In Brief
I am a neuroscientist-turned-public engagement professional. I use my interdisciplinary scholarly background to reimagine and create systems that support public engagement across higher education.
I specialize in translating research into useful tools for practice, building effective training and capacity-building programs, and developing frameworks that synthesize scholarship and practitioner knowledge to help public engagement systems evolve.
Recent Initiative Highlights
an action framework for public research universities in better supporting engaged- and equity-oriented scholars and scholarship
an online course on strategies for effective public engagement
a paper synthesizing the literature to outline possible promotion & tenure reforms to better reward community-engaged scholarship and public engagement
an institution-agnostic framework and reflective practice tool that captures and supports capacity-building across all forms of publicly engaged work
a white paper that synthesizes the training, evaluative, and research literatures and outlines a framework defining foundational skills for science communication
a campus-wide fellowship program supporting community- and capacity-building across disciplines and forms of public engagement
Areas of Expertise
participatory design, facilitation, and decision-making
designing trainings & other ways to build capacity in public engagement
research-to-practice in public engagement
neuroscience research
science communication
strategic systems mapping and analysis
higher education structures & administration
Core Competencies
exceptional analytic and problem-solving skills
collaborative and service-oriented mindset
feedback-driven approach to teamwork and leadership
data-driven orientation in prioritization and decision-making
proven ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
effectively synthesizing large volumes of information
asset-based strategic analysis & decision-making
Background
Experience
Director, Public Engagement & Research Impacts
University of Michigan Office for the Vice President of Research
2022 - present
I oversee efforts to catalyze a more robust and interconnected research impact and public engagement infrastructure and community across the University of Michigan. Our team connects faculty, students, and staff to the right partner, resource, or tool at the right time to support ethical and effective efforts to amplify the public impacts of research.
Public Engagement Lead
University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation
2018 - 2022
I lead a small team to strategically develop, launch, and grow an innovative portfolio as part of a campus-wide Presidential strategic area of focus on Public Engagement and Impact.
Board Member
Science Communication Trainers Network
2019 - present
I supported and collaboratively launched a professional network to support trainers in science communication and public engagement.
Co-Founder and Director
RELATE
2013 - 2018
I co-designed, implemented, administered, evaluated, and revised innovative program to train students and faculty in STEM fields to effectively communicate with lay-audiences in-person and using digital media.
APLU Civic Science Fellow
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
2021 - 2023
My fellowship project - co-hosted by APLU and U-M - offers guidance to public research universities on ways that they can support scholars and advance public impact research, Cooperative Extension, civic science, community-engaged research, and other forms of public engagement, with special attention to the ways that diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are integral to this work.
Contracted Program Development Associate
University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation
2018
I designed a faculty fellowship program on health communication, media, and policy.
Co-Boss
Nerd Nite Ann Arbor
2015 - 2017
I collaboratively led Nerd Nite Ann Arbor, part of the international group of Nerd Nite informal learning events, in a series of monthly social and informal learning events.
Lecturer
University of Michigan Medical School Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
2016 - 2017
I developed & co-directed credit-bearing courses on professional and public science communication skills.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience | University of Michigan (2013 - 2016)
Master of Science, Neuroscience | University of Michigan (2010 - 2013)
Bachelor of Arts with Honors, Cognitive Science | Rice University (2004 - 2008)
Selected Honors
Advancing Research In Society (ARIS) Fellowship
Finalist, AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science
1st Place Winner, University of Michigan 3-Minute Thesis Competition
Community Choice Award, NSF Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
Neuroscience Graduate Program Outstanding Student Publication Award
Rice University; Scientia C.P. Snow Student Fellowhip
Rice University Class of 1921 Golden Anniversary Scholarship
Paul Blankenship Memorial Scholarship
A list of publications and presentations is available upon request.
Contact
