Summer Springboard
Instructors
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AT SUMMER SPRINGBOARD, STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FIRSTHAND FROM RENOWNED EXPERTS AT THE TOP OF THEIR FIELDS — FROM A HARVARD-EDUCATED DOCTOR WHO SERVES WITH DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTHORITIES IN FORENSIC SCIENCES — GIVING THEM INSIGHT, INSPIRATION, AND REAL-WORLD PERSPECTIVE.
Instructors at Summer Springboard
These are the instructors that we have confirmed so far for 2026, but they may be subject to change.
Summer Springboard courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.
Please click on the links to browse our Instructors by campus:
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Featured Instructors
Violet Bagni, MBA
UCLA
Violet Bagni is an EMT Clinical Instructor at UCLA where she teaches the fundamentals of emergency medicine; including the proper care and transportation of the sick and injured patients. Violet has 20 years of experience working in a fast-paced environment and educating her team members and nurses in emergency technical procedures, skill reviews, and up to date patient care treatment. Violet is also a member of the Henry Mayo Emergency Room Management Team.
Guido zuilani
Barnard College, Columbia University
Guido Zuliani is an architect and an educator. He graduated summa cum laude from the Università IUAV di Venezia in the summer of 1980. In 1982 he became a registered architect. In the fall of 1985 Mr. Zuliani moved to New York and began to teach at The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union where is he currently a Distinguished Professor in Architecture. At Cooper Mr. Zuliani has taught Design Studios, Architectural History, and Seminars in the Theory and History of Architecture.
Anaïs Voski
Berkeley
Anaïs Voski is a PhD candidate in Environment & Resources (E-IPER) at Stanford University. She holds a MSc in Environmental Sciences from the Central European University and a Master of Philosophy in International Studies from the University of Cambridge. As a Stanford Graduate Fellow in Science and Engineering, she conducts experiments and behavioral interventions at the nexus of environmental sustainability, psychology, and health with an emphasis on environmental justice. Prior to Stanford, Anaïs worked for the European Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and the Cambridge Climate Lecture Series.
George Muksian
Yale University
George Muksian combines a lifetime of courtroom experience with teaching experience at some of the nation’s top universities. He has worked as a criminal defense lawyer and prosecutor for many years, as well as having tried many cases in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts trial courts. George has also been a law lecturer at Tufts University, Johnson & Wales University and other universities. He holds degrees from Harvard University (Ed.M), Suffolk University (J.D.), Wesleyan University (M.A.), and Providence College (B.A.).
Mark Hannum
Georgetown University
Mark Hannum holds his MS in Applied and Engineering Physics from George Mason University and his BA in Mathematics and Physics. He is an accomplished educator and physicist, and has over 20 years of experience teaching both in high school and at American University. He is an Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow and is currently directing the Quantum Information and Optics research program at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). With a fervent commitment to advancing science education, Mark has helped expand the access of high school students to Quantum across the country.
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Berkeley
DR. FARHAD ROSTAMIAN
Dr. Farhad Rostamian is currently a professor at UCLA teaching courses at both Anderson School of Management and Samueli School of Engineering.
Prior to this academic position, he spent over 25 years making highly innovative and iconic products such as the pill camera (with Given Imaging), the camera for Apple’s 1st iPhone (working directly with Steve Jobs), and sensors for disposable insulin pumps (with Medtronic). He has worked in Asia, Europe and the Americas. He holds five US and international patents. His passion lies, though, in education and mentorship.
ANAÏS VOSKI
Anaïs Voski is a PhD candidate in Environment & Resources (E-IPER) at Stanford University. She holds a MSc in Environmental Sciences from the Central European University and a Master of Philosophy in International Studies from the University of Cambridge. As a Stanford Graduate Fellow in Science and Engineering, she conducts experiments and behavioral interventions at the nexus of environmental sustainability, psychology, and health with an emphasis on environmental justice. Prior to Stanford, Anaïs worked for the European Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and the Cambridge Climate Lecture Series.
DAVE KESLER
Dave is the principal of Dave Kesler Architecture and an award-winning San Francisco-based architect with over 30 years of experience and in private practice for 22 years. He is also an experienced industrial designer, watercolorist, and musician. His firm has designed over 200 projects ranging from high-end residential and multi-family housing to commercial and institutional work. Dave’s work has been published internationally and exhibited in the permanent collections of major museums. He has taught many different subjects in architecture for the last 20 years. Recently, he’s been an instructor at City College of San Francisco for the last 7 years, teaching architectural sketching and introduction to architecture classes.
