Hi. I'm Killian. 

My story unfolds in the realm where tradition intertwines with innovation, with a career spanning the stages of corporate rigour and creative exploration and embodying a blend of structured professionalism and imaginative freedom.

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My academic journey began with a dual bachelor's degree in Public Communication and Religious Studies from American University’s Honors Program, where my focus on Islam opened up a world of cultural narratives waiting to be explored, as well as media narratives to challenge. The corporate curtain rose with roles in the protocol team at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the external engagement team in the U.S. State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs. These positions honed my ability to navigate complex organisational landscapes while keeping the human narrative at the core.

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As the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Chairman at APCO Worldwide, the world's largest majority women-owned communications firm, I further melded my love for structured engagement with creative storytelling with clients, including foreign government commissions, cultural heritage development projects, and global consumer brands. In addition, the Chair of APCO’s North America DE&I Council deepened my commitment that any story and strategy I work on must have equity at the front and centre.

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My insatiable curiosity led me to join the University of Edinburgh's Futures Institute (EFI) inaugural cohort, where I recently completed my MSc in Narrative Futures: Art, Data, and Society—my time at EFI deepened my understanding of data science, AI, and narratology, culminating in a dissertation exploring the impacts of generative AI on developing multimedia fantasy worlds. This academic time was not just about the technicalities of AI but the stories that could be woven through it and the ethical tapestry that holds it all together.

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Today, my creative spirit finds expression in a myriad of projects. From currently seeking representation for my debut young-adult sci-fantasy novel to the 2023 premiere of my one-act children's play, "The Wonderland Report," at Bedlam Theatre, my narrative prowess knows no bounds. My directorial and production ventures, including Edinburgh Studio Opera’s recent rendition of "Die Fledermaus", further underscore my narrative versatility as a storyteller and business manager.

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As the Curator of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Edinburgh Hub, I provide operational and strategic leadership on local impact projects, embodying a 'local impact first' mentality in addressing global challenges. This role and committee membership at the Clan Donald Society of Scotland reflect my enduring passion for community-building and cultural heritage. Whether it's delving into Highland culture preservation, learning Gaelic, or apprenticing as a traditional storyteller through the Scottish Storytelling Forum, my narrative is rich with cultural threads, both of my ancestry and the cultures I have fallen in love with worldwide.

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Looking ahead, I envision a world where creative technologists, narratologists, and story producers bridge the gap between the 'right-brained' and 'left-brained' approaches to technology. I'm keen on exploring how AI can be a boon to writers, communicators, and creatives, debunking fearmongering myths and fostering a safe space for creative exploration. My thoughts often meander through the business models of worldbuilders, the evolving multimedia narrative landscape, and the responsible diversification of fantasy media.

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In the cultural heritage sector, particularly within the Scottish context, I am eager to contribute to conversations around preserving heritage through innovation, not despite it. I envision a future where archives of intangible heritage are not just well-preserved but easily accessible, especially for creatives venturing beyond the academic realm.

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My narrative is an ongoing tale of exploration, learning, and a ceaseless quest to contribute meaningfully to the dialogues that shape our societal and creative landscapes. Through each chapter, I continue evolving as a creative technologist, narratologist, and narrative architect, ready to delve into the exciting discourse that beckons.