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.
Alex
MD candidate
Expertise
clinical biology, cognitive psychology, US history, classic literature, LGBTQ+ history and rights
chloe
MFA
Expertise
portfolio development (studio art, film reels, writing portfolios); research-based projects in art, film and creative-writing; documentary filmmaking & video editing; oral history and interview techniques (audio recording, project planning, outreach, interview-soft skills, etc); studio art projects (ie: interdisciplinary, mixed media, film, video, installation, sculpture, artist books); writing projects (poetry, nonfiction and essay); environmental arts projects (art and science, ecology, water, soil, fungi & mushrooms, environmental justice, place-based research and work); reflecting on your creative practice and crafting artist statments
Jade
PhD
Expertise
Linguistics, Translation, Arabic Language and Literature, Spanish Language and Literature, cross-cultural awareness, intercultural communication, comparative literature, European linguistics, cultural studies, humanities
Kelly
EdM
Expertise
Social sciences, policy, writing, diversity, leadership, psychology, business, global issues, diplomacy, music, literat
Clarissa
PhD candidate
Expertise
Art history, Feminism, Contemporary art, Art and Science, Women in STEM
Katie
MPA
Expertise
History, English, Psychology, Environmental Science/Studies, Political Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice, Immigration Rights, Social Justice, Advocacy
Michael
Industry expert
Expertise
Culinary Arts, Business Strategy & Management Consulting, Biology, Creative Fiction and Non-Fiction writing
Halle
MBA candidate
Expertise
marketing, English, job-hunting, resume building, using AI, creative writing, beauty, leadership
Susan
MA
Expertise
Literature, Creative Writing, Film, Folklore and Fairy Tale Studies, Editorial Work, Publishing, Mythology, Dystopian film and literature, Speculative fiction, Fantasy fiction, Magical Realism, Writing for Publication
Ian
PhD candidate
Expertise
English; 20th & 21st century literature; postcolonial literature; Anglophone literature; literary criticism; writing; the writing process; creative nonfiction; cultural criticism
Laurie
MA
Expertise
reading for comprehension, writing for clarity, research and college-level compositions,
Judson
PhD candidate
Expertise
Ancient Philosophy, Theology, Biblical Studies, Art & Faith, Church History
Rachel Nefertari
PhD
Expertise
Cross Cultural conflict resolution, cultural medicine, refugee health diplomacy and policy, Middle East and North Africa
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
Lydia
EdD candidate
Expertise
Education, Educational leadership, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Organizational Policy and Procedure
Kelley
MSW candidate
Expertise
East Asian Philosophy, East Asian History, English, Creative Writing, Literature, Art Analysis, Music Analysis, History, Philosophy, Aesthetics, Psychology
Hamzah
PhD
Expertise
Geopolitics, Middle East and African history, race and ethnicity, political theory, international relations, Black Studies