Isabella Roden Joins the Berkman Klein Center as Director of Communications and Engagement

The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is pleased to welcome Isabella Roden as its new Director of Communications and Engagement, where she will lead the Center’s efforts to expand the reach and impact of its research, ideas, and technological tools.

In this role, Roden will focus on engaging practitioners, scholars, and policymakers by translating complex, interdisciplinary work into clear, compelling narratives and actionable ideas that travel beyond academia. Her work will support the Center’s mission to make sense of the digital environment and ensure it promotes human agency, dignity, and genuine connection.

“At a time when digital technology — particularly AI — is developing at breakneck pace and touching all of our lives, communicating BKC’s insights and ideas in real time to key audiences to ensure that digital technology serves people and public interest has never been more important” said Alex Pascal, Executive Director of the Berkman Klein Center. 

“Isabella brings the creativity and experience we need to help carry the Center’s research and tools to the communities we want to engage. We’re excited for her to lead this work.”

Roden brings more than 12 years at the intersection of research, storytelling, and public engagement. Her career has centered on translating globally impactful research and projects for wide audiences, working with and for some of the world’s most influential institutions, including the Smithsonian and Harvard University. At the Smithsonian’s Office of Global Affairs, she led communications on scientific and cultural research, producing stories and videos that documented global research and conservation efforts—from the Mongolian steppe to the mountain forests of Palau. She later served as Director of Communications for the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, promoting research on social policy and economic development. Most recently, Roden led storytelling and thought leadership as Director of Communications at Mobi.AI, an MIT-born AI startup focused on envisioning the future of human-collaborative artificial intelligence.

Roden received her B.A. from Harvard College, where she studied History of Art and Architecture and English Literature.