David Staley

David Staley is an Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Design. His research focuses on design futures, speculative design, and the intersection of history and futurism. He holds honorary faculty fellowships at Bay Path University’s CHELIP and is a Fellow at Arizona State University’s Center for Science and the Imagination. Staley hosts the 'Voices of Excellence in the Arts and Sciences' podcast and was honored with the 2022 'Best Freelance Writer' award for his 'Next' column in Columbus Underground.

Education: Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in History from The Ohio State University (1993, 1988, 1986). His work spans academic publications, exhibitions (e.g., 'Picturing History' digital exhibitions, 'Monument to Lost Data' installation), and 3D-printed sculptures integrating art and scholarship. Recent books include Knowledge Towns (2023) and Alternative Universities (2019), exploring innovative models for education and urban development.

Research interests emphasize using historical frameworks to imagine future scenarios, with particular attention to design thinking, digital humanities, and institutional innovation. His exhibitions and public art projects reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary creativity and public engagement.