Our democracy, media, and socials systems are in urgent need of rebuilding. To secure a sustainable and equitable future, we need to leverage the insights of science, the power of creative works, and the wisdom of collaborative, community-driven design.
I intend to do whatever I can, with everyone else who’s trying, to cultivate a healthy civic culture where ideas, imagination, and collective power can thrive.
A thriving democracy depends on a healthy civic culture.
I’ve spent fifteen years crafting a framework, coalition, and infrastructure to support civic flourishing. This site is a beacon and invitation for those looking to co-create, collaborate, or support this work to find each other.
Foundational ModelConditions for a Healthy Civic Culture
Civic Knowledge: Is relevant information about the issues and ideas shaping our lives culturally and psychologically explorable across communities?
Civic Imagination: Do permission structures and opportunities exist for people to practice informed imagining and co-creation beyond the status quo?
Civic Agency: Do people believe – and does evidence exist to support – that their actions and intentions can have an impact on civic outcomes?
Civic Relationships: Is there effective social infrastructure to support meaningful relationship- and trust-building both within and across communities?
✦ Guiding Pillars
-
![]()
Architecture & Legibility
CIVIC CULTURE FIELD-BUILDINGArchitecture, systems building, theory, research, design, Translating complex ideas into functional frameworks that support field- and concept-building
EX: Frameworks, Publishing with Jasmine
-
![]()
Collective Future-Building
Program to support leaders across socio-scientific nonprofits.
In collaboration with Pueblo Consulting founder, Daniel Aguirre, I supported the design, content, and facilitation of an intensive pilot program for emerging and established leaders through the Science Sandbox grant program. The program took place over a six month period, culminating in a three-day retreat that focused on systems change, reflective leadership, and collective wellbeing.
-
![]()
I Am a Scientist Program
Storytelling Initiative to Break STEM Stereotypes & Barriers
My co-creator Dr. Nabiha Saklayen and I produced the “I Am a Scientist” program: a series of toolkits designed to introduce students to the stories, science, and career pathways of multidimensional researchers that counter pop narratives. It will be distributed to 1500+ classrooms this year.
-
![]()
Science Not Silence Collection
Collection of Science Advocacy Stories from the global March for Science
As one of the lead organizers of March for Science rallies in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., I co-authored and co-designed a book with Dr. Lucky Tran. The collection featured stories from the leaders and supporters who powered the movement. It was published by MIT Press in Spring 2018.
-
![]()
SIGNS Summit
Global summit on science advocacy.
The Science in Government, Institutions & Society (SIGNS) Summit gathered emerging and established leaders in service of science advocacy and justice. The 3-day event, held in Chicago, IL, included a reception at Field Museum, 75+ speakers across 5 tracks, a science comedy show, and partnerships with leading organizations including NOVA and Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
-
![]()
It's Only Human Exhibition
Interactive Art & Science Exhibition
on Human BiasIn collaboration with 25+ artists, educators, and scientists, I created an educational experience for members of the public to explore everyday biases at the individual and societal level. The event laid the foundation for The Plenary, Co., a 501(c)3 committed to reimagining how we learn about the things that matter most.
✦ Active Projects
-
![]()
Illuminations Showcase
Civic art and science exhibition on sustainable and equitable futures.
The Plenary, Co. team worked with dozens of artists, designers, experts, and community partners to produce a 6000 sq ft interactive showcase in San Francisco, CA. Thousands of participants explored social, environmental, and scientific issues together.
-
![]()
Science Sandbox x Pueblo Retreat
Program to support leaders across socio-scientific nonprofits.
In collaboration with Pueblo Consulting founder, Daniel Aguirre, I supported the design, content, and facilitation of an intensive pilot program for emerging and established leaders through the Science Sandbox grant program. The program took place over a six month period, culminating in a three-day retreat that focused on systems change, reflective leadership, and collective wellbeing.
-
![]()
I Am a Scientist Program
Storytelling Initiative to Break STEM Stereotypes & Barriers
My co-creator Dr. Nabiha Saklayen and I produced the “I Am a Scientist” program: a series of toolkits designed to introduce students to the stories, science, and career pathways of multidimensional researchers that counter pop narratives. It will be distributed to 1500+ classrooms this year.
-
![]()
Science Not Silence Collection
Collection of Science Advocacy Stories from the global March for Science
As one of the lead organizers of March for Science rallies in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., I co-authored and co-designed a book with Dr. Lucky Tran. The collection featured stories from the leaders and supporters who powered the movement. It was published by MIT Press in Spring 2018.
-
![]()
SIGNS Summit
Global summit on science advocacy.
The Science in Government, Institutions & Society (SIGNS) Summit gathered emerging and established leaders in service of science advocacy and justice. The 3-day event, held in Chicago, IL, included a reception at Field Museum, 75+ speakers across 5 tracks, a science comedy show, and partnerships with leading organizations including NOVA and Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
-
![]()
It's Only Human Exhibition
Interactive Art & Science Exhibition
on Human BiasIn collaboration with 25+ artists, educators, and scientists, I created an educational experience for members of the public to explore everyday biases at the individual and societal level. The event laid the foundation for The Plenary, Co., a 501(c)3 committed to reimagining how we learn about the things that matter most.
CULTIVATING CIVIC IMAGINATION
Imagination, speculative design, and exploration are powerful cognitive and creative tools for supporting democratic agency and problem solving.
INSPIRING STEM IDENTITY & BELONGING
Our sense of belonging and connection to a space can filter how we engage with knowledge, misinformation, and invitations to explore new possibilites.
CRAFTING CREATIVE WORKS
Art, immersive experiences, and multisensory design provide opportunities for worldbuilding and storytelling that can transform complex identities and ideas.
THIS WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN
