Wrigley Storymakers Program

2023 Fellows

Dr. Ben Halpern, University of California, Santa Barbara. Ben’s research focuses on the interface of marine ecology and conservation planing.

Dr. Doug Bessette, Michigan State. Doug’s research focuses on sustainable energy, energy transitions, and community energy development.

Dr. Heather Leslie, University of Maine. Heather’s research focuses on the ecology, policy, and management of coastal marine ecosystems.

Dr. Holly Bik, University of Georgia. Holly’s research focuses on the interface between biology and computer science to explore broad patterns in marine microbes.

Dr. Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño, University of Washington. Jacqueline’s research focuses on the ecophysiology and reproductive biology of marine organisms in a changing environment.

Dr. Jessica Hellmann, University of Minnesota. Jessica’s research focuses on the impacts of climate change on natural systems and strategies to reduce those impacts through adaptation and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Dr. Madhur Anand, University of Guelph. Madhur’s research focuses on global ecological changes in ecosystems of regional and global scales and their implications for human-environment sustainability.

Dr. Nick Haddad, Michigan State. Nick’s research focuses on biodiversity and ecosystem service conservation in the face of global changes such as agriculture, habitat loss, and climate change.

Dr. Noa Kekuewa Lincoln, University of Hawai’i Mānoa. Noa’s research focuses on the nexus of environment, agriculture, and society in the past and the present.

Dr. Rosie ‘Anolani Alegado, University of Hawai’i Mānoa. Rosie’s research focuses on systems biology, microbial oceanography, and historical ecology to understand the influence and impact of individuals embedded in larger systems.

Information for Fellows

About the Program

Humanity today faces intensifying environmental catastrophes: climate change, wildfires, water shortages, biodiversity loss, and more. These are not merely scientific issues, but they cannot be solved without science. And yet, the vocabulary, communication styles, and formats that professional academics typically use are often ineffective and even counterproductive in engaging the public. So how can scientists share their knowledge in a way that moves hearts and minds and builds appetite for change?

The Wrigley Storymakers Program is designed to answer that question. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn the art of environmental storytelling so you can share your research with the public in creative and compelling ways. This program focuses especially on narrative persuasion and how to use it to build internet-friendly content that will engage and influence the widest possible audience. Hands-on practice will cover audio production/podcasting, writing, immersive storytelling, creative time for producing original content, and feedback sessions.

Fellows should come to the program with a clear idea of what message or story they want to communicate to the public. You will leave the program with the tools, training, and network you need to develop and advance project ideas for sharing your story with the public. The program location–Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island–is in a pristine marine reserve where you can retreat from the distractions of normal daily activity and be inspired by the beautiful planet you’re trying to aid. You’ll also build relationships with peer faculty so you can support one another long after you leave Catalina Island.

Fellowship and Application

The Wrigley Storymakers Fellowship includes all costs associated with program instruction, transportation from Los Angeles to Catalina Island, room and board while on the island, the wrap party, and one night at a departure hotel. You will be responsible for your own travel to and from Los Angeles, plus your arrival hotel, if needed. Participation is limited to full-time, mid-career U.S. and Canadian researchers studying environment- or sustainability-related topics in the natural or social sciences.

If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague for a fellowship, please complete the online nomination form, and a member of our staff will respond soon. USC and the Wrigley Institute value diversity and encourage nominations of individuals who are members of underrepresented or historically marginalized groups.

Information for Instructors

About the Program

The Wrigley Storymakers Program gives you the opportunity to make a difference for the future of our planet by training scientists to communicate their research in ways that engage and influence the public. You’ll work with small group of leading environment- and sustainability-focused researchers from some of North America’s most prestigious colleges, universities, and scientific organizations.

Instructors commit to a 2-3-day engagement that includes a workshop and availability to engage with Fellows while on the island. Engagements may involve either (1) an afternoon arrival on Catalina Island, with instruction and late-afternoon departure on the following 1-2 days, or (2) morning arrival and instruction on Catalina Island that day and possibly the day after, with departure on the second or third day.

Accommodations and Compensation

The program location–Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island–is a pristine marine reserve, providing a retreat-like environment to enjoy your stay. The California mainland and Los Angeles metro area are just 90 minutes away by boat. All instructors will receive boat transportation to and from the California mainland, meals, and 1-2 nights of private apartment- or cottage-style accommodations at WMSC. Catalina Island is also a popular Southern California resort destination, with recreational and cultural activities based in the city of Avalon. If you wish to extend your stay on the island following your engagement, we will provide departing boat transportation to Avalon.

In addition to transportation and accommodations, all instructors will receive compensation in the form of a competitive fee and reimbursement for reasonable travel costs to and from Los Angeles.

Instructor openings are by invitation only. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague to serve as an instructor for the Storymakers program, please complete the online nomination form, and a member of our staff will respond soon. USC and the Wrigley Institute value diversity and encourage nominations of individuals who are members of underrepresented or historically marginalized groups.