A Bit About Me.
I have always loved learning, and yes, I know that that makes me sound like a bit of a dork, but it's true. Growing up, one of my nicknames was "Encyclopedia Brown" because I felt compelled to insert my favorite "fun facts" into every conversation. And that desire not just to learn but to share what I've learned has continued to this day.
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One of the remarkable things about the world today is how easy it is to learn and create independently. I can crack open a book, stream a documentary, binge a podcast series, take an online course, or fall down a research rabbit hole all on one pocket-sized device. But of course, this extraordinary ability does not come without consequences, as attested to by the mis/disinformation crisis currently engulfing the globe.
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It's this double-edged nature which drew me to my current career field. Getting vital information out there requires creativity, care, and a willingness to try new techniques and borrow from different fields. Multimedia professionals like myself are critical in creating a healthier information ecosystem by presenting important messaging in novel, versatile, and fun ways. Seeing my work being used to promote the causes and organizations I believe in has been so wonderful. I'm always seeking opportunities to do more of this meaningful awareness-raising work.
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Learn More About Who I Am
My Key Interests
Accessibility
How Can We Make Information More Accessible?
Even though I loved learning more than pratically anything else as a child, I often struggled to sit still and read like my peers. It wasn't until I found alternate ways to engage with learning that I truly excelled. This observation was brought home to me when I became Leader of the Whitman College Chapter of Eye to Eye, where I led arts and crafts sessions designed to teach soft skills to children with learning disabilities and ADHD. These innovative and interactive activities instilled vital insights which might have been missed in a traditional classroom lesson. This idea was a major part of what drew me to media production, as I realized that media plays a crucial role in opening up learning to everyone. Video production, audio production, UX design, and writing can all be ways to open up worlds of information to audiences who might otherwise miss out.
Media Democratization
How Do We Reckon with an Expanding Media Landscape?
Smartdevices have created a revolution in media production which we are still in the process of reckoning with. It's now possible for the average smartphone user to record, edit, and release a video clip, soundbyte, or social media post within minutes, eroding the monopoly on information once held by major media companies. This has had markedly mixed effects, as citizen journalists, filmakers, and pundits have flooded the commons with fresh takes. I believe that media production professionals play a critical role in this environment, as we hold unique insight on how media is manufactured and how to distinguish manipulated media from the genuine article.
Misinformation Research
How Do We Make Our Information Ecosystem Healthier?
Like a lot of folks who came of age during the rise of the social web, I was struck by the profound way our public discourse changed. Where I grew up in Berkeley, California, it wasn't uncommon to be mistrustful of the "mainstream media," but now it seemed like everyone had their own personal theory of the world, and it became harder and harder to find common ground. Complex problems like Misinformation need creative solutions. I want to combine my research savvy with my production know-how to create content that can reach those who would otherwise be misled.
Cross-Cultural Communication
How Do We Make Media That Unites Us?
One of the great things about a multimedia approach is the sheer number of ways you can a message across. During my work as a documentarian I recognized the power that personal stories have to transcend the barriers thrown up by nationality, political affiliation, race, religion or creed. I believe powerful story, honestly told can do a lot to heal our divisions, and this is a principle which has defined much of my work.
