Nerds of the Roundtable
The Hoover Institution’s Technology Policy Accelerator (TPA) is pleased to launch Nerds of the Roundtable, a monthly speaker series featuring candid, student-led conversations with distinguished fellows and scholars.
This academic year’s speakers have studied the moon, informed decisions at the highest levels of government, and advanced emerging technologies. Drawing on their research, experiences, and personal stories, they will help students explore the technological and policy questions shaping our future.
Below is a preview of our confirmed speakers, with additional guests to be announced throughout the academic year.
We hope you will join us for these lively and illuminating discussions.
LATEST SESSION
The New Space Race: Power, Policy, And The Moon
In the inaugural episode of Nerds of the Roundtable, Hoover Distinguished Research Fellow Dan Berkenstock explores the new space race, the growing role of AI in aerospace, and the innovations reshaping national security. He also shares lessons and advice for the next generation of technology leaders.
NEXT SESSIONS
Simone D'Amico
Science Fellow, Hoover Institution
The Distributed Space Age
October 6, 2026
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
Max Lamparth
Research Fellow, Hoover Institution
AI, Trust, and the Future of Decision-Making
November 12, 2026
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
Steven Koonin
Edward Teller Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
The Future of Energy
December 8, 2026
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
Allison Okamura
Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
Robotics and Healthcare
February 5, 2027
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
Amy Zegart
Morris Arnold and Nona Jean Fox Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
US Intelligence and National Security
February 16, 2027
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
H.R. McMaster
Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
Leadership and the Future of Wargaming
March 30, 2027
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
Russ Altman
Kenneth Fong Professor of Bioengineering, Genetics, Medicine, Biomedical Data Science and (by courtesy) Computer Science
in conversation with
Drew Endy
Science Fellow/Senior Fellow (courtesy)
Ensuring Biotechnology Advances Responsibly
May 11, 2027
10-11 AM
Shultz Auditorium
*Schedule subject to change.
About Technology Policy Accelerator
The Hoover Institution’s Technology Policy Accelerator conducts research and develops insights that help government and business leaders better understand emerging technology and its geopolitical implications so they can seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and advance American interests and values.
