Lindsey Polley

Defense & Nat’l Security Accounts // Emergent Trends in Space, Cyber, and Comms

Dr. Lindsey Polley de Lopez is a prominent figure in the field of defense and national security, currently serving as the Director of Defense & National Security Accounts at Starburst Aerospace. She is recognized as a futurist specializing in cyber and "cyber-adjacent" technologies, providing strategic advisory services to senior leadership in both commercial and defense sectors.

Education and Career Background

Dr. Polley de Lopez holds a PhD from the Pardee RAND Graduate School, where her doctoral research focused on the United States Government’s Vulnerabilities Equities Process for assessing software vulnerabilities. She also possesses multiple advanced degrees, including a Master's in Philosophy for Policy Analysis and a Master's in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.1 2 4

Prior to her role at Starburst Aerospace, she was involved with VentureScope, serving as the Director of Disruptive Technologies, and held a position at MACH37 as the Director of Cyber & Space Intelligence. Her experience includes significant tenure as a defense and policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, where she worked on various projects related to cyber strategy, defense acquisition, and counter-terrorism.2 3 4

Contributions and Publications

Dr. Polley de Lopez has been influential in advising segments of the Department of Defense (DoD) on emergent technology solutions, particularly those applicable to space operations. She has also contributed to several high-profile publications and has been featured in various media outlets discussing her expertise in cybersecurity and defense technologies.2 3 5

Professional Affiliations

In addition to her directorial roles, Dr. Polley de Lopez is actively involved in thought leadership within her field, participating in conferences such as SXSW and GEOINT Symposium, where she discusses emerging technologies and their implications for national security.2 3

Her extensive background and ongoing contributions make her a key player in shaping the future of defense technology and cybersecurity strategies.