Carl DiSalvo is an Assistant Professor at The Georgia Institute of Technology, where he directs the Public Design Workshop. His research draws together the humanities, science and technology studies, and interaction design to increase public engagement with technology and analyze the social and political uses of design. He earned a Ph.D. in Design from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006 and was a postdoctoral fellow at CMU from 2006 – 2007, with joint appointments in the Studio for Creative Inquiry and the Center for Arts in Society.

Before joining the Public Design Workshop, Jon Lukens, was an assistant professor of Graphic Design at Georgia State University, and served as the director of operations for Reconstruction Report, a project of The Design Trust for Public Space facilitating public input into the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan after the events of 9/11.

Thomas Barnwell is a recent graduate of the Digital Media program at Georgia Tech. Prior to his time at Georgia Tech, Thomas worked extensively in the field of video production and post-production. His current interests include networked music, locative media, installation art, user interface design, and participatory design.

Laura Fries is a cook, social provocateur, community organizer, asker of questions and maker of plans. This lady is associated with things rogue: underground food community rogueApron.com, and its corresponding entrepreneur networking group LadyRogueBiz.ning.com. A former journalist, she serves on the communication board of Georgia Organics and helps coordinate Slow Food Atlanta Time for Lunch picnics.

Thomas Lodato is a PhD student in the Digital Media program in the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Beth Schechter is a student of Digital Media at GA Tech. Prior to her studies, she worked as a web marketer, office manager, warehouse manager, seamstress, nursing student, preschool teaching assistant, barista, tutor, philosophy student, waitress, cashier, lawn mower, and babysitter (in that order, among others). She feels none of these roles define her as much as her desire to work to level the playing field and improve systems for individuals everywhere. She currently lives in the SWATS with her fiance Max and cats Rita, Cinder, and Eartha Kitten.