About

Jacob is a social scientist with a diverse background in digital storytelling. He earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 2021, where he focused his research on methodology, measurement, and improving Public Engagement with Science. While there, he worked on NSA-funded projects to help scientists communicate their research to the general public with less jargon and more community relevance. His published works include mapping the influence of science communication training programs and surveying scientists about their public engagement efforts, attitudes, and beliefs. He also worked on other interests, such as media interactivity in persuasive health campaigns and portrayals of science and scientists in popular media.

Now, Jacob focuses on research that continues to ask questions about how things are measured, the indirect links between related concepts, and translating complex ideas into practical knowledge. His time at Texas Tech University helped him discover his passion for storytelling through all forms of media. He’s published photographs of remote locations for The Nature Conservancy, interviewed alumni nationwide, and built websites for small businesses. Data analysis and coding are extensions of this storytelling and allow him to creatively explore quantified measurements of social constructs. His favorite projects are those where he can collect, clean, analyze, and communicate data insights for organizations with short-term objectives focusing on long-term goals.

When he’s not behind a computer screen, he enjoys experiencing nature and the world around him. He also enjoys reading non-fiction books but will sprinkle in a newer fiction books and classic literature he was too cool to read in high school.