KEVIN MCLIN
Dr. McLin holds his PhD in Astrophysics from University of Colorado, his MS in Astronomy from University of Washington and his BS in Physics from UC Davis. He’s been a science educator for over 25 years with a primary interest in optical observational astronomy, managing small telescopes and teaching astronomy and physics from the introductory through graduate levels. He’s a co-author of “The Big Ideas in Cosmology” and has developed a number of courses for science teachers in K-12 and college. Kevin also enjoys providing informal astronomy education through his work at Starwerk.net where he offers night sky explorations.
DR. LUIS VALENTIN ALVARADO
Luis holds his PhD in Microbiology from UC Berkeley. He received his Bachelors in Microbiology and Chemistry from University of Puerto Rico. He is currently a microbial genomics and structural biology research fellow at Monash University in Australia where he is working with a group pioneering the exporation of CRISPR-Cas and other innovative immune systems. His role involves the strategic integration of laboratory skills and ecosystem-scale genomics to explore the untapped potential of bacteria, archaea, and mobile genetic elements.
ANDRE VAN DER BERGH
Prior to embarking on a career as a facilitator of Team Business programs, André had been intimately involved in the retail industry in South Africa and the Middle East for more than 25 years, specializing in process re-engineering and automation. Since 2002, André has been facilitating Team Business programs for corporate clients, teenagers (in the USA, England, Spain, India, Morocco and Switzerland) and is involved in MLT’s Leadership Development Program. For many years André kicked off the Leadership In The Business World Program at Wharton, the Management and Technology Summer Institute Program at U Penn, and the Fundamentals Of Business Program at Georgetown University.
MIKE MITCHELL
Mike holds his Masters from UC Berkeley’s Rausser College of Natural Resources in Development Practice and his BS in Marketing, Environmental Policy & Management from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the CEO of Pezzy Pets where he is building a supply chain of small-scale fishermen across Mexico and the US to turn overly abundant, invasive fish species into single and limited ingredient pet treats. Mike previously worked for the UN in Mexico as well as rural development projects in Central America.
RUDI HECHFELLNER
With over 25 years of experience in product development, systems engineering, and program management in the semiconductor, consumer, lighting, and IoT industries, Rudi Hechfellner brings expertise to this Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping course. As a Director of Systems Engineering, Sensors and IoT in Silicon Valley, Rudi will share practical knowledge and real-world insights with students, providing hands-on experience in this evolving field. Rudi is a strong advocate of collaborative learning, community engagement, common sense approaches, and effective communication, committed to guiding students to excel in this course.
ALLAN LACAYO
Allan is a distinguished educator with a passion for economics and mathematics. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics, both from UC Berkeley, Allan brings a wealth of academic expertise to his teaching endeavors. Currently serving as a visiting professor in Economics at Saint Mary’s College and a professor of Economics and Business at Diablo Valley College, Allan’s commitment to higher education is unwavering.
DR. KAMAL ALI
Dr. Kamal Ali is a distinguished AI and machine learning expert with over two decades of pioneering experience in Silicon Valley, where he currently serves as an industry consultant specializing in large language models, artificial intelligence, and conversational agents. He earned his Ph.D. and Master’s in Computer Science from UC Irvine and he holds his BS in Computer Science from the University of Sydney. He has held several pivotal leadership roles including Chief Data Scientist at Simplifai, Machine Learning Scientist at Apple, Inc and Fusemachines, and was a co-founder and Chief Scientist of Peerlyst.
ANASTASIA PERRY
Anastasia teaches Physics at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). The courses she teaches include Scientific Inquiries in Physics, Physics: Sound and Light, Calculus Based Mechanics and Calculus Based E&M, and Modern Physics. She previously taught undergraduate physics courses at Rutgers University and Lewis University. She earned her M.S. in Physics from Kyiv University in Ukraine and M.A. in Secondary Education from Lewis University. During an internship at Fermilab, Anastasia collaborated to develop high school modules for quantum computing, which became part of an open access textbook, Quantum Computing for the Quantum Curious (Springer, 2021).
