Kelley Sams

Dr. Kelley Sams is a Senior Associate on the programs team. Her work focuses on the intersections between tech and social change. Prior to joining DG in 2021, Kelley led qualitative research, designed online courses, and taught anthropology in the US, France, and China.

Since joining DG, she has supported several different programs and projects, including DG’s work with UNICEF, TCDI, and HackCorruption. Her contribution to DG’s portfolio includes facilitating hackathons, leading landscaping assessments, and mentoring teams of civic-tech change-makers. Her areas of interest include instructional design, civic-tech, political engagement, and the online circulation of information.

Kelley began her career in international development as a Peace Corps volunteer and Fulbright-Hays scholar in Zinder, Niger. She has a Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology from University of South Florida, a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Florida. In addition to her role at DG, Kelley is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Florida and a research affiliate at LPED, Marseille, France. She has published widely and her most recent publications can be found on Academia and ResearchGate.

Kelley speaks French and Hausa and has dual US-French citizenship. She is based in Gainesville, Florida.