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.
Elizabeth
PhD
Expertise
European and Middle East History, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, French Literature,
Ben
MA candidate
Expertise
Math, Economics, Microeconomics, Antitrust, Social Sciences, Law, Finance, Strategy
Emily
PhD candidate
Expertise
Environmental science and sustainability, management, governance, and policy. Conservation, social science, writing. Decision-making, project management, strategic planning, and evaluation. Science communication, data management, NGOs/ nonprofits, philosophy of science, research process and methods.
Hunter
PhD
Expertise
History; Religion; Islamic Studies; History of the Middle East; History of South Asia; Issues in Science and Religion; the History of Philosophy; Science and Technology Studies (STS)
Don
MBA/PhD candidate
Expertise
My areas of expertise are: Computer Science, Data Science & AI, Economics, Business & Finance, International Relations, Law, History, and Literature/Writing.
Sophia
MA candidate
Expertise
physics (particle physics, biophysics), history (modern Chinese history, Soviet history, Cold War history, environmental history, intellectual history)
Christine
PhD candidate
Expertise
mental health, inequality, culture, qualitative methods (interviews, ethnography, archival analysis, content analysis), social justice, social problems, sociology, sociology of religion and spirituality, gender and sexuality studies, sexual and reproductive health, ethnic studies, disability studies
Alyson
MS
Expertise
Food Systems, Gastronomy, Innovative solutions for climate change, humanistic approach to design, Wicked Problems, Regenerative Agriculture, Gastronomic design,
Benjamin
PhD candidate
Expertise
20th c. American History, 20th c. British Isles, Urban History, Labor History, Social History, History of Inequality, Oral History, Local History & Community Studies, Ethnography, Anthropology, History & Politics, African American Studies, History of Gender & Sexuality
Mikaela (Mik)
MS
Expertise
History; Cultural heritage; archaeology; anthropology; Classical studies (Ancient Greek & Roman history, language and culture); library science and archives
Rachel Nefertari
PhD
Expertise
Cross Cultural conflict resolution, cultural medicine, refugee health diplomacy and policy, Middle East and North Africa
Andrew
PhD
Expertise
Media, Culture, Technology, AI and Ethics, Politics, History, Music, Gender, Religion, Anthropology, International Relations, the Middle East
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
Griffin Smith-Nichols
Industry expert
Expertise
Ancient Greek and Latin classics, medieval literature and languages, history of religion, German
Bailey
PhD
Expertise
Writing, rhetorical analysis, feminist analysis, archival research, creative writing
Alyssa
PhD candidate
Expertise
Communication. Political Communication. Rhetoric. Political Polarization. Politics. Government.
Sam
PhD candidate
Expertise
Film studies + production, American literature, History, Economics, Music
Connor
PhD candidate
Expertise
American history, African-American history, Atlantic history, Southern history, Black studies, gender and sexuality studies, carceral studies, social history, oral history, Black feminist and queer theory