RYAN LAROSE
Ryan is an Assistant Professor in the Center for Quantum Computing, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University, previously a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Computational Quantum Science Laboratory at EPFL in Switzerland. During his PhD, he conducted research and software development in quantum computing at Google Quantum AI, Alphabet X, NASA, and IBM. In addition to his research in quantum computing, he is passionate about education and directs a summer camp for high school students from Detroit (Quantum Motor City) along with teaching quantum information science courses and seminars at Michigan State University.
ELISE MOSS
Elise Moss has worked for the past thirty years as a mechanical designer in Silicon Valley, primarily creating sheet metal designs. She has taught CAD classes at Santa Clara University, Laney College, DeAnza College, San Francisco State University, Silicon Valley College, and for Autodesk and SolidWorks resellers. She has a BSME from San Jose State University. She is an Autodesk Authorized Instructor and Partner and author of several best-selling Autodesk text books.
DR. MARIAM HJAIGE
The Emergency Medicine instruction in Berkeley is being coordinated by Dr. Mariam Hjaige and led by a group of resident physicians from UCSF. Dr. Mariam Hjaige is a Michigan native who earned her bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from the University of Michigan. She then pursued her medical degree at Michigan State University before moving west for residency training. Mariam completed her Emergency Medicine residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she served as chief resident.
OLIVE TAMBOU
Olive is a PhD candidate at the University of California, San Francisco. She is currently working in the Paz Lab at the Gladstone Institutes, where she studies thalamocortical functioning following a brain injury. Her research is focused on gaining a better understanding of how the brain is impacted after a stroke. Olive grew up in San Francisco and received her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Macalester College. During college, Olive worked in the lab of Dr. Sandra Japuntich, a clinical psychologist at the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, investigating factors that impact patients from receiving lung cancer screening.
LUCAS ENCARNACION-RIVERA
Lucas is a PhD candidate and an emerging leader in computational and systems neuroscience at Stanford University, where he combines cutting-edge dynamical systems modeling with computational ethology to unlock new insights into motivation and movement disorders. As a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow working under pioneering neuroscientists Dr. Karl Deisseroth and Dr. Liqun Luo, he is working on innovative approaches to understanding complex brain functions. He also holds his BS in neuroscience from Emory University.
Cal Poly
DR. YU CAO
Dr. Cao is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development. Her research focuses on resource governance and sustainable energy transitions. Her work integrates community engagement and policy analysis to advance equitable energy solutions. She has worked at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) for three years.
DR. CHRISTINE SCHROETER
Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a TEDx speaker, bestselling Author, and University professor who brings more than two decades of expertise in marketing, innovation, and student success. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Economics and teaches at Cal Poly, where she is known for making complex ideas clear, practical, and engaging for young learners.
DR. DONNA TEMPLETON
Dr. Donna Templeton is an inspiring faculty member in the Graphic Communication Department, where she’s been lighting the way for students for over 15 years! With a rich background in courses ranging from digital publishing and emerging digital technologies to magazine and book design, Donna is dedicated to helping students unleash their creative potential. With a Ph.D. in Strategic Media, her research explores exciting topics like cross-media engagement and disruptive technologies.
DR. CHRISTINA KAVIANI
Dr. Christina Kaviani is a lecturer in the Department of Communications, Women, Gender & Queer Studies at Cal Poly SLO and has over a decade of experience in the field of gender-based violence prevention education and response. She currently teaches theories, approaches, and debates on gender and violence, with an emphasis on the complex intersections of sexuality with race, ethnicity, class, nation, age, religion, and/or able-bodiedness.
DR. CASEY MCDONALD-LIU
Dr. McDonald-Liu specializes in how organizations communicate to publics using a tonality similar to that of humans on social media. She began her career working in digital communications at Walt Disney Studios and as an assistant to the Vice President of International Marketing. She also worked as a digital sales specialist for Valpak and ran her own cosplay catering business after spending time in Japan as an ESL instructor.
DR. SUSAN KUWAHARA
Dr. Kuwahara is an Assistant Professor in the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department. Her research integrates environmental microbiology, bioenergy, and controlled environment systems to advance sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production. She has conducted extensive work on microalgae photobioreactors for biodiesel and on ultrafine bubble oxygenation to improve plant and microbial processes. She served as a Visiting Plant Scientist at NASA Kennedy Space Center, contributing to crop system design for future space missions.
