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
Yolanda

Yolanda

MPA

Expertise

Food systems, Urban Agriculture, Environmental Studies

Sarah

Sarah

DMD

Expertise

Dentistry, Biology, Dance, Bioethics

Blake

Blake

PhD

Expertise

Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology

Cayla

Cayla

MS

Expertise

Interdisciplinary or Exploratory Projects, Writing/Research, Music and Recording/Music Production, Journalism, Creative/Fiction and Nonfiction Writing, Psychology/Sociology Research

Madeline

Madeline

PhD candidate

Expertise

Religious studies, modern European history, memory studies

Bridgette

Bridgette

MFA candidate

Expertise

Creating writing, poetry, hybrid, zine, anthology, community engagement, gardening

Tomer

Tomer

MS

Expertise

Any project involving scientific computing (e.g. simulation, data analysis; can be in a domain I'm familiar with like physics, or otherwise), AI (decision-making, neural networks, etc.), aerospace engineering (related to: orbital dynamics/satellites/space stuff, aeronautics/aircraft), Art (traditional or computer-driven)

Sarah

Sarah

Industry expert

Expertise

Fashion Merchandising

Susan

Susan

PhD

Expertise

English and American literature (from 17thc on), development of the novel, contemporary short story; creative writing (creative nonfiction, memoir, travel writing, short story, poetry); American history (from 17thc on); history of architecture, industrial design, graphic design, advertising; social history of fashion and make-up; business of marketing communications and advertising

Shaylyn

Shaylyn

PhD candidate

Expertise

Developmental biology, cell biology, developmental neuroscience, sensory neuroscience, hearing development, hearing loss, psychology of music, societal importance of music, medicine, LGBTQ public health issues, healthcare access issues

Natalie

Natalie

PhD candidate

Expertise

Music Theory; Music Cognition; Music Psychology; Linguistics; Media Studies

Alla

Alla

Industry expert

Expertise

Alzheimer's, the brain, and anything to do with video editing!

Cody

Cody

PhD

Expertise

Literature and Literary Theory, Philosophy, Creative Writing, Race and Ethnicity, Cultural Studies

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

Jade

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

Chris

Chris

PhD candidate

Expertise

Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Literary Criticism

Brooke

Brooke

MFA

Expertise

Creative Writing, Journalism, Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Composition, Literary Analysis, Pop Culture / Media / Art Commentary and Criticism

Rebecca

Rebecca

MFA

Expertise

Ceramics, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, Arabic, Middle Eastern cinema

Katharina

Katharina

MFA

Expertise

Fashion history, fashion design, art history, costume design for stage and film

Sami

Sami

MFA

Expertise

Interdisciplinary Arts, Acting, Film, Theatre, Performance, Documentary, Dance, Creative Writing