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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.

Ethics
Will

Will

PhD candidate

Expertise

philosophy of language (and linguistics), cognitive science (especially neuroscience and psychology), environmental ethics, ethics of artificial intelligence

Jordan

Jordan

PhD

Expertise

Stem cells, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Cancer Metabolism, Microbiology, Pathogenesis, Metabolism, Microscopy

Nila

Nila

PhD

Expertise

Genetics, meiosis, Drosophila melanogaster, DNA repair, recombination,

Arnel Blake

Arnel Blake

PhD

Expertise

Epistemology, feminist philosophy, philosophy of language, philosophy of psychology, and philosophy of science

Jessica

Jessica

PhD

Expertise

biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology, Korean language, bioethics, art, life science communications

Angelica

Angelica

PhD

Expertise

The neuroscience of memory formation; the science of sleep: understanding why we need it; the effects of social media on mental health; exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning; the role of genetics in shaping human behavior; psychology of learning: strategies for effective study; the human brain: from neurons to networks; ethical hacking: the good side of cybersecurity; the impact of nutrition on physical and mental health; genetic engineering: editing the code of life; the intersection of art and science; cognitive behavioral therapy: techniques and applications; the science of sports: enhancing athletic performance; creative writing

Grace

Grace

MA candidate

Expertise

Philosophy, history of philosophy, ethics, bioethics, action theory, philosophy of neuroscience, medical ethics, meta-ethics, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Anscombe, Wittgenstein

Meg

Meg

PhD candidate

Expertise

Materials Sciences/ Applied Physics / Electrical Engineering

Shaylyn

Shaylyn

PhD

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

Riya

Riya

MD

Expertise

Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Genetics, Psychology, Sociology, English, Religious Studies, Theology, Philosophy, Indian Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi), Cultural Studies

Riya

Riya

PhD candidate

Expertise

Genomics, CRISPR-gene editing, genome architecture, social justice in STEM, Art in STEM, creative writing (poetry/short stories)

Gabriela

Gabriela

PhD

Expertise

American Literature, Philosophy and Film, Feminist and Queer Literature, Political Theory and Philosophy, History, Confessional and Autobiographical writing

Sarah

Sarah

DMD

Expertise

Dentistry, Biology, Dance, Bioethics

Lars

Lars

MD candidate

Expertise

Law, intellectual property, health law and policy, bioethics, tech law and innovation

Cath

Cath

PhD candidate

Expertise

Plant biology; plant-pathogen interactions; microbiology

Kendra

Kendra

PhD candidate

Expertise

neuroimmunology, neurodevelopment, developmental biology, glia, neurodegenerative disorders, neurobiology, science ethics, music & neuroscience

Veronica

Veronica

MS

Expertise

Genetic counseling, human genetics, healthcare

Erin

Erin

PhD candidate

Expertise

Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Bioethics, Marine Bio

Will

Will

PhD candidate

Expertise

Ethics, Political Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Work with Philosophy and the social sciences, Writing for the Humanities, philosophical ideas in film and literature

Donovan

Donovan

PhD

Expertise

Social Science, Political Science, Public Policy, American Politics, Race and Ethnicity, Social Psychology, Public Opinion, Socialization, Political Behavior, & Political Psychology