Media, Data Science, and Social Change: A Conversation with Harmony Labs

Focused on the effects of media on society — Harmony Labs envisions a world where media systems support healthy, democratic culture and healthy, happy people. Michael Slaby ‘02 and Riki Conrey will share their unique approach to problem-solving and using data for social good. How does data and technology drive organizations and companies, and can media serve the public good? Register here to attend.

The event is co-sponsored by the Nelson Center, the Watson Institute, and the Data Science Initiative (DSI) at Brown. 

Riki Conrey

Riki is the Director of Science at Harmony Labs and comes to the team with an extensive background in data science for social good. Most known for her work on narrative research projects like Story at Scale and the Peoria Project, Riki has joined Harmony Labs to help researchers connect artists to the insights they need about their audiences. Riki holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Social Psychology but only because data science wasn’t invented yet when she was being educated.

Michael Slaby ‘02

Michael is chief strategist at Harmony Labs working on accelerating media reform and transformation. Previously, he founded and was head of mission of Timshel—a social impact technology company. He was a fellow at the Shorenstein Center at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Michael helped lead the Obama for America campaign as chief integration and innovation officer in 2012 where he oversaw all technology and analytics, and as deputy digital director and chief technology officer in 2008.

Michael is the author of For ALL the People — his first book on the relationship between media, technology, and our civic life. Available February 23, 2021.