Announcement / January 2018

CLTC Welcomes Jessica Cussins, Research Fellow, and Rachel Wesen, Events Specialist

CLTC is pleased to welcome two new members of our team: Jessica Cussins, Research Fellow, and Rachel Wesen, Events Specialist. Welcome!

Jessica Cussins, Research Fellow

Jessica Cussins has worked on the social, ethical, and policy implications of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and biotechnology for the last six years. She has worked for numerous technology research organizations, including the Future of Life Institute, the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, The Future Society, Harvard’s Program on Science, Technology & Society, the Institute for the Future, and the Center for Genetics and Society. Jessica received a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a B.A. in Anthropology from UC Berkeley. She has written more than 100 articles and blogs relating to the social impact of technologies in publications including CNBC, the Los Angeles Times, and The Huffington Post.

Jessica was drawn to CLTC because of its innovative and future-oriented approach to the shifting field of cybersecurity. She is excited to work on security and governance implications of AI and digital technologies, as everything in our world becomes increasingly connected and “cognified”. Jessica believes CLTC is perfectly positioned at the intersection of academia, policy, and industry to have a real and beneficial impact on the future of cybersecurity.

Rachel Wesen, Events Specialist

Rachel Wesen comes to Berkeley from Texas where she received a B.S. in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas in 2013. Her degree has allowed her to work in several unique industries under the supply chain umbrella, including operations and transportation in Fort Worth, event management at a premier live music venue in Dallas, warehousing and distribution at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and most recently, she served as the logistics coordinator for one of the leading craft beer breweries in North Texas. Rachel’s personal interests tend to mirror her professional background, as she often likes to attend concerts, explore natural wonders, and check out local restaurants and breweries.

Rachel joins the CLTC team as the Events Specialist and plans to bring her knowledge of operational and administrative processes to help expand the impact of the Center on campus and beyond. She is thrilled to be a part of the Cal family and to contribute to its commitment to diversity, community, and sustainability.