Karen Akerlof is an assistant professor in George Mason University’s Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Her research focuses on the intersection between governance and science and risk communication. She explores this nexus across three areas of study: 1) communication of science with policymakers; 2) public participation in decision-making; and 3) the use of social science within government programs. She leads an environmental science communication concentration within the department’s master’s program and teaches courses on this topic as well as evidence-informed policymaking.