NSF’s Fall Series: Securing Our Future
NSF Hybrid Event
In-Person at
J Resort
345 N Arlington Ave, Reno, NV 89501
(Park at the East entrance, enter the casino, and take the stairs or elevator to the Mezzanine level)
Breakfast served 7:30-8:30 am, Forum 8:30-9:30 am
$30 members/$35 guests
Virtual on Zoom
Forum 8:30-9:30 am PST
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DWhsCHXgR06RA5eyUl1ljw#
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
SPEAKERS:
Jamie Christensen
Founder and CEO of CitizenWorks
Erik Henzl
Research Scientist, Desert Research Institute (DRI)
Monica Nicolescu (Invited)
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno
Join Us for the Second Program in Securing Our Future
Please join the National Security Forum of Nevada on Wednesday, November 18, for a panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence, data centers, and education are shaping Nevada’s future and the nation’s security. Powering the Future: AI, Data Centers, and the Workforce of Tomorrow brings together perspectives on workforce development, economic and environmental challenges, and the applications of AI and robotics to national security.
In addition to our NSF audience, we will be joined by a cohort of students joining us from UNR, TMCC, and WCSD, as part of the new Nevada Youth Security Initiative led by NSF Communications Director, Leila Moassessi. For a sneak peek at the NYSI website, go to: Nevada Youth Security Initiative
This second program in our Securing Our Future series connects emerging technologies with the skills, education, and partnerships needed to prepare the next generation of professionals and informed citizens. If you happened to miss our first program in this series or would like to watch the recording, remember you can always access our program recordings on our new/improved website: National Security Forum
Nevada Perspectives on Technology and Opportunity
AI offers new possibilities for businesses, research, and national security. Realizing those possibilities requires a workforce that can use these tools effectively, infrastructure to support them, and education that prepares the next generation for a changing world. Our panelists will explore how Nevada and the nation can meet these needs while considering the economic and environmental implications of data center development.
Jamie Christensen, Founder and CEO of CitizenWorks, will address the challenges of developing an AI-savvy workforce and preparing people to put AI to work.
Erik Henzl, Research Scientist at the Desert Research Institute (DRI), will discuss the economic and environmental issues associated with building data centers in Nevada.
(Invited) Monica Nicolescu, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), has been invited to discuss applications of AI and robotics to national security and what is needed to educate future generations of students.
Program Overview
The panel will connect three topic areas: How do we develop an AI-savvy workforce? What should Nevada consider as data centers expand? And how can education prepare students to apply AI and robotics to national security challenges?
Alongside sharing knowledge with NSF members and guests, the forum is intended to create networking opportunities for students from UNR, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), and local high schools in the Washoe County School District (WCSD). Students can connect with subject matter experts and NSF participants, explore career interests, and exchange ideas across generations.
How can Nevada prepare its people and institutions for the opportunities and responsibilities of an AI-driven future?
Topics We Will Explore
- An AI-Savvy Workforce: Preparing people to use AI effectively.
- Data Centers in Nevada: Economic and environmental considerations.
- AI and National Security: Applications of AI and robotics.
- Education for Tomorrow: Preparing future generations of students.
- Connecting Generations: Linking students, educators, and professionals.
Why Attend?
- Continue the Series: Join our second Securing Our Future program.
- Hear Nevada Perspectives: Learn from experts working in our state.
- Explore Emerging Issues: Connect AI, infrastructure, and workforce needs.
- Consider Career Pathways: Discover questions and skills shaping future work.
- Build Connections: Meet students and NSF participants across disciplines.
About the Speakers
Jamie Christensen is Founder and CEO of CitizenWorks. Learn more at www.citizen-works.com.
Erik Henzl is a Staff Research Scientist in the Division of Hydrologic Sciences at the Desert Research Institute (DRI). He holds an undergraduate degree in environmental economics from Colgate University. Before joining DRI, he worked as a Research Associate at the University of Nevada, Reno, contributing to research on the Humboldt River Basin. Henzl joined DRI in January 2025. Based at DRI’s Reno office, he currently researches data center water and energy demand.
Monica Nicolescu (invited) is Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Students, Young Professionals, and Educators:
Through the Nevada Youth Security Initiative (NYSI), a limited number of sponsored seats are available at no cost for students and young professionals, and educators may have their registration fees waived. Visit the NYSI website to learn more and RSVP. Sponsored seats are reserved for these groups only. All other attendees, please register below.
New to the NSF or have questions? Whether you are new to the community, have questions, or need help registering for our events, please contact the NSF at info@nationalsecurityforum.org or leila@nationalsecurityforum.org for assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming series, Securing Our Future.
The National Security Forum is a non-partisan, educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering civil discourse and informed discussion about timely and important national security topics. We bring expert speakers from around the U.S. to talk about national and international security, domestic and foreign terrorism, economic and financial threats, the safety of our food and water supply, energy policy, electrical grid stability, and a variety of other topics that affect all Americans. The National Security Forum partners with the Washoe County School District to host an annual Youth Security Forum to encourage future generations of national security leaders.
To support NSF continuing to bring national security programs to our community and our local students, please join NSF as a member or Friend of the Forum at: https://nationalsecurityforum.org/membership/about-our-membership/