Building Community at the Intersection of Technology and Policy

On January 14, 2026, Gross Hall’s Energy Hub filled with conversation and energy as students, faculty, and alumni gathered for the Spring Tech Mixer. Hosted by the Duke Initiative for Science & Society, it offered an informal space for participants to connect over shared interests in technology, ethics, and public policy. As the clock neared 6:00 pm, the atmosphere settled into a relaxed, welcoming rhythm, setting the tone for an evening centered on connection and meaningful dialogue.

The idea for the Spring Tech Mixer emerged from our conversations as student leads with Science & Society directors, faculty, and staff about the need for more informal spaces where students across programs could connect. Across Duke, students and faculty are doing remarkable work in engineering, law, data science, public policy, and ethics, but often engage with these fields in isolation—even when their interests overlap. Our goal was to host a space where interdisciplinary exchange could happen organically and where students, faculty, and alumni could engage beyond classrooms and panels.

Nearly 75 attendees joined us, representing the Pratt School of Engineering, the Law School, the Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) program, Duke AI Health, the Graduate and Professional Student Government, and Science & Society. Faculty and alumni also took part, bringing together a mix of perspectives and career experiences that elevated the evening’s conversations.

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The evening opened with brief remarks from speakers working at the intersection of technology and policy. Tommy Sowers, former deputy director of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society, highlighted the need to pair technical innovation with ethical reflection and responsible governance. Following him, Sofya Diktas and Abigail Wesson from the North Carolina Office of AI Governance and Policy shared insights from their work shaping the evolving approach to artificial intelligence regulation, offering students a window into a field still taking shape.

As the formal remarks concluded, the room transitioned into conversation amongst students as we compared courses, exchanged research interests, and gathered advice from alumni who had recently navigated similar academic and career moves. Undergraduates connected with graduate students to learn more about Science & Society programs, often continuing conversations over shared snacks or while refilling drinks.

Some of the most meaningful moments emerged through conversations with undergraduates who were eager to explore how technical training could connect with ethics and policy but were unsure where to start. Pointing them toward courses, faculty, and programs underscored one of the evening’s most valuable outcomes: helping students recognize new academic and professional possibilities.

The presence of alumni added a valuable layer of perspective. Many shared non-linear career paths and unexpected transitions, reminding students that careers at the intersection of technology and policy are often shaped by curiosity and flexibility. One alum described starting in a purely technical role before realizing the questions that most interested her were about who technology serves—and who it leaves out. That realization led her into regulatory work, where she now helps translate technical systems into public accountability.

Another alumnus noted that “you rarely feel fully qualified when you move into interdisciplinary spaces—but that stretch is often where the most meaningful work happens.” Across conversations, a common theme emerged: none of the alumni followed straight paths. Instead, they followed persistent ethical questions. For students, that was a reassuring reminder that interdisciplinary careers are less about perfect plans and more about remaining attentive to the questions that matter.

As student leads, the Spring Tech Mixer reinforced how essential informal community-building is to fostering interdisciplinary work. In the days that followed, students reached out to continue conversations, explore collaborations, and ask about future programming. That follow-up felt like a meaningful sign that the evening created something lasting beyond the event itself.

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From an event coordination perspective, organizing the mixer helped us grow in ways we did not fully anticipate. We had to think carefully about outreach and how to bring together students, faculty, and alumni from different schools who do not often share the same space. Coordinating across programs required clear communication, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt as details shifted. We also became more intentional about how to structure the evening so that it encouraged genuine dialogue rather than surface-level networking.

One of the biggest lessons for us was learning how to facilitate conversation without controlling it. We realized that fostering interdisciplinary dialogue is less about scripting interactions and more about creating the right environment. When people feel welcomed and represented, meaningful exchanges happen naturally. While we are proud of how the event turned out, the experience also gave us new ideas for how we can continue building spaces that encourage sustained, thoughtful engagement across disciplines.

We are deeply grateful to the Duke Initiative for Science & Society for hosting this event and to the Tech Policy Club and MIDS program for their partnership and support, as well as to our speakers, alumni, and the many students who helped make the evening possible. As student leads for Science & Society, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating more opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni to come together to explore the future of technology and policy.

AUTHORS

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Renee Muthakana

M.A. student, Applied Ethics and Policy

Renee Muthakana brings a background in chemistry, women’s studies, and healthcare consulting, combining scientific and policy perspectives to tackle healthcare challenges. During her journey at Duke University, she is deepening her understanding of medicine while exploring how policy and technology shape more equitable healthcare systems. Her work centers on using data-driven insights to improve patient care and promote inclusive, innovative health solutions.

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Alex Salazar Anaya

M.A. student, Applied Ethics and Policy

Alex Salazar Anaya brings a background in governance and elections support, with experience in policy research and program implementation focused on democratic institutions. At Duke, she is expanding her work to explore the intersection of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and space systems, with public policy and national security. Her interests center on the governance, ethical, and policy challenges posed by rapidly evolving technologies at both the domestic and global level.