Date: Monday, February 24th

Time: 4 - 5 pm

Location: Sloane Physics Lab, Room 59, 217 Prospect St, New Haven

Speaker: Tara Drozdenko, Director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Join STEM Hill Day and the Kimball Smith Series for a discussion on the role of science advocacy in shaping public policy, featuring Tara Drozdenko, Director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. This one-hour event will explore how scientists, researchers, and science-based policymakers can effectively communicate their expertise to lawmakers, navigate the complexities of science advocacy, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Drozdenko is the Director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, where she leads federal-level policy initiatives focused on diplomacy and reducing nuclear threats. With nearly two decades of experience in national security, she has managed complex government programs, led research teams, and communicated on critical issues like nuclear weapons and climate change.

Dr. Drozdenko has held key roles in the U.S. State Department, Treasury, and Navy, including representing the U.S. on arms control and missile defense at NATO and managing economic sanctions programs targeting Iran and North Korea. She previously served as Acting Executive Director of the Outrider Foundation, integrating advocacy on nuclear risks, climate change, and racial justice. She also co-founded Highly NRiched, an educational platform on nuclear weapons. Dr. Drozdenko holds a Ph.D. in plasma physics from UCLA and is an advocate for evidence-based policymaking and public education on global security challenges.