AI × Government Policy

Hi, I’m Nick Wagner

I'm the CEO of Learning Journey AI, a startup focused on promoting workforce AI literacy. I have ten years of experience bridging AI and government policy, spanning science funding, national security, and materials research. In my spare time, I organize and attend tech policy meetups and hackathons in DC.

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My Career Journey

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Builder

May 2025 – Present

Co-Founder & CEO

Learning Journey AI

Building an AI literacy platform and coaching business that delivers workshops and hands-on training, helping over 100 (and counting) professionals develop practical AI skills.

Organizer of the DC AI Dinner Series (30+ attendees monthly) and the Industrial Policy Salon.

Policy Strategist

Sep 2024 – May 2025

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow

National Science Foundation

Developed program evaluation strategy for NSF's $540M AI Institutes portfolio and reviewed funding proposals. Co-chaired the AAAS STPF AI & National Security Affinity Groups.

Defense Analyst

Sep 2019 – Aug 2024

Research Staff Member

Institute for Defense Analyses

Authored AI test and evaluation guidance for the DoD Chief Digital and AI Office. Conducted cost estimates, co-received 2020 Award for Extraordinary Achievement, and launched the company's generative AI newsletter.

Scientist

2014 – 2019

PhD, Materials Science & Engineering

Northwestern University

Applied machine learning to materials discovery, with research cited 800+ times. Research internships at Google Accelerated Science and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

2010 – 2014

BS, Materials Science & Engineering

Arizona State University

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