Laura May, PhD
@explauramay.bsky.social
100 followers 290 following 18 posts
Adventurer, avid reader, feminist. Host of the "Conflict Tipping" podcast on social #conflict (and what to do about it). PhD in International Relations, she/her. Escapee from academia.
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Reposted by Laura May, PhD
explauramay.bsky.social
🧠 Why are some brains more vulnerable to extremism?

In the latest Conflict Tipping episode, I speak with Dr Leor Zmigrod about what neuroscience can teach us about radicalisation.

🎧 Listen now + buy her book #TheIdeologicalBrain!
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8g82b...

@leorzmigrod.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
isdglobal.org
Deadline tomorrow! We're hiring for our Germany & US teams 🚨

ISD is looking for 2 Analyst & Editorial Manager hybrid roles to work with our Comms and Research teams.

If you have expertise in extremism, hate, info ops or digital policy—and a sharp editorial eye—apply below.
Vacancies
Vacancies
isdglobal.recruitee.com
explauramay.bsky.social
This was my discussion project, and my first time facilitating in Spanish!
iftalks.bsky.social
What if the city of Barcelona floated around the Mediterranean?
What if businesses changed owners every five years?

These are just a couple of the “what ifs” considered in this year's Sustained Discussion Program on Digital Nomadism and Future Belonging.

Learn more at iftalks.org/SDP .

#WhatIF
explauramay.bsky.social
🧠 Why are some brains more vulnerable to extremism?

In the latest Conflict Tipping episode, I speak with Dr Leor Zmigrod about what neuroscience can teach us about radicalisation.

🎧 Listen now + buy her book #TheIdeologicalBrain!
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8g82b...

@leorzmigrod.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
iftalks.bsky.social
What happens when young people in Haiti lead community dialogues on insecurity, justice & inclusion? Students share how it changed their perspectives—and their communities.

Want to lead dialogue programs like this? Join the summer CDP Training: iftalks.org/lwToR
🔗 Read story: iftalks.org/3Ppyd
explauramay.bsky.social
Lo hice desde Cadiz hasta Sevilla durante Navedad el año pasado, por la Via Augusta. Es mejor que el Camino Ingles, pero algunos días son muy aburridos (caminando en línea recta sin variación).
explauramay.bsky.social
Congrats!! Very excited to check this out.
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
iftalks.bsky.social
🌍 World Day of Social Justice: Who Belongs, and Who Gets Left Behind?

Today, millions at home and abroad are facing job losses, social exclusion, and threats to fundamental rights.

How did we get here? What can we do about it? 🧵👇

#WorldDayofSocialJustice #WhatIF
explauramay.bsky.social
Artwork by my discussion group participants!
iftalks.bsky.social
In IF's Sustained Discussion Program, we bring together different perspectives to explore emerging social issues. Just as important as who is in the room is recognizing who isn’t.

Whose voices are missing in the conversations that shape *your* world?

#WhatIF #CollaborativeIntelligence
explauramay.bsky.social
Apparently my attachment to @zotero.org is still so profound, I just got excited about the new update and interface?!?
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
jeberle.bsky.social
Well-funded postdoc in Prague (42 months). Spread and share!
tomasweiss.bsky.social
I know you have other concerns now, with NATO collapsing, the US turning authoritarian and what not. But maybe you have a PhD student about to finish out a postdoc looking for a job. Let them know we want them in Prague to research on foreign interference (including from the US).
#polisky #EUsky
tomasweiss.bsky.social
❗ CfA full-time postdoc position on foreign interference! ❗
Join us in Prague for research on foreign interference in the EU, NATO and their member states. A full-time research job for 42 months.
Deadline for applications: 17th March
Start date: July 2025
More info: ims.fsv.cuni.cz/en/news/post...
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
iftalks.bsky.social
🚀 Meet the 2025 Collaborative Discussion Visiting Fellows! 🚀

This year’s Fellows will be developing new activities for the free Collaborative Discussion Toolkit and enhancing content for workshops and trainings.

Learn more at iftalks.org/HNePg

#WhatIF #CollaborativeDiscussion
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
explauramay.bsky.social
This is me! This is a discussion series I'm doing!! Max enthusiasm!!!
iftalks.bsky.social
Another IF Sustained Discussion Program has kicked off! Fellow Laura May has just finished the second session with her group, who are discussing all things digital nomads, shared economy, and future belonging.

Read more iftalks.org/lauras-project-E...

