Events + Programs
Summit + Project Exhibition: Biodesign Summit 2023
Gallery Exhibition: THRIVE
Host Biodesign Challenge
Date June 21 - 23, 2023
Venue Museum of Modern Art (Titus II Theater) + Parsons School of Design, The New School (Tishman Auditorium)
Description 3-day event featuring 40 finalist projects from global classrooms
Audience Mentors and judges (investors, press, curators, academics) and general public
My Role Grant writing, partnership/sponsorship outreach, audience marketing/RSVP management, venue logistics/production, budget management, staff and volunteer management
Host Biodesign Challenge + University City Science Center
Date April 14, 2022 - June 26, 2022
Venue Esther Klein Gallery, 3600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Description This event showcased biodesign projects from BDC student and faculty alumni. BDC hosted an opening reception that welcomed ~100 guests to view the show.
My Role artist/designer coordination, marketing (social media, newsletters, direct email outreach), press outreach, gallery space construction and setup
Press Release — “THRIVE Exhibition Will Showcase Work at the Nexus of Art, Design, and Biology”
Press Coverage — CLOT Magazine
Image credits: Biodesign Challenge + Valery RizzoDebate Series: Debates of the Century
Host The Century Foundation + NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
Date 2016 - 2019
Venue NYU Campus + The TimesCenter, 242 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036
Description This event series consisted of 12 policy debates at venues across NYC. Each debate showcased a ~2 hour moderated conversation between two experts on a pre-selected policy topic. Audience members voted before and after the event via digital polling software to demonstrate how listening to diverse perspectives can impact opinion.
In April 2016, the Debates of the Century series featured Edward Snowden (via live video link), Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, in debate on the topic of security versus privacy. Following the debate, VIP guests joined the speakers for a seated dinner held in the TimesCenter.
My Role End-to-end production/logistics, venue contract management, audience outreach and marketing, RSVP management, and speaker coordination
Written Commentary — “Snowden v. Zakaria Debate: To Encrypt or Not to Encrypt?”, Alex Kisielewski, May 5, 2016
YouTube Recording — “The Government Should Have Lawful Access to Any Encrypted Message or Device”
Virtual Biodesign Sprints
Host Biodesign Challenge x Google Hardware; Biodesign Challenge x Mars Wrigley
Date September - November 2021; September - November 2022
Venue Virtual
Description The Biodesign Sprint gives interdisciplinary teams the opportunity to design and pitch innovative solutions to challenges shared by companies. The annual program lasts for ~4 months and includes mentorship, feedback sessions, trainings, and potential investment.
My Role Corporate sponsorship engagement, call for submissions, application reviews, program design, presentation logistics, audience outreach, evaluation
Press Release — “Global Teams to Use Biotechnology to Design Regenerative Ecosystems”
Press Coverage — “Flavor-Enhancing Spoons and Chopsticks Could Make Food Taste Better”
Speaking Panel: The Business of Biodesign, Founders and Funders
Virtual Biodesign Sprints
Host Biodesign Challenge + Newlab
Date May 25, 2022
Venue Newlab, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 19 Morris Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Description This event featured two complementary panels that discussed scaling single projects into biodesign companies and the new investment opportunities this creates. Entrepreneurs from biodesign startups like Keel Labs, Tomtex, and Werewool were joined onstage by investors Indiebio and Unreasonable Group. Following the panel portion, there was a networking session in Newlab’s main hall.
My Role Program design, speaker coordination, live emcee, audience outreach, partner coordination