TheBridge profile: Catherine Aiken
Name: Catherine Aiken
Current city: Washington, DC
Current job: Director of Data Science and Research, Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)
Past job: Survey Specialist, Center for Security and Emerging Technology; Lecturer, University of Maryland
Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? We conduct research and produce data-driven analysis to inform policy discussions around emerging technologies and their security implications.
Q. Job advice in three words? Make it fun!
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? How and where innovation can help tackle big, complex, policy-relevant issues.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? The required inputs for innovation, where gaps exist, and how policy can foster and spur innovation.
Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? Approaching tasks and problems with care, curiosity, and drive to learn new things.
Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked? No specific question comes to mind, but generally I enjoy being given the opportunity to ponder and provide input on a real problem the organization is facing or project they are working on.
Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? A stroll outside with coffee in hand.
Q. Favorite book/podcast you recommend? A recent read with helpful insights was "Kill it with Fire" by Marianne Bellotti, and I'm about to pick up "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss thanks to a friend's recommendation. I also recommend a good pop culture podcast when you want to unwind!
Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Or, why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? Because I consider it important to share our experiences, build networks, and lend support to other professionals in this space. Tech and policy communities can be siloed and feel unnecessarily exclusive - so it is important to show how we can broaden the field and learn from others.
Q. Each day is different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, and patience!
Q. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the beginning of your career? Be open to unexpected opportunities.
Q. What's one piece of advice you are still trying to master? You don't need to do everything yourself.
Q. How often do you work from home? 3 days a week, but I really enjoy my 2 office days too!
Q. How do you unwind after work? A walk around the neighborhood with my daughter, dog, and husband.
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📢Don't miss a range of #careeropportunities in TheBridge Update📧 including: ✔️Public Policy Lead ✔️Govt Relations… https://t.co/06uF6hmh1c