DR. KERI SCHWAB
Dr. Keri A. Schwab is a Professor in Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management Department, where she teaches and mentors undergraduate students in experience design, event planning and management (formerly recreation, parks, and tourism). Her research examines motivations, retention, and benefits associated with recreation participation, and has conducted research on youth engagement. More recently, she has explored physiological responses to nature in a study on physiological changes while crafting a ‘selfie’. Her applied work has supported public agencies with recreation planning, visitor studies, and park trend analyses.
DINA VEES
Dina Vees earned her Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication from Carroll University and a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design from Full Sail University. Her teaching and research interests are Prepress, workflow automation, variable data, marketing, and HTML/CSS/JavaScript. Dina was a Print Media Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, an instructor at the Milwaukee Graphic Arts Institute and has worked at Harley-Davidson in the motor clothes division. She currently teaches Orientation to Graphic Communication, Consumer Packaging, and Applied Graphic Communication Practices.
DR. SUSAN HAWK
Dr. Hawk has over 25+ years of experience in clinical nutrition,working extensively teaching future dietitians how to care for patients. She has a PhD in Nutrition from UC Davis with a minor in Endocrinology, and is also a Registered Dietitian. She is am fascinated with the field of medicine and how nutrition can be a treatment course for medical conditions and improve longevity. Dr. Hawk takes an all-foods fit approach to nourishing the body. Taking the time to truly understand the ‘why’ behind a health issue or behavior matters.
TYLER JOHNSON
Tyler Johnson graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with an MSc in Comparative Politics with a specialization in Comparative Political Economy. Tyler’s research focused on voter behavior and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He lived in China studying Sino-Iranian Relations. Additionally, Tyler has worked on several political campaigns varying from U.S. Presidents, U.S. Congress (as grassroots organizer and strategist), and the California State Senate.
KARA SAMANIEGO
Professor Samaniego holds a Master’s in Business Administration. She has over 13 years of experience in public health related fields, spanning from college health and violence prevention, to end-of-life care. She teaches Health Psychology and the Psychology of Gender within the Psychology & Child Development Department, and Public Speaking in Communication Studies. Beyond teaching, she conducts research in partnership with the Kinesiology & Public Health Department regarding sexual and reproductive health among college-aged populations.
DR. BO LIU
Dr. Bo Liu is a Professor in the BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department.He specializes in mechatronics, robotics, and automation, applying these technologies to address challenges in agriculture. Dr. Liu teaches courses that prepare students for the future of agricultural innovation, including agricultural robotics and automation. His research focuses on AI and mechatronics applications in precision agriculture, advancing technologies such as crop disease detection, hyperspectral imaging, and smart farming systems.
APRIL ELLIOTT
April Elliott earned her Master of Arts in Education with specialization in Curriculum and Instruction and her BS in Graphic Communication with concentration in Web and Digital Media from Cal Poly. She also holds a Master of Science in Technical Communication from Arizona State University. April’s specialty is graphic design using the Adobe Creative Suite. She has worked as a graphic designer designing the graphics for screen printing and embroidery at J. Carroll Corporation. She currently teaches Digital Publishing Systems, Applied Social Media, Digital Portfolio, and labs for Marketing and Sales.
UCLA
DR. VINCENT PHONG
Dr. Vincent Phong had received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California, Irvine, where his research area focused on methods of identifying and reducing noise from propulsion systems.
While in graduate school, Dr. Phong had instructed courses in aerodynamics, aircraft propulsion and aircraft design. He currently is a propulsion engineer at the Aerospace Corporation, where he conducts applied experimental research to help investigate and mitigate propulsion system technology risk.
DR. LAURA MANYWEATHER
Dr. Laura Manyweather is a college professor and consultant. She specializes in program, fund, and non-profit development, and brings 29 years of business experience from the private sector and academia.
She brings systems, processes, and organizational structure to small and micro businesses, in order for them to thrive in an ever-changing economic environment. Dr. Manyweather also brings positivity, inclusiveness, emotional intelligence, and restorative leadership skills to organizations.
