Media Gallery: Testing Ground Live! (2026)

In April 2026, Stanford Impact Labs (SIL) produced a storytelling show about problem-solving for society through research in collaboration with The Story Collider. The event—Testing Ground Live! Social Science on Stage—showcased the voices of Kimberly Babiarz, Hannah Firestone, Guilherme Lichand, Brendan Moore, and Khalid Osman. 

All five researchers (a mix of SIL-funded faculty, students, and staff) took to the stage to tell a personal story about working to make tangible progress against a pressing social challenge. The stories distilled abstract research concepts and dense data into human, relatable terms—with examples, narratives, and clear stakes. You can watch recordings of the stories and see photos from the event below.

Recordings

 

Photos

A group of five people poses for a photo outdoors. They stand together, with two individuals on the left, followed by a person in a light sweater at the center, and two more individuals on the right. The background features a stone wall and green foliage. Everyone is dressed in casual to semi-formal attire. Faces are blurred for privacy.

Left to right: Guilherme Lichand, Hannah Firestone, Khalid Osman, Kimberly Babiarz, Brendan Moore.

 

A person stands at a microphone, gesturing with one hand while speaking. They wear a light blue shirt and glasses. The background is plain, and the focus is on the speaker, who appears engaged in delivering a message to an unseen audience.

Guilherme Lichand, Assistant Professor, Education.

 

A person stands at a microphone on stage, speaking to an audience. The backdrop is plain, and the audience members, mostly turned away, are not clearly visible. The speaker wears a patterned dress and gestures with her hands while addressing the crowd.

Kimberly Babiarz, Research Director, Stanford Human Trafficking Data Lab.

 

A person stands beside a microphone, speaking while clasping their hands in front. They wear a light sweater and a collared shirt. The background is plain, emphasizing the speaker's engaged demeanor during the presentation.

Khalid Osman, Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering.

 

A person stands at a microphone on stage, speaking and gesturing with one hand. They wear a dark shirt and beige pants. The background is plain, and the audience, mostly turned away, is engaged in listening to the speaker.

Brendan Moore, PhD Candidate, Economics.

 

A person stands at a microphone, gesturing with one hand as they speak. They wear a dark green top and a light-colored skirt with button details. The background is plain, highlighting the speaker's expressive manner during their presentation.

Hannah Firestone, Associate Director, Global Capital Allocation Project.

 

A speaker stands at a microphone in front of an audience, engaging with them. The setting is bright, with large windows showing greenery outside. The audience appears attentive, with many seated on wooden chairs. A person is visible in the background, possibly filming or monitoring the event. The atmosphere suggests an engaging presentation or discussion.

 

A group of audience members attentively watching a presentation. Some are sitting with arms crossed or holding items in their hands. The background features various people, and the atmosphere appears engaged and focused on the speaker. Each individual is in casual attire, and the setting feels informal yet attentive.

 

A group of people sit in a well-lit room, facing a presentation, some clapping, while others listen intently. The audience is casually dressed and appears engaged. There’s natural light streaming in through large windows, adding to the inviting atmosphere. A person is seen in the background, seemingly recording or monitoring the event.

 

A close-up view of several audience members, primarily focusing on their heads and shoulders. They're engaged in an event, with hair and clothing visible. The background is blurred, emphasizing the expressions and attention of the individuals in the foreground. The atmosphere appears focused, suggesting an attentive audience during a presentation or discussion.

 

A close-up of two individuals applauding enthusiastically as part of an audience. The person on the left appears to be wearing a light-colored shirt, while the person on the right has a patterned jacket. The focus on their hands and expressions conveys a sense of appreciation and engagement with the event happening in front of them. The background is blurred, highlighting their participation.

 

A group of individuals is engaged in conversation in a casual indoor setting. One woman is wearing a light-colored sweater and green pants, while another has curly hair and is holding a can of soda. Nearby, a third woman in a patterned jacket is interacting with them. The atmosphere appears friendly and relaxed, suggesting a social or networking event. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the group’s interaction.

 

A small group of individuals is engaged in conversation outdoors. One person, wearing a floral-patterned shirt with a backpack, appears to be speaking. A woman with long hair is listening intently. Another individual in a light-colored shirt is also part of the interaction. The background features greenery and hints of a casual, outdoor environment, suggesting a relaxed gathering or networking opportunity.

 

A lively outdoor gathering in front of a building labeled "Halperin Family Wing." Groups of people are mingling near tables, some holding drinks and plates of food. A few attendees are engaged in conversation while others are moving in and out of the building. The architecture features large glass windows that reflect the surroundings, enhancing the modern atmosphere. The setting suggests an informal event or social gathering, with a sunny day contributing to the cheerful ambiance.

 

Photo credits: Christine Baker for Stanford Impact Labs.

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