BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Shahzeen Attari, a professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has been named a 2024 Storymakers Fellow by the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.
The Storymakers program trains mid-career environmental and sustainability researchers in the art of storytelling so they can reach the public with creative and compelling narratives that inspire positive change. Attari will take part of the in-residence program at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Santa Catalina Island, California, allowing her to be immersed the environment they’re working to aid with the hope of sparking inspiration for creative projects as they learn from award-winning instructors in publishing, podcasting, immersive media, and more.
“I’m looking forward to learning how to connect with people through better storymaking, storytelling and spending time with other fellows who are on this journey,” Attari said.
The program, which will be held June 23-29, will include workshops and studio training, and brings together researchers from around the country.
“Richard Powers wrote that ‘the best arguments in the world won’t change a person’s mind. The only thing that can do that is a good story,’” Attari said. “I am excited to learn from scientists, artists, storymakers, and storytellers on how we can connect the heart and mind. I think this connection is critical for action on climate change and to help us reimagine what the future can look like.”
Attari’s research focuses on the psychology of resource use and how to motivate action on climate change. Attari and her lab work on problems that draw on both cognitive and environmental science, and focus on perceptions, motivations, and biases related to climate change and sustainability.