Physics and the Government: Navigating Science Policy and Nuclear Security

As more and more scientists choose non-traditional career paths, it is vital that the scientific community understand the role that science plays every sector: academia, industry, non-profit, and government. As a former Hill staffer with the US House of Representatives, Committee on Science and as a current physicist with the US Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Dr. Frazier will detail her knowledge and experience as a physicist and 20-year veteran of the Federal Government. She will share the ins and outs of science policy and share why it is critical to have the best and brightest scientists bring their skills and attributes to the political world. She will also cover the various roles for scientists and engineers in the Nuclear Weapons Complex, with a focus on the scientific organizations, capabilities, and functions in NNSA's Office of Defense Programs. In covering NNSA Defense Programs, it will become abundantly clear that the country requires scientists and engineers in every area, from programs within Headquarters Offices to National Laboratories and associated university laboratories and academic programs spread throughout the US.