “perfect” internship to appear—just start. Be bold about reaching out to organizations that interest you, even if there’s no formal program listed. Show genuine enthusiasm, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to hear “no” because sometimes you’ll hear “yes.”Once you’re in, treat every experience like it matters, because it does. Learn as much as you can, take notes, ask to sit in on meetings, and volunteer for extra tasks. If someone mentions something you don’t understand, look it up. If you’re given a task you’re unsure about, ask questions. You never know which conversation, project, or person could shape your future direction. What matters most is showing up ready to learn and making the most of every chance you’re given.
What’s next for you? Do you see this experience influencing your future career path in some way?
Absolutely. This internship has deepened my interest in the intersection of government, industry, and innovation, along with my focus on state policy. I’m hoping to build on it by working with a think tank, joining a governor’s campaign, or finding other roles where I can keep learning about policy from the ground up. Long-term, I see this experience as the foundation for a career in politics or public service—it’s shown me how policy shapes real-world outcomes, and that’s the space where I want to be.