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The Jackson Wild Media Lab is an immersive, cross-disciplinary science filmmaking workshop that brings scientists and media creators together to learn from leaders in the profession and work together to develop effective tools to communicate about science, nature and conservation with diverse audiences across the world’s evolving media platforms.
Jackson Wild, in collaboration with Day’s Edge Productions and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, is proud to announce the 2023 Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellows. The selection committee was deeply impressed by the passion and talent of the over 350 applicants from across the globe, with 16 Fellows selected for this rigorous professional development cohort.
Preceding the Jackson Wild Summit, the 2023 Media Lab Fellows will engage in a hands-on storytelling intensive to hone their filmmaking skills alongside thought leaders in environmental science, conservational and nature filmmaking from Jackson Wild's Board, sponsors and other industry partners. The workshop will culminate in a showcase of their work during the 2023 Jackson Wild Summit. Camera equipment for the Jackson Wild Media Lab is generously provided by our partners at Sony Cine and Videndum Production Solutions.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with Day’s Edge Productions and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, a proud sponsor of the Jackson Wild Summit.
Jackson Wild, in collaboration with Day’s Edge Productions and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, is proud to announce the 2023 Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellows. The selection committee was deeply impressed by the passion and talent of the over 350 applicants from across the globe, with 16 Fellows selected for this rigorous professional development cohort.
Preceding the Jackson Wild Summit, the 2023 Media Lab Fellows will engage in a hands-on storytelling intensive to hone their filmmaking skills alongside thought leaders in environmental science, conservational and nature filmmaking from Jackson Wild's Board, sponsors and other industry partners. The workshop will culminate in a showcase of their work during the 2023 Jackson Wild Summit. Camera equipment for the Jackson Wild Media Lab is generously provided by our partners at Sony Cine and Videndum Production Solutions.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with Day’s Edge Productions and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, a proud sponsor of the Jackson Wild Summit.
Felipe Contreras
(they/he)
Felipe Contreras is a Puerto Rican and Salvadorian storyteller renowned for his expertise as a filmmaker, photographer, and podcaster. With an unwavering dedication to telling Indigenous and environmental stories, Felipe delves into the interconnectedness between these themes and social justice. His work at Nia Tero as a former storyteller and his instrumental contributions in streamlining partnerships and development at If Not Us Then Who reflect his commitment to amplifying voices that drive positive change. Felipe's exceptional portfolio showcases his passion for capturing the essence of cultural narratives and environmental issues, inspiring a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.
(they/he)
Felipe Contreras is a Puerto Rican and Salvadorian storyteller renowned for his expertise as a filmmaker, photographer, and podcaster. With an unwavering dedication to telling Indigenous and environmental stories, Felipe delves into the interconnectedness between these themes and social justice. His work at Nia Tero as a former storyteller and his instrumental contributions in streamlining partnerships and development at If Not Us Then Who reflect his commitment to amplifying voices that drive positive change. Felipe's exceptional portfolio showcases his passion for capturing the essence of cultural narratives and environmental issues, inspiring a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.
Samuel Diaz Fernández
(he/him)
Samuel Diaz Fernández (he/him) is a Colombian-born filmmaker, educator, and the co-founder of TÁPI Story and the School of Slow Media. He was named a National Geographic Explorer in 2022 for his upcoming short doc on Thermal Inequities and Community perceptions of heat in Austin, TX. The first of his Austin trilogy— “La Cosecha”— premiered at SXSW in 2023. In 2021, he received a Silver Telly for directing “Remember Love”, a short doc on the memories of children orphaned by extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. His films have also shown at CineFestival, Austin Asian American Film Festival and the Cambodia International Film Festival.
(he/him)
Samuel Diaz Fernández (he/him) is a Colombian-born filmmaker, educator, and the co-founder of TÁPI Story and the School of Slow Media. He was named a National Geographic Explorer in 2022 for his upcoming short doc on Thermal Inequities and Community perceptions of heat in Austin, TX. The first of his Austin trilogy— “La Cosecha”— premiered at SXSW in 2023. In 2021, he received a Silver Telly for directing “Remember Love”, a short doc on the memories of children orphaned by extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. His films have also shown at CineFestival, Austin Asian American Film Festival and the Cambodia International Film Festival.
