By Suro Senen 
By The Editorial Staff
March 1, 2026
The Nightingale journal, the flagship publication of the Data Visualization Society (DVS), officially enters a new era today. As of March 1, 2026, Teo Popescu has assumed the role of Managing Editor, succeeding Will Careri. This transition marks a significant milestone for the publication, as it seeks to deepen its commitment to the global data visualization community while continuing to foster the rigorous, creative, and inclusive discourse that has become its hallmark.
The Succession: A Legacy of Excellence
The transition of leadership follows two years of steady growth and editorial refinement under the guidance of Will Careri. Careri, who joined the Nightingale team in 2022 as a contributing writer and editorial staff member, took on the role of Managing Editor in 2024. His tenure was defined by a surge in both quality and quantity of output, establishing a high bar for the editorial team.
During his two-year term as Managing Editor, Careri oversaw the production of more than 200 articles, collaborating with a diverse roster of nearly 150 contributors. His editorial strategy focused on expanding the scope of data visualization—moving beyond pure technical tutorials to explore the intersections of design, accessibility, and cultural critique.
The Impact of Will Careri’s Tenure
Careri’s influence on Nightingale extends well beyond his administrative duties. As a writer, he authored two of the most influential and widely read pieces in the journal’s history:
- Designing for Neurodivergent Audiences: A seminal piece that challenged practitioners to reconsider the accessibility of their dashboards and graphics for neurodivergent users.
- The Visual Evolution of the Tommy Westphall Universe: An ambitious exploration of narrative data structures that resonated deeply with the community’s interest in storytelling.
Beyond his digital contributions, Careri played a pivotal role in the physical evolution of the publication. He served as a core architect for three of Nightingale’s most celebrated print issues: Guidelines, Emotion, and Nature. His ability to curate complex thematic content into cohesive, tactile experiences for readers solidified Nightingale’s presence in the broader design publishing landscape.
While stepping back from the day-to-day operations of the Managing Editor role, Careri confirmed he will remain an active participant in the community, continuing his involvement as an editor and contributor to future projects.
A New Vision: Meet Teo Popescu
Teo Popescu is no stranger to the inner workings of Nightingale. Serving as the Content Editor from 2024 to 2025, she was instrumental in the logistical and creative execution of the journal’s print series, most notably spearheading the production of Issue 5: Nature.
Her return to Nightingale as Managing Editor is a homecoming for a leader whose professional life is defined by the intersection of data, journalism, and education. Outside of her work with the DVS, Popescu serves as the Design, Graphics, and Data Editor at KUOW Public Radio in Seattle, Washington’s premier NPR affiliate.
A Proven Track Record in Data Journalism
Popescu’s career at KUOW has been defined by high-stakes, impact-driven journalism. Her portfolio includes:
- Political Accountability: She managed the station’s Trump administration legal tracker during the first three months of the new term, providing essential, real-time transparency for the public.
- Social Justice Reporting: Her work visualizing ICE arrest data within Washington state shed light on critical regional issues, earning praise for both its technical precision and its empathetic approach.
- Investigative Journalism: She contributed to a high-impact collaboration with ProPublica, uncovering systemic issues regarding the potential misuse of shelter funds in Seattle.
In addition to her editorial work, Popescu is a dedicated educator, teaching multimedia and graphics journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Washington. This pedagogical background is expected to inform her approach to Nightingale, which has long functioned as both a publication and a learning hub for data practitioners.
Beyond the Newsroom: The ‘Control F’ Podcast
Over the past year, Popescu has expanded her influence through the launch of the data journalism podcast, Control F. Co-hosted with other industry professionals, the podcast serves as a deep dive into the research, algorithms, and human assumptions that drive the digital world. By interrogating "how stuff works" through the lens of data, the podcast has solidified her reputation as a forward-thinking communicator who can translate complex technical subjects for a broad audience.
Official Statement and Community Vision
In her inaugural statement as Managing Editor, Popescu emphasized the importance of continuity and the human element in data visualization.
"I’m excited to come back to the Nightingale community," Popescu stated. "It’s an honor to come back in this way—to take up the mantle Will leaves behind. I’m excited to get to know everyone better and continue to foster a sense of community. I hope that with every article we publish, the love for our craft is evident on the page. It’s what keeps me coming back, and I hope it helps sustain you in these times, too."
Implications for the Future of Nightingale
The appointment of Popescu suggests a strategic pivot toward deepening the journal’s investigative rigor and educational outreach. As the data visualization field faces rapid changes—from the proliferation of generative AI in design to the increasing demand for data literacy in journalism—Popescu’s background at the nexus of traditional journalism and modern data science positions Nightingale to address these emerging challenges.
Strengthening the Editorial Pipeline
Under the new leadership, the editorial team—which currently includes Alejandra Arevalo and Brian Cort—plans to continue the momentum established by the previous administration. Readers can expect:
- Continued Print Excellence: Building on the success of the Nature and Emotion issues, the team will continue to explore how physical artifacts add value to the digital data community.
- Diverse Perspectives: A continued emphasis on the intersection of data visualization and accessibility, ensuring that the journal remains a space for marginalized voices and unconventional design practices.
- Community Engagement: Leveraging Popescu’s experience in podcasting and education, Nightingale is expected to explore new multimedia formats to engage its global audience.
Conclusion: A Sustained Legacy
The transition from Will Careri to Teo Popescu represents more than just a change in personnel; it is a testament to the sustainability and maturity of the Data Visualization Society. By rotating leadership among experts who have "grown up" within the publication, Nightingale ensures that its mission—to share the stories of data in ways that are beautiful, accurate, and human—remains central to its identity.
As Popescu takes the helm, the community looks forward to a period of evolution. With a firm foundation laid by Careri and a clear, forward-looking vision from its new leader, Nightingale is poised to remain the premier destination for anyone seeking to understand the craft of visualizing the world around us.
For inquiries or to pitch an article, the Nightingale editorial team can be reached at [email protected].
Nana 
Ammar Sabilarrohman 