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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
Meg

Meg

PhD candidate

Expertise

Materials Sciences/ Applied Physics / Electrical Engineering

Cheyenne

Cheyenne

MArch

Expertise

Architectural Design, Architectural Theory and History, 3D Modeling, Drawing and Imagery, Fabrication Methods

Whitney

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

Tom

Tom

MA

Expertise

Music composition, music theory, music history, film scoring, music technology

Rose

Rose

MS

Expertise

Comparative religion, drama and esl education, cultural experiences, Ed tech

Matthew

Matthew

Industry expert

Expertise

Film Production and Cinematography

Gillian

Gillian

Industry expert

Expertise

Robotics, Computer Vision, Software Engineering, Arduino, Textile/Fiber Arts

Alyssa

Alyssa

PhD candidate

Expertise

Communication. Political Communication. Rhetoric. Political Polarization. Politics. Government.

Jerry

Jerry

MArch

Expertise

Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Development, Architecture Competition, Graphics, Digital Arts

chloe

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

Raheem

Raheem

Industry expert

Expertise

marketing, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, journalism, market research, journalism, culture, music, urban studies, civic engagement, community

Rebecca

Rebecca

MFA

Expertise

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

Sierra

Sierra

PhD candidate

Expertise

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

Rebecca

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

Jillian

Jillian

MFA candidate

Expertise

English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Personal Essays, Memoir, YA Fiction

Cody

Cody

Industry expert

Expertise

Music, Film Scoring

Patricia

Patricia

PhD candidate

Expertise

Art History, Feminism, Popular culture, Critical Race, History, Theory, Writing, Latin American Studies, Black Studies, Indigenous Studies.

Tyler

Tyler

MArch

Expertise

Architecture, design, and environmental art

Darnell

Darnell

MBA candidate

Expertise

Finance/Financial Services, Wealth Management, Business (multi-member LLC experience), and Poetry, Creative Writing, Published Art Works

Lily

Lily

PhD candidate

Expertise

Biology, Microbiology, Viruses, Microscopy, CRISPR, Proteins, RNA