Leadership

Our leadership team is composed of esteemed scholars, thought leaders, and industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our work. Their diverse expertise drives the institute's mission to advance research and foster creative expression across media, arts, and humanities.

Dr. Thomas Wilson | Executive Director

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Media Studies, University of California, Berkeley

• M.A. in Cultural Anthropology, University of Chicago

• B.A. in English Literature, Harvard University

Career Highlights:

Dr. Wilson is a recognized leader in media and cultural studies. He has published numerous papers on the influence of digital media on modern society and has served as a keynote speaker at international conferences. Prior to joining the Institute, he was a faculty member at Stanford University and a senior researcher at the Media Innovation Lab.

Dr. Catherine Blackwell | Director of Arts and Culture Research

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Art History, University of Oxford

• M.A. in Visual Arts, University of London

• B.A. in History of Art, University of Edinburgh

Career Highlights:

Dr. Blackwell's expertise spans contemporary art and visual culture. She has curated exhibitions in major museums globally, and her research on the intersection of art and political discourse has been widely recognized. She previously held a leadership role at the Tate Modern in London before moving to the Institute.

Dr. Isaac Moore | Director of Digital Media and Innovation

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Digital Media, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• M.A. in Communication Studies, University of California, Los Angeles

• B.A. in Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Career Highlights:

Dr. Moore is a pioneer in the field of digital media, focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and its influence on creative industries. He has led several high-profile projects in collaboration with tech companies and was a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Education on digital learning technologies.

Dr. Alexander Greene | Chief Research Officer

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Humanities, University of Cambridge

• M.A. in Philosophy, University of Toronto

• B.A. in Sociology, University of Edinburgh

Career Highlights:

Dr. Greene has published extensively on the intersection of humanities and contemporary global issues. He has been involved in large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives across Europe and North America and previously directed the Humanities Research Center at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Natalie Parker | Director of Public Programs and Partnerships

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Media and Communication, University of Southern California

• M.A. in Cultural Policy and Management, University of Glasgow

• B.A. in International Relations, University of Miami

Career Highlights:

Dr. Parker is an expert in public engagement and cultural diplomacy. Her career includes work at UNESCO, where she led initiatives to promote cultural exchange between the U.S. and global partners. She has also worked with various arts and cultural organizations to bridge the gap between research and public understanding.

Dr. Gabriel Williams | Director of Global Initiatives

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Yale University

• M.A. in International Affairs, Columbia University

• B.A. in Global Studies, University of California, Los Angeles

Career Highlights:

Dr. Williams has a rich background in global cultural research, with a focus on the interplay between media, language, and society across cultures. His career includes roles with the United Nations and leading multinational research projects examining global media trends. He is a frequent contributor to global forums on media and culture.

Dr. Emily Cooper | Director of Education and Outreach

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Education and Media Studies, University of Michigan

• M.A. in Sociology of Education, University of California, Berkeley

• B.A. in Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles

Career Highlights:

Dr. Cooper has dedicated her career to exploring the role of media and arts in education. She has worked on developing curricula for higher education institutions worldwide and led community-based programs aimed at using media for social change. Her research has had a lasting impact on how arts and media are integrated into educational systems.

Dr. Matthew Edwards | Chief Financial Officer

Educational Background:

• M.B.A., Harvard Business School

• B.A. in Economics, University of California, Berkeley

Career Highlights:

Dr. Edwards is a financial strategist with decades of experience in nonprofit and academic sectors. Before joining the Institute, he served as CFO at a prominent cultural organization and has been instrumental in securing funding for large-scale research projects. He is known for his ability to balance financial sustainability with mission-driven initiatives.