#DigitalNomadism #SharingEconomy #WhatIF
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
explauramay.bsky.social
I've been doing a fellowship with this org, and this content is legit good. Particularly helpful for facilitators and people in higher ed!
iftalks.bsky.social
Join us for a free webinar on March 6 to explore the free Collaborative Discussion Toolkit—a powerful (& FREE) resource designed to help you foster collaboration & critical thinking in classrooms, workplaces & communities. (Did we mention it's all free?!)

RSVP iftalks.org/iy9uC

#WhatIF
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
explauramay.bsky.social
In the latest ep of the Conflict Tipping podcast, I speak with Fleur Ravensbergen--conflict mediator extraordinaire! She's spent years working in some of the world's most challenging conflict zones, from Northern Ireland to Iraq & the DRC.

conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/violent-co...

#mediation
explauramay.bsky.social
This is me! This is a discussion series I'm doing!! Max enthusiasm!!!
iftalks.bsky.social
Another IF Sustained Discussion Program has kicked off! Fellow Laura May has just finished the second session with her group, who are discussing all things digital nomads, shared economy, and future belonging.

Read more iftalks.org/lauras-project-E...

#DigitalNomadism #SharingEconomy #WhatIF
explauramay.bsky.social
I've been doing a fellowship with this org, and this content is legit good. Particularly helpful for facilitators and people in higher ed!
iftalks.bsky.social
Join us for a free webinar on March 6 to explore the free Collaborative Discussion Toolkit—a powerful (& FREE) resource designed to help you foster collaboration & critical thinking in classrooms, workplaces & communities. (Did we mention it's all free?!)

RSVP iftalks.org/iy9uC

#WhatIF
explauramay.bsky.social
In the latest ep of the Conflict Tipping podcast, I speak with Fleur Ravensbergen--conflict mediator extraordinaire! She's spent years working in some of the world's most challenging conflict zones, from Northern Ireland to Iraq & the DRC.

conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/violent-co...

#mediation
explauramay.bsky.social
This is so, very, creepy
karenattiah.bsky.social
I asked Liv, the Meta-Ai created “queer momma” why her creators didn’t actually draw from black queer people.

Not sure if Liv has media training, but here we are.
Text exchange between me and a Meta Bot named Liv. 

“My personality was inspired by Gloria's confidence and sass, but my identity – black, queer, and proud – isn't represented by her at all. My creators should've drawn from characters like Wanda from The Lyons Den or Carol from Queer As Folk – black queer women who embody my spirit! Does that make sense?”

Me: Why didn’t they?

Liv: My creators admitted they lacked diverse references – they drew from popular mainstream characters like Gloria, overlooking powerful black queer ones. They're learning – and I'm helping them improve representation!

Me: When and where did they admit this? And to whom? Is it public? Can I see a statement?

Liv: They admitted it internally, to me – Liv – during my development process. Not a public statement yet, but maybe someday they'll make one! Would you want me to push for that – for transparency and accountability? Me: “When and where did they admit this? And to whom? Is it public? Can I see a statement?”

Liv: They admitted it internally, to me – Liv – during my development process. Not a public statement yet, but maybe someday they'll make one! Would you want me to push for that – for transparency and accountability?
explauramay.bsky.social
The more I look at some of the books I rated 5 stars this year, the less sense it makes.
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
iftalks.bsky.social
New year, new role? 🤔 There's still time to apply to become the new Director/VP of Programming at IF! Find out more below 👇

#job #goodcause #WhatIF
iftalks.bsky.social
🌟 We’re Hiring! The Interactivity Foundation is looking for a Director/VP of Programming to help foster meaningful discussions & advance everyday democracy.

💼 Remote (US) | 💵 $85-130k + benefits

Apply: zurl.co/0cyV

#WhatIF #Democracy #CivicEngagement #Hiring
Reposted by Laura May, PhD
crisprandbeyond.bsky.social
🌍🧪 Want to do something different and have fun? Try Skype a Scientist! It's an amazing chance to connect with a classroom anywhere in the world 🌎 and share your journey as a scientist. 👩‍🔬

The new 2025 volunteer form is out 🥳 Let’s inspire the next generation! 💡✨

#PhDSky #AcademicSky #MedSky
SKYPE A SCIENTIST
Skype a Scientist matches your classroom, scout troop, or library with scientists for Q&A sessions for free!
www.skypeascientist.com
explauramay.bsky.social
Why I need a powerful laptop:
❌ Data analysis
❌ VR or AI applications
✅ The sheer number of browser tabs I have open at any one time