ITL Speakers Bureau: Cherilyn Pascoe

Title of Talk: Emerging Technology Policy: Understanding the Impact of Research and Technology

ABSTRACT:

Scientific research enhances the nation’s economy, standard of living, and national security.  One of the bestselling points for science is showing how discoveries by researchers will benefit everyone. As such, it is important to understand the broader impacts and relevance of the work, the ethical and political dimensions, as well as the ability to communicate its impact to a wide variety of audiences. My work at NIST is dedicated to advancing the importance of science policy, translating the scientific work of NIST for multiple audiences (especially for Congress and other policymakers), understanding and aligning the research priorities with those of the nation, and pushing NIST researchers to understand that alignment and broader impact.  NIST’s mission is to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. To measure something, you must understand it and if you know how to measure it, you can control it and shape it. NIST researchers think about the positive and negative impacts of advances in technology. For example, it is one thing to understand that artificial intelligence research will be important for global economic competitiveness, but one must also consider its risks, rights, and impact on society, and standards will help shape that outcome. And if you just want to hear about my stories about my work with Congress, we can do that, too.

Keywords: Emerging technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, policy, Congress

Title of Talk: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 

ABSTRACT:

This informative presentation by a National institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity expert will provide an overview of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)—widely used by organizations around the world to address cybersecurity risks. As the cybersecurity landscape becomes increasingly complex, organizations need to employ a framework to support their cybersecurity risk management program. The CSF provides a common taxonomy that can be leveraged to increase cybersecurity awareness across organizations, between IT and business leaders, and across the nation. You’ll also learn about NIST’s plans for the update of the Framework: CSF 2.0. 

Keywords: cybersecurity, cybersecurity risk management, critical infrastructure

BIO:

Cherilyn Pascoe is Senior Technology Policy Advisor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce. She advises NIST leadership on technology policy and strategy, including cybersecurity, privacy, and artificial intelligence. Prior to joining NIST, she served more than a decade in staff leadership roles on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation working for former Senator Hutchison (R-TX), Senator Thune (R-SD), and current Ranking Member Wicker (R-MS). Most recently, she served as Deputy Policy Director managing the Committee’s Space and Science Subcommittee, which has legislative and oversight jurisdiction over science, technology, standards, and civil space policy. During her time on the Hill, she led efforts to develop and advance several notable pieces of legislation, including the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, the AV Start Act, as well as three surface transportation reauthorization laws and ten cybersecurity laws. Pascoe received her M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy from the George Washington University and her B.S. Chem. with Highest Honors in Chemistry from the University of Michigan.