Emily Harwitz
(she/her)
Emily Harwitz is a multidisciplinary science and environmental storyteller with roots in the US and China. With a background in chemistry and ecology, she explores stories that expand our understanding of the natural world—including our place in it. Through her work, she hopes to promote curiosity, restore connection with, and foster appreciation for nature's incredible beauty. She has a Master’s degree from UC Santa Cruz’s science communication program and is an ambassador for Girls Who Click, a non-profit that promotes gender equity in conservation photography and film.
(she/her)
Emily Harwitz is a multidisciplinary science and environmental storyteller with roots in the US and China. With a background in chemistry and ecology, she explores stories that expand our understanding of the natural world—including our place in it. Through her work, she hopes to promote curiosity, restore connection with, and foster appreciation for nature's incredible beauty. She has a Master’s degree from UC Santa Cruz’s science communication program and is an ambassador for Girls Who Click, a non-profit that promotes gender equity in conservation photography and film.
Olivia Johnson
(she/her)
Olivia is a multimedia creative strategist based in Seattle, Washington. She graduated with degrees in Environmental Studies and English from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has worked in commercial production, and for Paper Kite Productions on Broad City (Comedy Central), Duncanville (Fox), Making It (NBC), Three Busy Debras (Adult Swim), Russian Doll, Wine Country, Moxie, and NATE: A One Man Show (Netflix). Most recently, she directed and edited a documentary called Caddisfly. Outside of her film and advocacy work, Olivia is a passionate environmentalist who loves books, snowboarding, and open water swimming
(she/her)
Olivia is a multimedia creative strategist based in Seattle, Washington. She graduated with degrees in Environmental Studies and English from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has worked in commercial production, and for Paper Kite Productions on Broad City (Comedy Central), Duncanville (Fox), Making It (NBC), Three Busy Debras (Adult Swim), Russian Doll, Wine Country, Moxie, and NATE: A One Man Show (Netflix). Most recently, she directed and edited a documentary called Caddisfly. Outside of her film and advocacy work, Olivia is a passionate environmentalist who loves books, snowboarding, and open water swimming
Madelyn Leembruggen
(she/her)
Madelyn Leembruggen (she/her) is a PhD candidate in theoretical physics at Harvard University, and proud alumna of the University of Cincinnati. She is dedicated to making science an equitable, inclusive, and accessible space for people from all backgrounds. To this end, Madelyn is the President and co-founder of A World of Women+ in STEM (WOW STEM for short), an online learning space dedicated to celebrating past, present, and future women+ in STEM. Madelyn is also a TEDx speaker and freelance science communicator. She seeks to stoke curiosity and spark joy by telling science stories that recenter empathy and humanity.
(she/her)
Madelyn Leembruggen (she/her) is a PhD candidate in theoretical physics at Harvard University, and proud alumna of the University of Cincinnati. She is dedicated to making science an equitable, inclusive, and accessible space for people from all backgrounds. To this end, Madelyn is the President and co-founder of A World of Women+ in STEM (WOW STEM for short), an online learning space dedicated to celebrating past, present, and future women+ in STEM. Madelyn is also a TEDx speaker and freelance science communicator. She seeks to stoke curiosity and spark joy by telling science stories that recenter empathy and humanity.
Josh Martin
(he/him)
Josh Martin (he/him) is a physics M.A. student at Stony Brook University. Through his YouTube channel and Tik Tok account, “Ludus”, he has taught math and physics to hundreds of thousands of students around the world. He is a published author of an algebra workbook with a calculus workbook on the way. Josh is currently researching ways to visualize astronomical data to better communicate complex topics to researchers and the public. He plans to continue producing math & physics tutorials to create a better learning experience for higher-level-undergraduate and graduate physics students where current supplemental materials are scarce.
