SSN Q&A Event Highlights

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:

2025 Q&A Events

Suzanne Mettler giving a speech at the SSN National Convening at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington D.C. in 2024

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

White House

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

People filling out election ballots

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.

Two people shaking hands

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.

Inside Connecticut Capitol

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.

Handshake

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. 

Reporter writing with person across table blurred out

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. 

newspapers

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.