Photo by Shaughn Crawford
I am passionate about creating moments where people are reminded of the gift and privilege of being alive.
During the day, I lead an extraordinary team of creatives called The Studio at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where we transform complex concepts into meaningful stories that can be universally understood. Our work is seen in public spaces, art museums, and is in outer space.
After doing the dishes, hanging out with my kids and spending time with my wife, I collaborate on art installations, immersive experiences and creative problem-solving projects around the world. Currently I am working on a new installation for a law school in SF, and imagining a way to experience listening to a million people singing at once.
I was honored with NASA’s Exceptional Public Service Award and somehow was selected as “One of the most interesting people in Los Angeles” by the LA Weekly. In 2002, I graduated valedictorian from the graphic design program at Art Center College of Design. I currently live in Altadena, CA with my wife, three kids, 7 chickens, 2 beehives and our beautiful dog.
SELECTED TALKS AND PRESS
Given at the EG Conference, I share how I got to JPL and what a gift and privilege it is to be alive. (17min)
In this talk on TED.com I give a the behind-the-scenes story about how a single question launched NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab into action at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, propelling an unprecedented pivot from space-exploring robots to live-saving ventilators. It'll inspire you to wonder: "Is what I'm doing right now the most important thing I can be doing?" (7min)
Find wonder in everyday life, your work, relationships, and every aspect of your life. This talk was given at STORY 2016 in Nashville, TN at the Country Music Hall of Fame. (28min)
Join me as I hang out with a couple of my friends talking about my life, creativity, and some of my projects while eating amazing Colombian food. Originally done for Colombias’ GFAACT conference about Arts, Culture, Creativity and Technology. (41min)
CNN: Article about The Studio at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Forbes: In this podcast you’ll hear from 5 members of The Studio at JPL partner with scientists and engineers to help them “think through their thinking”. They’ll also tell us how they got the coolest jobs ever, and fill us in on some of their awesome projects, like wearable tech for astronauts, visualizing live communications from NASA’s Deep Space Network, and a whole lot more. (70min)
LA Weekly: Selected as “One of the Most Interesting People in LA”
Podcast Interview about “Making your art memorable” with Harris III from the Story Conference
NPR: Story on our studio at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
KCET: 10min Documentary on The Studio
PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE ME
Do you ever have voices in the back of your head? I mean the kind from people who you admire that cause you to become better? Better in life, work, relationships, etc? Through my life I have had the privilege to either know or be exposed to a number of amazing people. Here I share them with you.
Erwin McManus
Lives a life of purpose, meaning and adventure
Lou Danzinger
Taught me to “work, think and feel”
Roland Young
Can reach into your soul and bring out the best you never knew you had
Kevin Kelly
The deepest thinker I know
David Kremers
Has tought me long term thinking
Ned Kahn
Creates beautiful artwork that illuminates nature
Evelyn Glennie
Caused me to think about my senses
Dan McCleese
He taught me what it means to persevere gracefully