Dialogue Collaborative

We are working toward a vision for MIT as a leader in constructive communication. We are creating a campus culture where we prioritize person-to-person communication in difficult times, and have the skills to do it.

Vice Chancellor Suzy Nelson launched the Dialogue Collaborative in October 2025 to coordinate the many academic and co-curricular efforts underway at MIT to support constructive and respectful dialogue. Led by Thea Keith-Lucas, chaplain to the Institute and associate dean, and Kristen Selheim, associate dean for residential and community life, the group will clarify goals and shared principles, promote collaboration across campus, and share resources for program assessment. The collaborative is advised by Helen Wang, the senior associate dean of residential and community life, and David Randall, the dean of student life.

By encouraging community members to bridge differences and work together, we build on our skills as communicators and problem solvers to promote a campus environment where the norm is to “question our assumptions…to look outward…and to learn from others.” (MIT Values)

Suzy Nelson
Dialogue Collaborative Logo, emphasizing that listening, speaking, and reflecting can work to develop a mindset, then build a community, which ultimately shapes culture.

The Dialogue Collaborative brings together members of the MIT community to do this vital work. Please reach out to the co-conveners to learn more.

Membership

  • Thea Keith-Lucas, co-convener, chaplain to the Institute and associate dean
  • Kristen Selheim, co-convener, associate dean for residential education
  • Rishika Bansal, MIT undergraduate student
  • Grace Conte-Bennett, associate director, wellbeing and belonging
  • Amanda Cornwall, associate director, graduate student professional development, Career Advising & Professional Development
  • Meagen Cutler, associate director of assessment, evaluation, and research
  • Audrey DeVault, MIT graduate student
  • Dimitra Dimitrakopoulou, principal research scientist, Center for Constructive Communication
  • Elaina Emery, assistant director, Student Organizations, Leadership, and Organizations
  • Nelson Feliciano, associate director/senior area director, Graduate Residential Life
  • Nina Harris, manager of adaptable resolutions/restorative practices, Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response Office
  • Andreas Karatsolis, director, Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Program
  • Chelsea Longin, managing director and associate dean, Undergraduate Advising Center
  • Anne Marshall, associate director for research and evaluation, Teaching & Learning Laboratory
  • Linda Rabieh, senior lecturer, Concourse
  • Janet Rankin, director, Teaching & Learning Laboratory
  • Carrie Sampson Moore, associate professor/director, Physical Education and Wellness 
  • Terry Sass, professor, chair of computation group, head of house
  • Judi Segall, ombudsperson, Ombuds Office
  • Denzil Streete, senior associate dean and director, Office of Graduate Education
  • Christina English, program coordinator, Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life