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.
Tom
MA
Expertise
Music composition, music technology, human-machine interactions, music history, film scoring
Douglas
MA
Expertise
Literature, Poetry, Game Studies, Psychology, Philosophy (especially existentialism), Critical/Cultural Theory, and Arts
Alyson
MS
Expertise
Food Systems, Gastronomy, Innovative solutions for climate change, humanistic approach to design, Wicked Problems, Regenerative Agriculture, Gastronomic design,
Kelly
PhD
Expertise
museum studies, performance studies, dance studies, ethnography, performance and politics, Latin American studies, theatre history, women's studies, creative projects, playwriting
Rebecca
MFA
Expertise
Ceramics, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, Arabic, Middle Eastern topics, Creative Writing, Design, Conceptual Development
Advaitha
Industry expert
Expertise
Biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, digital health, digital therapeutics, neuro-engineering
Sierra
PhD candidate
Expertise
neuroscience, psychology, biology, music, art, philosophy, meditation, sleep, language/linguistics, mental illnesses, drugs/addiction, and creativity
Jasmine
PhD candidate
Expertise
neuroscience, psychology, cognitive sciences, anthropology, public policy, sociology, public health
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
Raheem
Industry expert
Expertise
marketing, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, journalism, market research, journalism, culture, music, urban studies, civic engagement, community
Cheyenne
MArch
Expertise
Architectural Design, Architectural Theory and History, 3D Modeling, Drawing and Imagery, Fabrication Methods
Jillian
MFA candidate
Expertise
English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Personal Essays, Memoir, YA Fiction
Jerry
MArch
Expertise
Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Development, Architecture Competition, Graphics, Digital Arts
chloe
MFA
Expertise
portfolio development (studio art, film, writing); research-based projects with output in a creative medium; documentary filmmaking & video editing; oral history and interview techniques; studio art projects (ie: mixed media, film, video, installation, sculpture, artist books); writing projects (poetry, nonfiction and essay); reflecting on creative practice
Gillian
Industry expert
Expertise
Robotics, Computer Vision, Software Engineering, Arduino, Textile/Fiber Arts
AJ
PhD candidate
Expertise
Journalism (reporting, multimedia, publishing, editing), French, Arabic, contemporary Arabic culture, international relations, international political economy, creative writing (novella, short story, haiku), photography, history of post-world war Europe and Middle East