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.
Douglas
MA
Expertise
Literature, Poetry, Game Studies, Psychology, Philosophy (especially existentialism), Critical/Cultural Theory, and 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
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
Sierra
PhD candidate
Expertise
neuroscience, psychology, biology, music, art, philosophy, meditation, sleep, language/linguistics, mental illnesses, drugs/addiction, and creativity
Raheem
Industry expert
Expertise
marketing, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, journalism, market research, journalism, culture, music, urban studies, civic engagement, community
Alyson
MS
Expertise
Food Systems, Gastronomy, Innovative solutions for climate change, humanistic approach to design, Wicked Problems, Regenerative Agriculture, Gastronomic design,
Clarissa
PhD candidate
Expertise
Art history, Feminism, Contemporary art, Art and Science, Women in STEM
Nora
DDes candidate
Expertise
illustrator, photoshop, coral draw, branding, visual design, Arabic language,
Patricia
PhD candidate
Expertise
Art History, Feminism, Pop culture, Critical Race, History, Theory, Writing
Kelly
PhD
Expertise
museum studies, performance studies, dance studies, ethnography, performance and politics, Latin American studies, theatre history, women's studies, creative projects, playwriting
Alyssa
PhD candidate
Expertise
Communication. Political Communication. Rhetoric. Political Polarization. Politics. Government.
Sarah
PhD
Expertise
music and memory, psychology, cognitive science, science and arts, neuroscience of music, music psychology, nostalgia, music-evoked emotions, emotion, projects related to human aging
Gillian
Industry expert
Expertise
Robotics, Computer Vision, Software Engineering, Arduino, Textile/Fiber Arts
Jillian
MFA candidate
Expertise
English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Personal Essays, Memoir, YA Fiction