Effective Tech Communication in the Workplace Workshop
Workshop Overview
Clear, effective communication is a critical skill for engineers working in complex, interdisciplinary, and mission-driven environments. Effective Tech Communication in the Workplace is designed to help engineering graduate students bridge the gap between technical expertise and professional impact. This workshop equips participants with practical tools to communicate with confidence, adapt messages for diverse stakeholders, and navigate the human dynamics that influence decision-making in real-world settings.
Through a combination of applied examples, discussion, and structured frameworks commonly used in federal and defense environments, this workshop supports students in developing communication skills that enhance both technical contributions and long-term career readiness.
This workshop series introduces engineering graduate students to the essential communication skills required for effectiveness in today’s complex, professional workplaces. Students will explore the importance of tailoring communication to diverse audiences and learn how message intent, context, and the needs of the stakeholder influence communication strategies. The workshop series examines multiple modes of communication—written, verbal, presenting, and listening—and emphasizes best practices for each to support clarity, credibility, and impact. Students will also gain practical exposure to the structure and purpose of decision briefs and presentations commonly used within Department of Defense and Department of War (DoD/DoW) environments. In addition, the course addresses the human side of professional work by equipping students with strategies to manage themselves effectively in the face of change, ambiguity, and feedback. Through applied examples and discussion, students will develop communication skills that enhance both technical effectiveness and professional
readiness.
About the Speaker
This workshop is led by Jessica Weaver, Ph.D., an accomplished analytics and leadership professional with extensive experience across federal, defense, academic, and consulting sectors. Dr. Weaver brings a unique perspective shaped by more than two decades of work supporting high-impact national security and government missions, as well as her current role mentoring and teaching STEM students and professionals.
Known for her people-centered approach to leadership and communication, Dr. Weaver focuses on helping technical professionals translate expertise into influence, clarity, and meaningful action. Her facilitation style emphasizes practical application, self-awareness, and adaptability—skills essential for success in today’s evolving professional environments.
Dr. Weaver is a Certified Analytics Professional – EXPERT (CAP-X), Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, and the owner of Mosaic Consulting, LLC. with over 20 years of professional experience across several industries (banking, academia, consulting, federal government). Dr. Weaver started out her Department of Defense (DoD) career as an operations research analyst focused on future tech capabilities in weapons, sensors, and wargaming. She supported several Naval offices, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Social Security Administration (SSA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Dr. Weaver has directed cross- functional teams, modernized enterprise data governance, and delivered groundbreaking solutions that advanced national security missions. Her leadership has influenced policy, secured executive approvals at the Department of Defense, and enabled accurate, data-driven decision-making across the intelligence community. What she is currently most passionate about is her adjunct faculty and facilitation roles, working with STEM students and professionals, providing vital professional development and learning in topics such as communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and change management. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that technology does not solve problems; people do. Technology is merely a tool. On the personal side, Dr. Weaver lives in Northern VA with her husband, two kids, a dog, and a gecko. She volunteers in several roles with Scouting America, empowering young women and men to develop leadership skills through outdoor education.