To bridge the gap between technical expertise and local community knowledge, I am soft-launching the Reciprocal Engineering Lab. Read the post to explore this new framework for transforming fragmented knowledge into lasting, community-owned systems change.

I recently led an impact workshop on "Reciprocal Design: From Research to Systems Change" at the Watson Institute, expecting to teach fellows the foundations of reciprocal design. Instead, through interactive report-outs, a community roundtable, as well as one-on-ones, the day transformed into an incredible knowledge exchange with students who already had incredible ventures in motion. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, true reciprocity means stepping back to facilitate the brilliance already in the room.

Partnering with Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust (GGCCT), Spenser Anderson of SEIU & University of Miami at NACIS highlighted how unchecked development threatens vital sites like Crandall Cemetery. Watching Glenda and Kathie of GGCCT command the space reinforced my core belief: community knowledge must be held in the exact same esteem as technical expertise. Read the full post to explore how our linked research is working to ensure development is consciously done with the community.