MATT INCONTRI
Born in Canada, raised in Massachusetts, and now living in Los Angeles, Matt Incontri has been driven by animation throughout his life’s journey. Growing up on a steady diet of Disney classics, comic books, and the occasional secret viewing of horror films, his love for storytelling combined with a passion for drawing naturally led him to animation. With an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design and a Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Matt’s path through the animation industry has been an ongoing adventure, spanning commercial motion graphics, storyboarding for late-night specials, directing short films, and animating on primetime series.
VIOLET BAGNI
Violet Bagni is an EMT Clinical Instructor at UCLA where she teaches the fundamentals of emergency medicine; including the proper care and transportation of the sick and injured patients. Violet has 20 years of experience working in a fast-paced environment and educating her team members and nurses in emergency technical procedures, skill reviews, and up to date patient care treatment. Violet is also a member of the Henry Mayo Emergency Room Management Team.
CHARLES D. WILSON
Charles D. Wilson is a seasoned musician and songwriter, with over 100 songs featured across commercial platforms, television, and film. For the past decade, he has been based in Los Angeles, where he’s collaborated with artists, digital influencers, and media makers, shaping music, entertainment, and socio-political campaigns. Charles has a deep connection to the NAACP, having overseen music submissions for the annual NAACP Image Awards, and has honed his expertise in artist development through his work in A&R at Warner Music Group.
MEG WECK
Meg Weck is an award-winning cinematographer based in Los Angeles. She is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA program. Meg was the recipient of the 2024 ASC Haskell Wexler Student Documentary Award and a 2022 recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program Grant. Her work has been selected for screening at, among others, LA Shorts Fest, Toronto International Film Festival, and the Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival. Her work was a First Place Award Winner at the DGA Student Film Awards and was nominated for the Yugo Student BAFTA Awards.
GEORGY SHUKAYLO
Georgy Shukaylo is a lecturer and Ph.D. candidate in Sports Management at the University of Michigan with a strong background in sports economics. He holds a Bachelor’s in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts and both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Arkansas. His research explores topics such as the role of sports venues in urban development and the impact of public policy on professional sports. Georgy has led projects on the 2002 FIFA World Cup legacy in South Korea and the effects of COVID-19 on the global football labor market.
UC San Diego
VICKI NIENABER-MEADOWS, PH.D.
Dr. Vicki Nienaber is well known for her pioneering work in the field of drug discovery using fragment-based screening and structure-based drug design. She has been awarded grants from the Michael J Fox Foundation, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation. At Zenobia Therapeutics, where she serves as President and Chief Scientific Officer, her work is focused on applying these methods to identify compounds with the right properties to cross the blood-brain-barrier, a major obstacle in central nervous system drug discovery.
GREG HOROWITT
Greg Horowitt is Founding Partner of T2 Venture Creation and a co-author of ‘The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley’.
He presently serves as the Director of Innovation Design at the University of California, San Diego. He is a consultant to development organizations including the World Bank, OECD, USAID, Aspen Institute, and the National Academies of Science. In addition, he is a Kauffman Fellow and a Senior Fellow with the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils.
ANDREA FRANK
Andrea (Andi) Frank is a Computer Science and Engineering PhD candidate at UC San Diego’s Contextual Robotics Institute. Her research focuses on how robots use “common sense” to solve previously unsolvable problems. She has worked on projects ranging from robotic tool improvisation to improving human-robot teamwork in hospitals. Andi holds a BSE in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania and has a strong passion for cross-disciplinary engineering collaboration.
DR. TRACY SMITH
Dr. Tracy Smith holds a Master’s and Post-Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Baylor University. She is fellowship trained in orthopedics/manual therapy and is a certified Athletic Trainer (Ret.). Dr. Smith served as an active duty Army officer and physical therapist for 20 years, treating Soldiers and their families in many settings. She brings over 25 years of clinical and academic experience from both the military and the civilian sectors. Since retiring from the Army, she has had the honor of teaching as an adjunct professor of Physical Therapy at San Diego State University and Baylor University.
MOHAMMAD SEDARAT
Mohammad Sedarat is a marine scientist and Ph.D. candidate in the Jennifer Smith Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. His perspective is grounded in ecology, shaped by early work on white abalone restoration that set him on the path to habitat conservation and restoration. His doctoral research examines how climate change is reshaping kelp forests in San Diego and across southern California, integrating ecological, physiological, and genetic approaches to evaluate the adaptability of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) across spatial scales.
