Coalescion

On 23-24 September, Coalescion in partnership with the ISTC (International Science and Technology Center) and sponsors at the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR), conducted a workshop under the Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program (NSEP). This workshop brought together over 20 Ukrainian scientists, technicians, and engineers for a 2-day Workshop in Warsaw, Poland. Together, participants and experts exchanged information about knowledge security, research vetting, and roles and responsibilities in protecting sensitive dual-use information, technology, and materials. This exchange was a continuation of an engagement series that provides a vital platform for collaboration with our Ukrainian counterparts on matters of global, regional, and national security. It also marked the first (and hopefully not last) opportunity to partner with the ISTC. Thank you to all our incredible participants for their enthusiasm, insights, and active engagement in the discussions and exercises. We look forward to conducting 6 more workshops for CTR in 2025!

Shana Tovah to those celebrating.

September was a busy month for Coalescion! Among several other destinations, a team traveled to New Delhi, India, to attend South Asia’s largest platform for the electronics manufacturing industry: SEMICON India 2024! At the invitation of Ms. Bettina Weiss of SEMI Global Headquarters, Inc. Coalescion and teaming partners, COVINTS Solutions, attended this dynamic event, which placed a special emphasis on semiconductors, emerging technologies, display manufacturing, electric vehicles, and embedded systems. This large forum event convened over 45,000 key government and industry stakeholders with an interest or role in promoting semiconductor supply chain resilience, and/or protecting sensitive semiconductor technology.  Why is Coalescion interested in semiconductors? In short, to scout for and engage with potential sponsors, contributors, and participants for next year’s, India-US Semiconductor Exchange 2025: Enhancing Compliance and Resilience, aka “SemConEx 2025”. SemConEx 2025 is an exciting collaboration between the U.S. Department of State’s Export Controls and Related Border Security (EXBS) program, Coalescion, and local partners at COVINTS Solutions, that will “coalesce” key government and industry stakeholders from India and the US to exchange ideas and co-create solutions in pursuit of the safe and secure development of national semiconductor capabilities and global economic prosperity. A hearty congratulations to SEMI for organizing an outstanding event and another heartfelt thank you to Bettina for including us! Stay tuned for more on SemConEx 2025 in the coming weeks! 

On the margins of last week's PhSTM/SEAFEC and WiST Forum events, Coalescion graduated its inaugural Cohort of Women in Strategic Trade Mentorship Initiative (WiSTMI) mentees and conducted Cohort II's orientation, allowing both Cohorts to connect, make new professional relationships and deepen existing ones. During the WiST Forum, Cohort I mentees from the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malaysia, delivered poster presentations outlining their capstone projects. Four of them will support improved compliance and two will support the prevention of illicit trade in their respective countries. These efforts are in alignment with the functional areas found in the Strategic Trade Control (STC) Systems Model. We will be issuing a separate Cohort II announcement post so stay tuned to meet and learn about our newest mentees!

Update: The application deadline has been extended to 23:59 (EDT) on 20 September 2024. As part of an ongoing U.S. Department of State sponsored initiative, the Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program (NSEP), Coalescion is holding a Hybrid Research Vetting, Individual Cybersecurity, and Knowledge Security Training for Ukrainian Dual-Use Scientists, Technicians, and Engineers (STEs). The workshop is set to take place in November 2024. The application link and more information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eaNdyQRf

On the anniversary of 9/11, Coalescion remembers and honors the lives lost that day. Their memory reaffirms our commitment to the pursuit of mutually reinforcing and sustainable peace and security.

On Saturday, August 17th, Coalescion held its annual organization rally and team meeting, welcoming staff, Board of Directors, International Advisory Board members, Volunteer Contributors, and supporters who traveled from Vietnam, Jordan, the UK, and all over the U.S.   This year we celebrated a significant expansion of Pillar II, Engagement activities, and discussed strategies to expand and diversify Pillar I, Research and Analysis activities. Prior to Rally “Day” we brought back Rally Week. The five days of “Briefing, Bootcamp, and Brainstorm” sessions included discussions on internal organizational elements surrounding cultivation and maintenance of an effective distributed workforce, cross-training on finance tools and processes, and development of branding and marketing strategies and goals. Learning sessions covered research principles and best practices, AI opportunities and cautions, the use of data visualization as a critical storytelling and reporting tool, and looked at the intersection of strategic trade and sanctions.   Those who made it to Coalescion HQ in Alexandria also participated in a memorable team-building experience at D.C.’s BEAT THE BOMB (Beat The Bomb | DC | Immersive Team Building Experience), which turned out to be our crowning, thematically relevant, and spirited achievement of the week!

Coalescion is excited to welcome Ashley Humphrey as a new Senior Project Lead!   Ashley Humphrey joins Coalescion as a Senior Project Lead bringing a wealth of experience spanning the biological sciences, nuclear nonproliferation, and national/international security. Ashley comes to us from Y-12 National Security Complex where she started as a Projects Management Organization administrative project support, later leading to a role as the University Partnerships Program Manager where she helped to build career pipeline programs with universities through fellowship opportunities and collaborations. In both roles, Ashley contributed to building Y-12 technological capabilities and to the development of a modernized and sustainable workforce. Read more about Ashley on our website: https://lnkd.in/e5tDqCus

Coalescion acknowledges and celebrates the hard and meaningful work performed every day by millions of Americans - you're the backbone and heart of this country! Happy Labor Day!