Physics (Internal)

Science, Technology and Diplomacy

This event is part of the Physics Department Colloquia Series.

Abstract:
The Jefferson Science (JS) Fellows program, which is administered by the National Academy of Sciences, was instituted at the U.S. Department of State in October 2003 for engaging the American academic science and technology communities in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. I was fortunate and honored to be selected as one of the seven 2008/2009 JS Fellows. I chose to work in the International communications and Information policy Office (CIP). CIP formulates policies and ratifies bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements related to telecommunications, satellites and Internet issues. It is headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary holding the rank of Ambassador. I will describe my contributions and accomplishments in my capacity as an advisor and member of CIP. These include my endeavor to promote the construction of submarine optical fiber cables that will circumscribe the African continent, my work as the U.S. delegate to the Next Generation Networks Group at the International Telecommunications Union, and my organization and administration of a conference on the Future Cyber-Network. In my description I will cover the science and technology behind these topics.