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Event Recap

Jan 6, 2021

Event recap | Tech and data recommendations for the new administration

By GeoTech Center

In this episode of the GeoTech Hour, hosted Wednesday, January 6, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST, panelists make recommendations on how the new administration can prioritize data and tech applications.

Digital Policy Technology & Innovation

Event Recap

Dec 9, 2020

Event Recap | AgriTechAction 2020

By Borja Prado, Claire Branley

On Tuesday, November 17 the GeoTech Center hosted AgriTechAction 2020, a three-day conference that explored the relationship between agriculture and technology, with the goal for future solutions to food security challenges to be accessible and sustainable for all. In the conference, experts and leaders in agriculture, technology, and national security came together to discuss and help guide the further deployment of data and technology in agriculture; specifically in food production, processing, distribution, security, efficiency, and sustainability

Climate Change & Climate Action Inclusive Growth

Event Recap

Oct 28, 2020

Event recap | Data, tech, and geopolitics in 2021 and beyond

By Hannah Biggs

In this episode of the GeoTech Hour, hosted Wednesday, October 28, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST panelists examined data, tech, and geopolitics as we approach 2021 and beyond. The discussion considered actions that could uplift societies and populations as a whole. The world will, we hope, be more stable in this upcoming year, and as a result, it is the ideal time for governments to learn lessons from 2020 and adjust course accordingly.

Digital Policy

Dr. Melissa Flagg joined the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research on October 26, 2015. Dr. Flagg was responsible for policy and oversight of the Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology (S&T) programs from Basic Research through Advanced Technology Development. She was also responsible for oversight of DoD Laboratories, ensuring the long-term strategic direction of the Department’s S&T programs, and for developing those technologies needed for continued technological superiority of US forces.

Before assuming this position, Flagg was a senior program officer within the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellows program with a primary focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Fellows program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits across all disciplines and endeavors.

Prior to joining the MacArthur Foundation, Flagg served as the director for the Office of Technical Intelligence within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics under the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. From 2001 to 2009, Flagg served in roles within the Office of Naval Research and the US Department of State leading efforts on global technology awareness, technical intelligence, and international S&T cooperation.

Flagg has served on a range of Boards including the Emerging Technology Research Advisory Committee at the Department of Commerce, the National Academy of Sciences Air Force Studies Board, and served as executive secretary for the Defense Science Board. She also served as the chief technology officer of a small startup company, PocketTea LLC from 2014 to 2015.