(he/him)
Josh Martin (he/him) is a physics M.A. student at Stony Brook University. Through his YouTube channel and Tik Tok account, “Ludus”, he has taught math and physics to hundreds of thousands of students around the world. He is a published author of an algebra workbook with a calculus workbook on the way. Josh is currently researching ways to visualize astronomical data to better communicate complex topics to researchers and the public. He plans to continue producing math & physics tutorials to create a better learning experience for higher-level-undergraduate and graduate physics students where current supplemental materials are scarce.
Ben Mirin
(he/him)
Ben Mirin is an ethno-ornithologist and Ph.D. Candidate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology where he studies birdsong and human cultures. Ben recently returned from a Fulbright Hays Fellowship to Indonesia, where he explored the songbird trade using participatory storytelling research and co-created conservation education programs for Indonesia’s public schools. Ben is a lifelong lover of birds and has recorded their voices to make music for nearly a decade. His sounds, music, writing, films and television have appeared in National Geographic (where he is an Explorer), BBC, bioGraphic, Smithsonian, Audubon, and the free online game BeastBox hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
(he/him)
Ben Mirin is an ethno-ornithologist and Ph.D. Candidate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology where he studies birdsong and human cultures. Ben recently returned from a Fulbright Hays Fellowship to Indonesia, where he explored the songbird trade using participatory storytelling research and co-created conservation education programs for Indonesia’s public schools. Ben is a lifelong lover of birds and has recorded their voices to make music for nearly a decade. His sounds, music, writing, films and television have appeared in National Geographic (where he is an Explorer), BBC, bioGraphic, Smithsonian, Audubon, and the free online game BeastBox hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Darlien Morales
(she/her)
Darlien Morales crafts poignant stories through cinematic language. Her documentary filmmaking specialty to merge the gap between science and media led her to win multiple EMMYs, among other awards. Her works have premiered and developed around the Caribbean, USA, Europe, and South America. She is a member of the "Asociación de Documentalistas de Puerto Rico," working to promote the development of non-fiction cinema. Darlien stands out as one of the few female underwater camera operators and cinematographers from the Caribbean.
(she/her)
Darlien Morales crafts poignant stories through cinematic language. Her documentary filmmaking specialty to merge the gap between science and media led her to win multiple EMMYs, among other awards. Her works have premiered and developed around the Caribbean, USA, Europe, and South America. She is a member of the "Asociación de Documentalistas de Puerto Rico," working to promote the development of non-fiction cinema. Darlien stands out as one of the few female underwater camera operators and cinematographers from the Caribbean.
Jorge Ramos-Luna
(they/he)
Jorge Ramos-Luna (they/he) is a conservation biologist and independent filmmaker from Mexico, having worked (as either director, writer, photographer or/and editor) on over twenty short films focused mainly on wildlife conservation, science communication, territorial defense and traditional ecological knowledge, as well as other multimedia content. Jorge works as a field technician on the vertebrate conservation network of the Instituto de Ecología (INECOL), supporting a wide variety of projects. Jorge’s audiovisual work strives to look into the way in which human stories of coexistence with wildlife as well as people’s personal reflections on nature can create pathways to shape a culture of conservation.
(they/he)
Jorge Ramos-Luna (they/he) is a conservation biologist and independent filmmaker from Mexico, having worked (as either director, writer, photographer or/and editor) on over twenty short films focused mainly on wildlife conservation, science communication, territorial defense and traditional ecological knowledge, as well as other multimedia content. Jorge works as a field technician on the vertebrate conservation network of the Instituto de Ecología (INECOL), supporting a wide variety of projects. Jorge’s audiovisual work strives to look into the way in which human stories of coexistence with wildlife as well as people’s personal reflections on nature can create pathways to shape a culture of conservation.
