Laurel Allen is Sr. Digital-Engagement & Community Manager for the California Academy of Sciences, where she oversees a social-media community of 3MM+, digital special-projects (e.g. apps, AR lenses, VR experiences, 360-object creative), and works with curators and researchers to help them better communicate their science. Her work leans heavily on a background in brand strategy and cultural research; areas of focus include social-media (paid and organic), persona/voice-and-tone development, influencer outreach for nonprofits, and how to stay as human as your followers are in any efforts to get their attention. An Explorers Club Fellow and Shorty Award winner, her long-form writing has appeared in Fast Company, Gizmodo, Indefinitely Wild, Modern Farmer, Alert Diver, and more.

Watch their presentation on the SciComm YouTube channel.