Hello, my name is Ryan Tanner and I am a student at Vanderbilt University studying economics, cognitive studies and data science.As a research assistant for the Data Science Institute, I leveraged advanced machine learning and large language (LLM) technologies to build models of human personality and behavior, contributing to increases in the accuracy of personality predictions based on text data.Last winter I founded VandyThinks, a Nashville-based open discussion forum designed to foster curious, courageous thinking and elevate discourse. We've engaged over seventy participants to date, challenging perceptions of division and fostering a culture of open dialogue.Last summer, I partnered with Millions of Conversations, a Vanderbilt-affiliated nonprofit led by Professor Samar Ali to create spaces that promote civil discourse, foster mutual understanding, and encourage empathetic listening.