Suffolk Reporter

Laura Lindenfeld, Dean of the Stony Brook University School of Communication and Journalism and Executive Director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, was invited to present at the National Defense Industrial Association’s 2024 Women in Defense National Conference. The event took place in Arlington, Virginia.

Dr. Arun Seraphin, NDIA’s Executive Director of the Emerging Technologies Institute, extended the invitation to Lindenfeld to conduct several workshops focused on leadership and communication strategies. Lindenfeld expressed her gratitude for participating in the conference, stating: “It was an honor to interact with these incredible women and to work with Dr. Seraphin again. The Women in Defense conference provided an opportunity for the Alda Center to link our unique communication training approach to the needs of women leaders.” She added that she felt privileged to work with "such powerful, smart, and engaged women leaders."

The Women in Defense (WID) organization has been dedicated since 1981 to offering professional development and networking opportunities for women involved in U.S. national security. This year's conference attracted over 500 participants from across the country who gathered to learn from experts in government and industry sectors. The aim is to strengthen the defense industrial base by promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Stony Brook University’s Office of Federal Relations supported Lindenfeld during her participation at the WID conference. The office collaborates closely with Department of Defense officials to further Stony Brook's defense research initiatives.