Women in Data Science Regional Event 2025
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode features a panel of CNA’s own Gayatri Gopavajhala and Lizzy Schneider, data scientists, discussing their paths to being in their roles as data scientists at CNA. Guest Biographies Gayatri Gopavajhala is a Data Analyst in CNA's Data Science for Sustainment Program. Lizzy Schneider is a Research Analyst in CNA's Data Science for Production Program.
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Russian Concepts for Future Warfare
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
In this episode, we explore how the war in Ukraine has impacted Russian military thought on combined arms operations, naval surface warfare, and air dominance operations. Guest Biographies is a principal research scientist in CNA's He is an expert on Russian military strategy, operations, and net assessments of high-intensity conflict. From 2023-2024, he served as senior advisor to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Paul Schwartz is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA’s is an Associate Research Analyst at the CNA . Her research centers on...
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Russia’s Evolving Threat Perceptions
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
In this episode, we discuss how the war in Ukraine has not altered Moscow’s threat perceptions, but amplified and reinforced them. Guest Biographies is an Associate Research Analyst at the CNA . Her research centers on security orders, deterrence issues, and Russia’s security policy, supplemented by her significant in-country experience living in Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and other countries in the region. Further Reading CNA Report:
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Unmanned Invasion: The PRC's Drone Swarm Research and Taiwan
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode explores how the PRC is developing autonomous drone swarm technology for deployment during a potential military invasion of Taiwan. Guest Biographies Timothy Ditter is a senior research scientist in CNA’s . His work covers PLA amphibious warfare, China’s military modernization and expansion, China’s growing nuclear weapons program, and China’s nascent global military presence. Eleanor Harvey is a senior research secialist in CNA’s Further Reading CNA Report: CNA InDepth:
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Drone as First Responder Programs
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode discusses the benefits of drone as first responder (DFR) programs for police departments and public safety offices. Guest Biographies Officer J. “Matt” Rowland is a 20-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) located in Fort Wayne, IN. He was a founding member of the FWPD Air Support Unit (ASU) in 2017. He spent 15 years in the Operations division and served 6 years during that time as a hostage negotiator. He is a certified instructor both in the classroom and emergency vehicle driving. Todd Withers is a 34-year veteran of law enforcement with the last 28 years...
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Competition Between the US and China Enters a New Phase
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode covers CNA's latest research into technology competition between the US and the People’s Republic of China. Guest Biographies is a senior research scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Christopher Cairns is a research scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Further Reading
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Russia/India Relations and the War in Ukraine
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode examines the political, military, and economic elements of the relationship between Russia and India. Guest Biographies is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA’s . He is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union, the Russian military, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. Jeffrey Kucik is a research scientist with CNA’s Further Reading CNA Report —
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What’s Next for the US Navy?
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
In this episode, our experts discuss the Navy’s effort to rebuild US shipbuilding and to integrate artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Guest Biographies Joshua Tallis is CNA’s Hybrid Fleet Research Coordinator and our scientific analyst to the Chief of Naval Operations, a position he has occupied since the end of 2023. is an expert in US Navy strategy and policy, and U.S. Navy surface warfare programs and platforms, and the Navalist for the Center for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League. Thank you both for being here. Further Reading Defense News: Center for...
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Next Generation 911
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode explores how the Fairfax County 911 Center is using Next Generation 911 systems to better serve its jurisdiction. Guest Biographies Heleana Melendez is an expert in criminal justice research and policing. At CNA, Melendez supports projects focused on violence prevention, system improvement, crisis intervention and use of force for law enforcement agencies across the nation. Further Reading
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How Stable is Iran?
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode covers the stability of Islamic Republic of Iran in the aftermath of the 12 Day War, and how the regime will adapt to its new reality. Guest Biographies Michael Connell is an expert in Persian-Gulf security-related issues, the armed forces of Iran, U.S.-GCC security cooperation, and adversary cyber policy and strategy. He has served as CNA's Field Analyst to Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). Dov Zakheim a Senior Fellow at CNA and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He served as Undersecretary of Defense from 2001-2004. Further Reading CNA Report: CNA Report:...
info_outlineOne of the most prominent challenges organizations face when planning for the future is grappling with how unknown external factors will impact their organization. STEEP analysis allows planners to examine future Social, technical, economic, ecological, and political factors and plan for the opportunities and threats these factors will create.
In this episode, CNA’s Melissa Gutierrez and Heleana Melendez, Captain Jose Gurule from the Denver Sheriff's Department, and Danielle Rudes from Sam Houston State University join the show to discuss applying this framework to corrections.
Guest Biographies
Melissa Gutierrez is a Senior Research Specialist with CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation. She is an expert in criminal justice research with a focus on gang networks and gun violence, including gun markets. At CNA, her work includes providing training and technical assistance on violent crime reduction programs and researching technology in law enforcement. Before joining CNA, Gutierrez worked at the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety, where she participated in projects related to program evaluation, violent death surveillance, and unintentional overdose death surveillance.
Heleana Melendez is an associate research analyst with CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation. JRI works throughout the justice system, providing training and technical assistance (TTA), conducting research, and supporting nationwide organizational reform in agencies and jurisdictions. Ms. Melendez supports projects at CNA focused on violence prevention, system improvement, and use of force.
Danielle Rudes is a Professor of Criminal Justice & Criminology at Sam Houston State University in Texas. She is also Deputy Director of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!). She is a Fellow with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, focusing on Enhancing Correctional Spaces and Cultures. Dr. Rudes is an expert qualitative researcher with over 20 years of experience working with corrections agencies. She is recognized for her work examining how social control organizations understand, negotiate, and at times, resist change.
Captain Jose Gurule started his career in 2009 with the Conejos County Sheriff's Office. Rising to the rank of Division Commander for the Detention Division. In 2015, he began his tenure with the Denver Sheriff's Department. He has been assigned to direct supervision, intake unit, the field training program, ADA Liaison, LGBTQ+ liaison, and the Peer Support Team. Currently, he is the medical/classification/receiving unit commander. Overseeing the inmate classification/housing of two facilities with a combined housing capacity of 2693 inmates
Future Reading
Register for the Virtual Symposium Futurescape of Justice: Improving Public Safety