Benjamin Gerstner is a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. National Science Foundation in the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). Previously, Ben, trained as an evolutionary ecologist taught courses in ecology, evolution and genetics at Penn State University. They bring with them to TIP an expertise in presenting abstract concepts and theories to diverse audiences using analogy, metaphor and bespoke visuals. In their current role they build tools and communities of practice that innovate and elevate data-driven science policy. Ben earned a B.Sc. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of New Mexico. Ben has expertise in plant ecology, evolutionary theory, innovation ecosystems and place-based investments that develop new technologies. Their interest in place-based research investment has grown from their love of synthesizing across domains towards unified theories of knowledge.”