Lacey Stewart

Lacey Stewart serves as the Associate Program Leader for Missile and Space Analysis within the Science and Technology Assessments program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). In this pivotal role, she leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing the United States' security through the development and application of cutting-edge science and technology. Stewart's commitment to the Laboratory’s "Science and Technology on a Mission" ethos is evident in her research. She is driven by the challenge of identifying new areas where LLNL’s unique capabilities can be applied to complex security challenges. Stewart's work is integral to the Global Security Principal Directorate’s Z Program, where her team focuses on providing science and technology-informed intelligence analysis to senior policy and defense leaders.

American University granted Stewart’s B.A. in International Politics and an M.A. in International Security; its location in Washington, D.C., sparked Stewart’s lifelong interest in political science and foreign affairs. Before joining LLNL in 2019, Stewart served as a senior intelligence analyst with the Department of Energy’s Office of Intelligence (DOE-IN) Foreign Nuclear Programs Division. Her work focused on nuclear security, counterterrorism, and nonproliferation, playing a crucial role in several interagency forums. Stewart was honored to contribute to Nuclear Security Summits from 2012 to 2016 and was instrumental in developing critical U.S. government-wide crisis planning efforts. As principal briefer for the Secretary of Energy, Deputy Secretary of Energy, and the DOE/NNSA senior leadership team, she provided critical information to senior government leaders.

Her transition from the DOE’s Foreign Nuclear Programs Division to LLNL was motivated by the Laboratory’s unique approach to national security problems. After a decade of federal experience in D.C., she was drawn to LLNL’s integrated approach to national security challenges. “The way LLNL brings together technical teams with those who’ve worked across political science disciplines creates an exciting environment to find solutions,” said Stewart.

In recognition of her contributions, Stewart was recently named to the tenth annual Early and Mid-Career Recognition (EMCR) Program. She believes that a good EMCR colleague is someone who prioritizes the program or project over personal goals, works collaboratively to find novel solutions to critical national security issues, and navigates bureaucratic challenges effectively.

Stewart is deeply motivated by LLNL’s mission and the tangible results of their efforts to enhance national security. “Knowing that we’re helping our DOD colleagues in operational situations creates a sense of urgency in our projects.  The people who I’ve been privileged to work and their commitment to the mission are also a large driver,” said Stewart.

Working in the intelligence field, there aren’t many opportunities for the public to see what’s going on behind the scenes in the Z Program. “I wish everyone knew the breadth and persistence of the threats we address on a daily basis and how the variety of S&T solutions at the Laboratory are critical for making our country safer,” notes Stewart. “I’m excited to be able to take on new research that address evolving national security issues that are currently under-served from technical intelligence.”

Stewart’s career is a testament to her dedication to national security and her ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams in addressing some of the most critical challenges facing the United States today.