Elizabeth Ulanova, based in Cambridge-Boston, works at the intersection of culture, art, tech, and design. Academically, Elizabeth graduated from Columbia University (B.A., Visual Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Leadership Service Award), and the University of Cambridge (M.Phil, Sociology of Media and Culture, Twining Egginton Prize). She then attended Harvard University Graduate School of Design (M.L.A., Landscape Architecture Candidate) as a full-tuition Dean’s Merit Scholar and Harvard Joint Center For Housing Studies CSFP Fellow before co-founding Girls In Research in Spring 2024 as the CEO. G.I.R is the world's first global, virtual, research and tech incubator for high schools girls, currently active with scholars on 5 continents. Outside of G.I.R, Elizabeth's design research centers on the revitalization of underutilized landscapes such as utilizing play equity as a design intervention and approaching cemeteries through integrative regenerative ecosystems that challenge traditional burial practices. Elizabeth was awarded 3 consecutive Harvard Spark Grants from Harvard Innovation Lab for her work on Recess that utilized active play as a tool to foster community, connection, and resilience. A passionate artist and writer, Elizabeth's artistry is deeply influenced by fluid, psychological storytelling. As a survivor of domestic violence, a neurodivergent child of colored immigrants, and a first-generation American, her first love in life is the art of crafting dialogue. As an artist, her artistic practice is described as ‘fluid memory,’ and she has exhibited original artworks in New York, England, and Boston. Eager to push beyond conventional limits, Elizabeth initiated her independent study at both Columbia and Harvard and helped initiate the first student art studio at Downing College, University of Cambridge. California-born, Elizabeth is a New Yorker at heart and has lived in Asia and Europe. Elizabeth has a lifelong love for travel and has visited countries on five continents. Professionally, Elizabeth has held management positions at tech startups and education NGOs, such as National President for The Ivy League Council and Co-Head of the US Expansion of Project Access International (New York). After finishing high school early in California, she worked professionally while studying Mandarin Chinese in China, before working as the first-ever entrepreneur-in-residence at a biotech foundation (Boston). Elizabeth is a proud mom of two adopted pitbulls, Brave (deceased), and Skylar, and can often be found driving with her dog.