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Research Program Mentors

Polygence mentors are selected based on their exceptional academic background, teaching experience, and unique ability to inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers and industry leaders.

Arts
Raheem

Raheem

Industry expert

Expertise

marketing, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, journalism, market research, journalism, culture, music, urban studies, civic engagement, community

Lily

Lily

PhD candidate

Expertise

Biology, Microbiology, Viruses, Microscopy, CRISPR, Proteins, RNA

Sarah

Sarah

PhD

Expertise

music and memory, psychology, cognitive science, science and arts, neuroscience of music, music psychology, nostalgia, music-evoked emotions, emotion, projects related to human aging

Cody

Cody

Industry expert

Expertise

Music, Film Scoring

Whitney

Whitney

MFA

Expertise

Interdisciplinary artistic practices ( storytelling, intersections of art and science, arts and environment, design, photography and videography) Dance (choreography, technique, professional performance, dance science, history, critical issues) Physical Health and Wellness (basic physiology, functional anatomy and kinesiology, strength and conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation, approaches for self-care) Mentorship for balancing arts and academics, college audition prep, adapting materials for creative projects

Kevin

Kevin

MS

Expertise

HCI, Computer Science, Software Eng, Arts

Kelly

Kelly

PhD

Expertise

museum studies, performance studies, dance studies, ethnography, performance and politics, Latin American studies, theatre history, women's studies, creative projects, playwriting

Valerie

Valerie

MD candidate

Expertise

Internal Medicine, Public Health, Mental health, chemistry, geometry, Spanish (advanced proficiency), English, music

Sierra

Sierra

PhD candidate

Expertise

neuroscience, psychology, biology, music, art, philosophy, meditation, sleep, language/linguistics, mental illnesses, drugs/addiction, and creativity

Matthew

Matthew

Industry expert

Expertise

Film Production and Cinematography

Darnell

Darnell

MBA candidate

Expertise

Finance/Financial Services, Wealth Management, Business (multi-member LLC experience), and Poetry, Creative Writing, Published Art Works

Advaitha

Advaitha

Industry expert

Expertise

Biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, digital health, digital therapeutics, neuro-engineering

Rebecca

Rebecca

MA

Expertise

Memorialization culture (monuments, memorials, and museums); Public history; Genocide, crimes against humanity, and mass atrocities; History of human rights; Germany [German literature, poetry, film, and art]; 20th century; World War II

Patricia

Patricia

PhD candidate

Expertise

Art History, Feminist theory, Decolonial theory

Alyson

Alyson

MS

Expertise

Food Systems, Gastronomy, Innovative solutions for climate change, humanistic approach to design, Wicked Problems, Regenerative Agriculture, Gastronomic design,

Meg

Meg

PhD candidate

Expertise

Materials Sciences/ Applied Physics / Electrical Engineering

Irene

Irene

PsyD

Expertise

LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care, BIPOC LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Music Therapy, Clinical Psychology

Douglas

Douglas

MA

Expertise

Literature, Poetry, Game Studies, Psychology, Philosophy (especially existentialism), Critical/Cultural Theory, and Arts

Tyler

Tyler

MArch

Expertise

Architecture, design, and environmental art

Jerry

Jerry

DO candidate

Expertise

Human anatomy, human physiology and pathophysiology, technological and pharmacological advancements in medicine, psychology of learning, use of technology in education, and techniques in pencil and digital drawing