Kevin Lu

Kevin Lu

Narrative Ecologist & Designer in Tallinn, Estonia, he/him/his

About

I’m a narrative ecologist and designer focused on building a more sustainable future. I love producing media that inspires progress and shaping technologies that serve both nature and humanity. I'm passionate about bold ideas in climate innovation, entrepreneurship education, and the need for beauty in all we create.

Work Experience

2024 — Now
Tallinn, Estonia

Researching speculative futures of Estonia's climate innovation ecosystem under the guidance of Profesor Erkki Karo at the Tallinn University of Technology.

2021 — Now
Remote

Research collective. Mapping social innovation tools, organizations, and ecosystems—how they are inspired, built, and designed.

2023 — 2024
San Francisco, CA

Led Net Zero Cloud content design and strategy to help companies manage their carbon emissions and reach sustainability goals.

2023 — 2023
Remote

Grew and expanded my understanding of climate change, and how we can best address one of the most pressing issues of our time.

2023 — 2023
Remote

Supported creative content, storytelling, and community events for a portfolio of companies using design to improve the world.

2022 — 2022
San Francisco, CA

Redesigned internal tooling and technology centers through content audits, UX research, and human-centered design.

2021 — 2022
Los Angeles, CA

Led content strategy and product research to help build kid-friendly volunteer projects created in partnership with nonprofits.

2020 — 2022
Remote

Published research and editorial on digital identity, blockchain, technology policy, and the data economy.

2021 — 2021
Remote

Researched local communication platforms, media usage, and the affordable housing market for the New Story Mexico team.

2020 — 2020
Remote

Developed event guidelines for inaugural scholarship program promoting diversity in media careers and researched programs combatting the digital divide.

2020 — 2020
Los Angeles, CA

Created brand communications and social media strategies to amplify criminal justice and social entrepreneurship programming.

2019 — 2019
Taipei City, Taiwan

Awarded grant to intern abroad in Taiwan managing global brands, conducting competitive research, and analyzing consumer trends for clients.

Education

2024 — Now
Tallinn, Estonia

Researching Estonia's climate technology ecosystem under the guidance of Dr. Erkki Karo in the Department of Innovation and Governance. Attending lectures on innovation theory and Estonian culture.

2018 — 2022
Los Angeles, CA

Studied public relations and social entrepreneurship, with additional coursework across film, design, policy, and religion. Graduated summa cum laude focusing on designing media and technology for social innovation.

2022 — 2022
London, UK

Led independent studies on culture, communications, and climate change, and traveled to 12 countries across Europe.

Volunteering

2023 — 2024

Hosted community meetups and career programs that help college students across the world land their first climate job.

2023 — 2024

Helped get more capital into the hands of climate entrepreneurs.

2020 — 2022

Managed one of USC’s largest entrepreneurship organizations and helped students build startups through a 10-week incubator program.

2019 — 2021

Volunteered and shaped long-term mentorship for Los Angeles students through weekly educational workshops and monthly community immersion trips.

2019 — 2021

Launched USC’s first impact investing consultancy focused on generating positive social returns for Los Angeles-based venture funds.

Awards

2024

Selected for year-long grant to conduct research on climate innovation at the Tallinn University of Technology.

2023

Recognized for making a meaningful contribution to the public relations field for my climate communications research.

2023

Recognized for excelling in studies both at USC and abroad in London.

2023

Awarded for attaining the highest scholarship average of all undergraduates at USC.

2021

Distinguished by social entrepreneurship department for special seminars and opportunities in social impact.

Writing

2024

An encouraging primer on using design as a lever for climate solutions.

2024

Ways for ESG practitioners to effectively harness generative AI.

2023

Core insights from artists, designers, and technologists on how AI can build creative experiences.

2023

Introducing a new way for users to monitor and reduce carbon emissions through Salesforce.

2021

How do organizations feel about the future of data policy and transparency?

2020

A guide to body biometrics and facial technologies in authentication.

2020

Research on COVID-19 technologies at the height of the pandemic.

Speaking

2024

How to build climate communities for the next generation of young leaders.

2023

Shared my climate journey and resources for students to find jobs in climate tech.

Contact

Website
LinkedIn
Substack
Instagram