Scholars Strategy Network's new Q&A series are monthly events focused on SSN’s philosophy of relationship building. These sessions emphasize audience interaction and feature special guests—such as media and policy stakeholders as well as SSN members with extensive public engagement experience. Below are highlights from prior sessions:
SSN Q&A Event Highlights
2025 Q&A Events

Virtual Town Hall with SSN’s New Academic Director Suzanne Mettler
On February 3rd, 2025, SSN’s new Academic Director Suzanne Mettler led a special virtual town hall joined by professors Larry Jacobs, Don Moynihan, and Deondra Rose.
2024 Q&A Events

Preparing to Engage with a New Presidential Administration: Q&A with Heath Brown and Dara Baldwin
On December 4th, we featured New York City SSN chapter leader Dr. Heath A. Brown and activist, author, and policy analyst Dara Baldwin for a Q&A event focused on the transition to a new presidential administration

Strengthening Democracy Through Research and Collaboration: Q&A with Lia Merivaki and Commissioner Donald Palmer
On September 25th, Commissioner Donald Palmer from the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) joined SSN member Thessalia Merivaki for a Q&A focused on how research can inform and enhance election practice.

Finding Policy Engagement Opportunities: Q&A with Marshall Cohen
On July 25th, we featured retired public affairs executive Marshall Cohen for a Q&A focused on how researchers can find policy engagement opportunities.

Working with Policymakers: Q&A with Kerri Raissian & CT State Rep. Jaime Foster
On June 27th, Connecticut State Representative Jaime Foster alongside Connecticut SSN chapter leader Kerri Raissian joined us for a Q&A focused on how researchers can connect with state policymakers.

Working with Civil Rights Groups: Q&A with Neda Maghbouleh and Meeta Anand
On May 30th, Meeta Anand and SSN member Dr. Neda Maghbouleh joined us for a Q&A focused on collaborating with advocacy groups.

Researcher-Reporter Relationships: Q&A with Jules Boykoff and Melissa Chan
On April 10, Emmy-nominated freelance journalist Melissa Chan and media savvy SSN member Dr. Jules Boykoff joined us for a Q&A focused on researcher-reporter relationships.

Talking to a Reporter, Featuring Newsweek Journalist Nick Mordowanec
On March 14, Newsweek political reporter Nick Mordowanec joined us for a Q&A focused on what reporters look for in interviews with researchers.