The Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine is a nonprofit organization consisting of members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine who reside or work in Virginia, as well as Virginians who are leaders in these fields. Through its nonpartisan network of experts, the Virginia Academy provides rigorous analytical, technical, and scientific support to inform policy on issues critical to the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Academy also promotes research, fosters interchange among individuals and organizations and recognizes and honors Virginians who have made major contributions to science, engineering, and medicine.
In 2013, Sen. Mark Warner encouraged a group of scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals to create an organization in the image of the National Academies to provide nonpartisan, objective technical guidance to decision-makers on the most difficult, challenging issues of the day. Thus began the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM).
During the course of the past 10 years, we have hosted nine summits on emerging challenges and opportunities and published two in-depth studies on issues of pressing concern for Virginians and a report highlighting those areas in which Virginia could play a leading role in addressing national challenges. We have also launched a well-regarded fellowship program that introduces graduate students from technical areas to policymaking.
The successes the Virginia Academy has achieved over the last decade have enlarged our aspirations. We are currently reflecting on these successes and making ambitious plans for the future. At the end of the next 10 years, we intend to be recognized across state government as the premier convener of science, engineering, and healthcare expertise in the Commonwealth and as an indispensable source of information, analysis, and insight required for more effective public policy.
James Aylor
Nathaniel (Nat) Draper assumed the role of Executive Director at the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM) in July 2024. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Randolph-Macon College and a master’s degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to joining VASEM, Nat dedicated sixteen years to teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Earth Science at public high schools in Henrico County. In 2011, he contributed to the College Board and BFW Publishing, co-authoring the inaugural edition of an AP Environmental Science textbook, which continues to be widely used.
During his tenure as Director of Education for the James River Association (JRA), Nat played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s educational programs throughout the James River watershed. His efforts were instrumental in establishing three educational centers in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg.
Nat brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his role at VASEM. In his leisure time, he enjoys paddling the upper James River, gardening, and playing golf and pickleball. He looks forward to leveraging his background to enhance VASEM’s impact and visibility across Virginia.
The Virginia Academy provides nonpartisan, objective technical guidance to decision-makers on the most difficult, challenging issues of the day.
Since its founding 10 years ago, VASEM has established a diverse set of programs. We have convened nine annual summits, written a series of reports detailing how the Commonwealth could confront its most pressing challenges, and strengthened policymaking in the state by giving graduate students from universities across Virginia have gained hands-on experience applying their expertise to public policy issues at state agencies, legislative offices, corporations, and nonprofits.
The Virginia Academy’s record of accomplishment over the past 10 years has place it in an ideal position to reflect on its record. Now is the time to evaluate our efforts, expand on our successes, and pursue initiatives in areas where we have yet to realize our full potential. Our strategic plan is our roadmap for moving forward over the next five years.