Nina Riggio
(she/her)
Nina Riggio is a photojournalist currently based between Vienna, Austria and California, U.S.A. Nina lives to tell the stories about human connections to the natural world and all of the flaws that go with it. Nina has biked across the United States unsupported and solo hiked the 500 miles across Colorado in 23 days. She has worked in the Amazon at an Ethnobotanical park teaching medical students about the Indigenous uses of different plants while also working for Amazon Watch, a nonprofit that works to combat land grabs. She then worked as an Ethnographic research assistant and Archaeologist in the Great Basin of Nevada. When she’s not making photos she loves rock climbing and ‘wheelin’ in her 1994 Mitsubishi Delica named Annie Oakley. She is an established photojournalist focused on projects concerning land use, climate change, and our impact as humans on our home planet for outlets such as National Geographic, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and more.
(she/her)
Nina Riggio is a photojournalist currently based between Vienna, Austria and California, U.S.A. Nina lives to tell the stories about human connections to the natural world and all of the flaws that go with it. Nina has biked across the United States unsupported and solo hiked the 500 miles across Colorado in 23 days. She has worked in the Amazon at an Ethnobotanical park teaching medical students about the Indigenous uses of different plants while also working for Amazon Watch, a nonprofit that works to combat land grabs. She then worked as an Ethnographic research assistant and Archaeologist in the Great Basin of Nevada. When she’s not making photos she loves rock climbing and ‘wheelin’ in her 1994 Mitsubishi Delica named Annie Oakley. She is an established photojournalist focused on projects concerning land use, climate change, and our impact as humans on our home planet for outlets such as National Geographic, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and more.
Trevor Ritland
(he/him)
Trevor Ritland is a writer, photographer, and documentary filmmaker based in Flagstaff, Arizona, but the blue ridge mountains of the Carolinas and the cloud forests of Costa Rica have also been home. His documentary work explores imperiled species, endangered cultures, and vulnerable ecosystems, along with the local people working to protect them. With his twin brother, Trevor runs the nonprofit Adventure Term, offering expeditions and field courses for the next generation of creative environmental storytellers. Trevor has produced stories for NGOs like Rewild and Defenders of Wildlife. His most recent project explores the mystery of Costa Rica's lost golden toad.
(he/him)
Trevor Ritland is a writer, photographer, and documentary filmmaker based in Flagstaff, Arizona, but the blue ridge mountains of the Carolinas and the cloud forests of Costa Rica have also been home. His documentary work explores imperiled species, endangered cultures, and vulnerable ecosystems, along with the local people working to protect them. With his twin brother, Trevor runs the nonprofit Adventure Term, offering expeditions and field courses for the next generation of creative environmental storytellers. Trevor has produced stories for NGOs like Rewild and Defenders of Wildlife. His most recent project explores the mystery of Costa Rica's lost golden toad.
Mohammad Shahhosseini
(he/him)
Mohammad Shahhosseini (he/him) is a filmmaking enthusiast based in the US. He is originally from Iran, where he began learning how to take photos, edit videos, and make films. To him, it is fascinating how life unfolds and how different paths can lead to interesting places. If there is one documentary that Mohammad would have loved to make, it would be "HUMAN" by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Mohammad obtained his MFA in visual storytelling from Pennsylvania State University and is currently working as a video producer at the Environmental Defense Fund. Through his work, Mohammad recognizes the importance of storytelling and environmental filmmaking in raising awareness to preserve our planet for future generations.
(he/him)
Mohammad Shahhosseini (he/him) is a filmmaking enthusiast based in the US. He is originally from Iran, where he began learning how to take photos, edit videos, and make films. To him, it is fascinating how life unfolds and how different paths can lead to interesting places. If there is one documentary that Mohammad would have loved to make, it would be "HUMAN" by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Mohammad obtained his MFA in visual storytelling from Pennsylvania State University and is currently working as a video producer at the Environmental Defense Fund. Through his work, Mohammad recognizes the importance of storytelling and environmental filmmaking in raising awareness to preserve our planet for future generations.
Elizabeth Sherr
(she/her)
Elizabeth Sherr (she/her) is an ocean conservationist and science communicator using storytelling to scale ocean education, action and impact. Liz engages an online community of 135k across Tik Tok and Instagram by simplifying ocean and climate news, sharing marine science facts, and encouraging local actions. In 2021, Liz created a social media campaign with the European Parliament that motivated a global and virtual cleanup for World Ocean Day known as the #TrashChallenge. Elizabeth holds an Erasmus Mundus scholar MSc. in Marine Environment Resources from universities in Spain, France, and Belgium and a BSc in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida.
