Susan J Cavan brings decades of experience in short- and long-term content creation and digital storytelling, alongside thought leadership and policy analysis, to all her work. Most recently, she served as the Lead Content Manager at CALSTART, a nonprofit focused on clean energy in California. In this role, she led the editorial, internal, corporate, and external (media) communications teams and initiated the exploration of AI for content enhancement and innovative engagement strategies.
Specializing in Russian political affairs, Susan spent over ten years as a researcher and analyst, contributing blogs and journal articles while teaching analytical writing. She later took on the deputy director role at the Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology & Policy at Boston University, where she oversaw the research team, its publications, and strategic communications. Additionally, she coordinated military fellows programs and managed grants and events. After completing her PhD in political science, Susan transitioned to the Atlantic Council as editor and publications manager, where she led strategic communications for the Annual Report. Her commitment to creating a cleaner environment was reflected in her role as Lead Content Manager at CALSTART, where she utilized persuasive strategic communications.
Susan Cavan holds an AB and a Certificate of Slavic Studies from Boston College, as well as an MA in International Relations, an MA in Political Science, and a PhD in Political Science (IR and political theory) from Boston University. Alongside her work on Perspective, NIS Observed, and ISCIP Analyst at Boston University, she independently published the Eurasia Analyst from 2012-2018.
