Alexa is the Deputy Director of Defense Strategy and Research at the Institute for Security and Technology. Passionate about the broadening space in which emerging technologies are meeting the defense sector, Alexa focuses the majority of her research work on the possible integration of novel AI techniques and US NC3, as well as the influence of novel technologies and platforms on warfighting at the edge, strategic stability, human cognitive security and democratic institutions. In addition to the above, Alexa directs IST defense strategy and programs, identifying new research initiatives, building the IST team, and engaging in funding and partnership development.

Alexa most recently acted as the Disruptive Technologies Working Group Co-Chair organized by BASIC (British American Security Information Council) Emerging Voices Network, co-leading an international research group to identify contemporary opportunities for the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Alexa is published in War on the Rocks, C4ISRNet, and has briefed at Sandia National Labs, US Strategic Command and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, as well as engaged in speaking engagements for academic organizations and Girl Security and various convening’s held under Chatham House rule.

​Alexa holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley with a concentration in International Relations and Comparative Politics. During her time at Cal, Alexa participated in open source investigation projects with the Human Rights Center at the UC Berkeley, School of Law as well as numerous projects with the Nuclear Policy Working Group. This included co-presenting research at US Strategic Commands’ Deterrence and Assurance Academic Alliance Conference and Workshop on The Perverse Consequences of Emerging ISR Technology as well as, being a panelist at the 2019 US Strategic Command Deterrence Symposium.

Previously, Alexa worked on the International Communication and Negotiation Simulations Project at The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, aiding in the creation of wargames for federal clients.