SELECTED PROJECTS
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on a variety of projects that address understanding and improving end-of-life experiences.
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As part of my work on Facebook’s Memorialization, I conducted ethnographic research in Indonesia, India, and Mexico. This involved, in collaboration with local guides and advisors, observing and participating in local rituals and interviewing laypeople and experts in order to understand their beliefs and values around dying, grief and legacy. It was a tremendous privilege, and a perspective-shifting experience, to learn firsthand from this wide range of people.
Product experiences I contributed to include the Tributes Section, a community space for honoring the deceased; the Legacy Contact feature, which enables users to appoint someone to manage their account in the event of their death; and a project using AI to prevent distressing experiences for the bereaved.
During my time as a Research Fellow with End Well, I conducted research on portrayals of death and dying on television. By shedding light on current depictions and envisioning the future of these representations, we were able to identify gaps and opportunities for how these stories can be expanded.
The published study, released with USC Annenberg Media Impact Project, encourages content creators to produce nuanced, vital, and diverse stories that shape our cultural narrative about end of life.
Read the full report:
features + PRESS:Deadline / Psychology Today / NPR / Variety / SXSW Panel
I co-host the podcast Sweet Valley Hive, which explores the 1980s young adult book series “Sweet Valley High.” With humor and critical analysis, some of the episodes touch on themes of loss and grief.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.