Dr. Akerlof is an associate professor at George Mason University. Her research focuses on the intersection between governance and science and risk communication. She explores this nexus across three areas of study: 1) communication of science with policymakers; 2) public participation in decision-making; and 3) the use of social science within government programs. She leads a science communication concentration within her department’s master’s program and teaches courses on this topic as well as evidence-informed policymaking. She has used both qualitative and quantitative social science methods to explore use of science by policymakers, evaluate the effects of public deliberation, and conduct research to inform government program implementation. She has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Park Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Her work has been published in journals such as Nature, Evidence & Policy, and Science & Public Policy. She serves as a co-lead of INGSA's Legislative Science Advice community of practice with UCL's Chris Tyler. Dr. Akerlof earned her M.S. (2009) and Ph.D. (2012) in environmental science and policy from George Mason University.