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.
Rachel Nefertari
PhD
Expertise
Cross Cultural conflict resolution, cultural medicine, refugee health diplomacy and policy, Middle East and North Africa
Katie
MPA
Expertise
History, English, Psychology, Environmental Science/Studies, Political Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice, Immigration Rights, Social Justice, Advocacy
Christine
PhD candidate
Expertise
gender and sexuality studies, sexual and reproductive health, ethnic studies, disability studies, sociology, postcolonial studies, social justice, academic research, writing, theater arts, college access, food and environmental justice, mental health, harm reduction, critical pedagogy
Douglas
MA
Expertise
Literature, Poetry, Game Studies, Psychology, Philosophy (especially existentialism), Critical/Cultural Theory, and Arts
Alex
MD candidate
Expertise
clinical biology, cognitive psychology, US history, classic literature, LGBTQ+ history and rights
Kelly
EdM
Expertise
Social sciences, policy, writing, diversity, leadership, psychology, business, global issues, diplomacy, music, literat
Judson
PhD candidate
Expertise
Ancient Philosophy, Theology, Biblical Studies, Art & Faith, Church History
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
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
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
Bailey
PhD
Expertise
Writing, rhetorical analysis, feminist analysis, archival research, creative writing
Clarissa
PhD candidate
Expertise
Art history, Feminism, Contemporary art, Art and Science, Women in STEM
Hamzah
PhD
Expertise
Geopolitics, Middle East and African history, race and ethnicity, political theory, international relations, Black Studies
Lydia
EdD candidate
Expertise
Education, Educational leadership, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Organizational Policy and Procedure
Michael
Industry expert
Expertise
Culinary Arts, Business Strategy & Management Consulting, Biology, Creative Fiction and Non-Fiction writing
Gabriela
PhD
Expertise
American Literature, Philosophy and Film, Feminist and Queer Literature, Political Theory and Philosophy, History, Confessional and Autobiographical writing
Laurie
MA
Expertise
reading for comprehension, writing for clarity, research and college-level compositions,