ONR Director to discuss basic research, STEM education on NPR's 'Science Friday'

The scientist in charge of the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) basic research portfolio will participate in a panel discussion on National Public Radio's (NPR) "Talk of the Nation: Science Friday" show broadcasting live March 16 from National Geographic Society's headquarters in Washington.

Dr. Michael Kassner, ONR's director of research, will discuss the Department of the Navy's (DoN) efforts to support and increase the quality of basic research—and to grow the cadre of naval scientists and engineers—on a panel hosted by NPR's Ira Flatow. As the lead for the Naval Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Coordination Office, Kassner will also talk about the DoN's leading role in promoting STEM education.

ONR coordinates STEM initiatives across the Navy, which is increasing its investment in STEM outreach to cultivate a new generation of technology-savvy workers to replenish the naval science and engineering corps.

On "Talk of the Nation," Kassner will be featured during a science and policy segment, titled "Scientist Shortage: Myth or Reality?" He and a panel of experts will examine the ongoing debate over whether the nation is producing too few scientists and engineers to sustain its historical technological edge and to satisfy employer demands.

The discussion will air live on NPR from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT with audience interaction.

Panelists include Dr. Charles Vest, president of the National Academy of Engineering; Dr. Lindsay Lowell, director of policy studies at Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of International Migration; and Antoinette Pena, an 8th grade science teacher at Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, D.C.

Provided by Office of Naval Research