Although cultural anthropology is not traditionally considered a "lab science," we embrace the lab model for its emphases on innovation, experimentation, and creative engagement. 

Breaking with the "extractive" model of insular and fire-walled, written analysis of anthropological data, multi-modal ethnography seeks to be public-facing, engaging with broader publics and the multiple media platforms and technologies of our times.  

The educational component of the lab emphasizes the value of a pedagogy rooted in active research and learning, as well as a critical praxis that seeks to simultaneously understand the world, engage in the world, and help transform it.  

Achieving critical praxis entails working closely with stakeholders and communities and accompanying with and advocating for their struggles. We envision the knowledge we produce as co-created and collaborative with the publics we research and serve.