The Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies will host Ohio State alumni Eric Connelly, Lauren Kennedy, and Francesco DiMarco for an engaging conversation on building careers in critical languages and national security—starting right here at Ohio State. The speakers will also introduce Riverside Research, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing our nation’s security.

Drawing on their experiences in language study, research, and interdisciplinary programs, the panelists will share how their academic paths prepared them to support U.S. national security and intelligence missions.

This discussion will focus on career pathways, offering practical insight into navigating the security clearance process, translating academic skills into national security careers, and approaching the job search in intelligence, security, and government-adjacent research. Through their journeys as OSU students and alumni, the speakers will demonstrate how meaningful, mission-driven careers in this field can be built right here in Ohio. Speakers will include:

• Eric Connelly (BA ‘14, MA ‘18, MPA ‘18, MBA, ‘25) – Foreign Language Research Analyst, Project Lead. Alumnus of Ohio State’s Department of International Studies and Center for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies
• Francesco DiMarco (BA ‘13, MA ‘17) – Foreign Language Research Analyst. Alumnus of Ohio State’s East Asian Studies Center
• Lauren Kennedy (BA ‘23, BA ‘23) – Foreign Language Research Analyst. Alumna of Ohio State’s Department of International Studies
• Joe Abiog – Technical Recruiter

The panel will take place in 160 Enarson Classroom Building from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Registration isn't required.