(she/her)
Elizabeth Sherr (she/her) is an ocean conservationist and science communicator using storytelling to scale ocean education, action and impact. Liz engages an online community of 135k across Tik Tok and Instagram by simplifying ocean and climate news, sharing marine science facts, and encouraging local actions. In 2021, Liz created a social media campaign with the European Parliament that motivated a global and virtual cleanup for World Ocean Day known as the #TrashChallenge. Elizabeth holds an Erasmus Mundus scholar MSc. in Marine Environment Resources from universities in Spain, France, and Belgium and a BSc in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida.
Jimena Stephenson
(she/her)
Jimena (Hee-men-ah) Stephenson (she/her), born in Mexico City, is an astronomy graduate from the University of Arizona. She combines her passions for astronomy and visual arts to engage the Spanish-speaking community on TikTok with accessible astronomy content. Deeply moved by the complexity of our planet and the vast beauty of the cosmos, Jimena sees astronomy as a tool for highlighting Earth's preciousness and fostering a sense of unity among all life. Her long-term goal is to produce high-quality, engaging science content for Spanish-speaking audiences, aiming to deepen their understanding and appreciation of our place in the universe.
(she/her)
Jimena (Hee-men-ah) Stephenson (she/her), born in Mexico City, is an astronomy graduate from the University of Arizona. She combines her passions for astronomy and visual arts to engage the Spanish-speaking community on TikTok with accessible astronomy content. Deeply moved by the complexity of our planet and the vast beauty of the cosmos, Jimena sees astronomy as a tool for highlighting Earth's preciousness and fostering a sense of unity among all life. Her long-term goal is to produce high-quality, engaging science content for Spanish-speaking audiences, aiming to deepen their understanding and appreciation of our place in the universe.
Nova West
(they/them)
Nova West (they/them) is an artist, filmmaker, photographer, and environmental educator based out of San Diego California. Their work focuses on visual arts and camera operation, specializing in wildlife, expedition, and underwater documentary filmmaking. They routinely sail as a Video Engineer and Expedition Documentarian aboard the E/V Nautilus, operating deep-sea ROV camera and broadcast systems and documenting groundbreaking science and exploration operations. Nova recently released their first independent documentary, Diving for Rays, which is now available for global streaming on Waterbear Network. Across their work they've collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic, Netflix, NOAA, Pristine Seas, and more.
(they/them)
Nova West (they/them) is an artist, filmmaker, photographer, and environmental educator based out of San Diego California. Their work focuses on visual arts and camera operation, specializing in wildlife, expedition, and underwater documentary filmmaking. They routinely sail as a Video Engineer and Expedition Documentarian aboard the E/V Nautilus, operating deep-sea ROV camera and broadcast systems and documenting groundbreaking science and exploration operations. Nova recently released their first independent documentary, Diving for Rays, which is now available for global streaming on Waterbear Network. Across their work they've collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic, Netflix, NOAA, Pristine Seas, and more.
Zakiya Whatley
(she/her)
Zakiya Whatley, PhD (she/her) is a science communicator and creator who is passionate about making science accessible to everyone. She is the executive producer and co-host of Dope Labs Podcast which has been nominated for both Webby and Podcast Academy awards. Zakiya also hosts the Breakthrough podcast series, which was nominated for a Webby Award as a top Health, Science, and Education podcast in 2023. In addition to audio projects, her science communication efforts expand to writing and film.
(she/her)
Zakiya Whatley, PhD (she/her) is a science communicator and creator who is passionate about making science accessible to everyone. She is the executive producer and co-host of Dope Labs Podcast which has been nominated for both Webby and Podcast Academy awards. Zakiya also hosts the Breakthrough podcast series, which was nominated for a Webby Award as a top Health, Science, and Education podcast in 2023. In addition to audio projects, her science communication efforts expand to writing and film.
