From Sea to Space:
Challenges for Energy, Trade, and National Security
October 7, 2026
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mason Square Campus (Arlington)
Van Metre Hall
Multipurpose Room 126
Click here for the list of participants and their biographies
Agenda
8:00–8:30 AM
Registration & Refreshments
Van Metre Hall Lobby
Check-in and morning networking.
8:30–9:00 AM
Opening & Introductory Remarks
Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Kauzlarich
Distinguished Visiting Professor and Co-Director, Center for Energy Science and Policy, George Mason University
Professor Ellen Laipson
Professor and Director, International Security Program; Director, Center for Security Policy Studies, George Mason University
Welcome and opening remarks.
9:00–9:45 AM
Morning Keynote: “Maritime Security and the Iran War”
Admiral (Ret.) Charles Richard
President, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
Analyzing strategic choke points, naval escort capacity, and physical supply vulnerabilities.
9:45–10:45 AM
Panel 1: Maritime Security: 21st Century Challenges
Colin Gabrow
Associate Director, Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute
Amit Pandya
Consultant on Public International Law
Steve Wills
Navalist, Center for Maritime Strategy
Focus: Examining fundamental energy, national security, and governance issues in the maritime domain.
10:45–11:00 AM
Morning Coffee & Networking Break
Foyer
Networking break.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Panel 2: Implications of the Iran War for Energy and National Security
Matt Reisener
Senior National Security Advisor, Center for Maritime Strategy
Karen Young
Senior Research Scholar, Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy; Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
Scott Snyder
President, Korean Economic Institute
Focus: Assessing the geopolitical consequences of the Iran war for energy producers and consumers.
12:00–1:00 PM
Working Lunch & Keynote Conversation: Energy Security, Technological Innovation, and American Leadership
Mark J. Rozell
Dean and Ruth D. and John T. Hazel Chair in Public Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
David Hart
Senior Fellow for Climate and Energy, Council on Foreign Relations
A keynote conversation examining energy security, technological innovation, and American leadership.
1:00–1:30 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Space as the New Energy Frontier
Rian Bahran, Ph.D.
Chief Nuclear Officer, Antares
Keynote address on the emerging role of space in the future of energy.
1:30–2:30 PM
Panel 3: Space as Economic Infrastructure
Alex Gilbert
Principal & Field Director, Rocinante Fieldwork
Jacob Matthews
Founder & CEO, Potomac
Courtney Stadd
Executive Vice President, Beyond Earth Institute
Moderator:
Hina Kazmi
Adjunct Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Focus: Examining the feasibility, economics, and governance of space-based energy infrastructure.
2:30–2:45 PM
Afternoon Coffee Break
Foyer
Networking break.
2:45–3:45 PM
Panel 4: Nuclear Power, Solar, and Geothermal Solutions
Julianne Szyper
Founder & President, Navigator Consulting
Mike McKechnie
President, Mountain View Solar
Jeffrey Eppink
President & Founder, Enegis, LLC
Moderator:
Dr. Anna Broughel
Lecturer, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
Focus: Evaluating behind-the-meter microgrids, small modular reactor (SMR) viability and costs, natural gas trade-offs, and geothermal energy prospects.
3:45–3:55 PM
Closing Remarks & Conference Summary
Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Kauzlarich
Professor Ellen Laipson
Closing reflections and conference summary.
4:00–5:00 PM
Conference Reception
Van Metre Hall Plaza
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Schar School of Policy and Government.