
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.

Nora
DDes candidate
Expertise
illustrator, photoshop, coral draw, branding, visual design, Arabic language,

Alyssa
PhD candidate
Expertise
Communication. Political Communication. Rhetoric. Political Polarization. Politics. Government.

Rebecca
MFA
Expertise
Ceramics, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, Arabic, Middle Eastern topics, Creative Writing, Design, Conceptual Development

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

Jillian
MFA candidate
Expertise
English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Personal Essays, Memoir, YA Fiction

Raheem
Industry expert
Expertise
marketing, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, journalism, market research, journalism, culture, music, urban studies, civic engagement, community

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

Patricia
PhD candidate
Expertise
Art History, Feminism, Pop culture, Critical Race, History, Theory, Writing

Gillian
Industry expert
Expertise
Robotics, Computer Vision, Software Engineering, Arduino, Textile/Fiber Arts

Jerry
MArch
Expertise
Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Development, Architecture Competition, Graphics, Digital 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

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

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






