Since 2010, I’ve designed exhibits, digital platforms, and campaigns to improve both the public’s understanding of science and scientist’s understanding of the public.

Science communication has historically been driven by the “deficit model” — or the belief that the problem is an uneducated and unskilled public. This model has been largely disproven, with critics pointing to the roles that our cultures, identities, accessibility, and institutional biases inevitably play in shaping the relationship between science and the public. Despite progress, the deficit model is still the leading approach employed by scientists and educators nationwide. I’ve spent my career experimenting with ways to challenge the deficit model through bidirectional relationship-building and participatory learning.

STEM Storytelling Initiatives

A true democracy or democratic republic requires informed, engaged, and inspired communities. We need to remove the systemic, psychological, cultural, and practical barriers that the public faces in co-building more sustainable and equitable futures.

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The People's Science

Designing and piloting a platform to connect scientists and the public.

“The People’s Science” website, first launched by Dr. Jamil Zaki, was a platform for scientists to write brief summaries of their work for non-experts. I took the lead on the project in 2012, resulting in the design of a custom-built community interface for scientists and non-scientists to directly interact around new findings.

Prior to sunsetting the project in 2018 to focus on new initiatives, it was featured by several major news outlets including NPR.

#ShareYourScience Tour

Leading a multi-campus tour to teach scientists public communication skills.

I created a three-part interactive workshop and talk series that were presented at institutions nationwide, including UC Davis, Fleet Science Center, University of Oregon, Portland State University, Harvard University, and ComSciCon. Each workshop was organized in collaboration with a team of local science communicators.

Additionally, I presented the content as a guest lecturer in Dr. David Eagleman’s seminar at Stanford University.

Science Communication Framework

Constructing a new model for science communication.

Synthesizing insights from experts and decades of scholarship, I built a model updated for the needs of 21st century communities and issues. This model served as the foundation of The People’s Science, a nonprofit started in 2013 with the aim of improving the relationship between scientists and the public.

ANDL Lab Tours

Creating a behind-the-scenes lab tour program for under-resourced students.

With the support of the Affective Neuroscience & Development Lab, I created an interactive workshop with five stations hosted by Harvard scientists. Local classrooms were invited to tour the lab, see their teacher’s brain via fMRI, learn about adolescent brains (and play with a few real ones), and meet-and-greet with the scientists.

OHSU Traveling Exhibition

Creating an interactive traveling exhibition to teach the public about the brain.

In 2011, I led a team of artists and scientists in the construction of a multi-component, mobile exhibition for the Portland Alcohol Research Center (PARC). The exhibition included a custom arcade-style game, a large touch-screen game, multiple analog activities, and life size infographics.

MARC Multimedia Exhibition

Creating a multimedia experience for public health education.

In 2012, I worked with the Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center (MARC) to create a series of multimedia installations featuring custom video by Emmy-award winning educational editor, Brandon Pousley.

The exhibit showcased the work of MARC researchers on addition and health and has been used for public engagement with the institute.

I Am a Scientist Program

Co-creating a program to break STEM stereotypes in classrooms.

“I Am A Scientist” is an educational initiative designed to bring the stories and science of real world researchers to classrooms. This project counters limiting narratives about what science is and who can do it, demystifies career pathways, and connects students and researchers to additional resources.

The project is currently being distributed by The Plenary, Co. to over 1500 classrooms nationwide.