DR. FAITH C. QUENZER
Dr. Faith C. Quenzer, DO MPH FAAEM, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician who graduated with a Biochemistry and Cellular Biology degree at UC San Diego, graduated from the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) in 2015, did her Emergency Medicine residency at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, and became a clinical research fellow for UC San Diego, Department of Emergency Medicine while earning her Master in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at San Diego State University (SDSU).
SERAPHINA SOLDERS
Dr. Seraphina Solders received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology with the Honors Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies from San Diego State University (SDSU), and her Ph.D. in Neurosciences from UCSD. Her current research focuses on the role of the blood-brain barrier in aging and its contributions to Alzheimer’s disease risk. Broadly, she is interested in the brain changes that occur with aging and risk factors that promote neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, and her overarching goal is to improve our understanding of modifiable lifestyle factors that contribute to pathological aging so we can help our communities live long, healthy lives.
TRISHA WILLIAMS
Trisha “9Key” Williams – Trisha has spent the last 20 years building 3D worlds in the video game and innovation industries. As a leader in creating immersive spaces, Trisha has collaborated with The USC Cinema World Building Media Lab, Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation, Sundance New Frontiers, and is currently working in affiliation with the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and UCSD Innovation. Formally trained as a technical artist with a Masters of Interactive Technology from The Guildhall at SMU, Trisha not only creates virtual spaces for Origami Air, but helps guide a new generation of world builders into the field by leading programming and development for UC San Diego’s MAVERiC Studio.
MICHAEL HIRMAN
Michael R. Hirman is an attorney who has practiced privately for more than 20 years. In his practice he has litigated cases in civil court, family court and immigration court. He is licensed to practice in California and Minnesota and admitted to the United States Supreme Court. In addition to being an attorney, he holds advanced degrees in History and International Relations.
ZACH BROOKS
Zach Brooks is a trial attorney practicing in both state and federal court and the owner of Zach Brooks Law, a criminal defense law firm. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his law degree from UCLA School of Law. He is the author of a forthcoming book with University of California Press examining the tension between criminal procedure and public safety.
UC Santa Barbara
JULIA COX
Julia is a PhD student studying marine ecology at UC Santa Barbara, working in the Miller and Page labs. She is broadly interested in how human activities influence ecosystems, and how scientific research can help us understand and manage natural resources. Her research explores how fishing impacts kelp forest ecosystems, including the diets, abundances, and population structures of key predators, such as the California spiny lobster. She is also interested in how lobster movement patterns interact with fishing pressure and the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
STEVEN KUBITZA
Steven Kubitza is an instructor and PhD candidate in Communication at UC Santa Barbara. His research is in organizational communication, with a special focus on sport as a context within the field. Steven also pursues research on AI use and professional development in the classroom. Steven has vast professional experience in both sport and communication fields. This includes jobs in sport sales, sport compliance, and sport journalism. He also has over a decade of experience managing online sports news websites.
DR. NAN WILKENFELD
Dr. Nan Wilkenfeld, is a communication scholar and industry consultant whose work bridges human creativity and emerging technology. She researches how people collaborate with intelligent machines—from chatbots to wearable robotics—examining power, agency, and decision-making in human-AI partnerships. Before entering academia, Nan worked in organizational consulting and leadership development, helping teams use technology to communicate more effectively and innovate responsibly. Her research has been published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI and Human-Machine Communication and featured in national and international conferences.
HAYLEY GOSS
Hayley Goss is a marine molecular ecologist and Ph.D. candidate at UC Santa Barbara. Through her research and teaching, she emphasizes bridging molecular biology and applied conservation through accessible, data-driven approaches.Her research uses genetic data and bioinformatic analysis to examine how environmental variables and human-made structures influence population structure across ecosystems. She has conducted extensive population genetic analyses across the Santa Barbara Channel. Her work integrates large-scale molecular data with ecological and oceanographic context to help inform marine conservation and management.
ERICA SLOWIK
Erica is a business strategist with 10 years of experience helping organizations grow while driving positive environmental and social outcomes. She has supported a range of businesses—from early-stage startups to global companies with 6,000+ employees—and has played leadership roles on teams pursuing contracts of up to USD 20 million. She currently serves as a Lead Project Manager at CALSTART, where she drives strategic operations and decision-making for a 15+ team that transforms data into actionable insights for the clean transportation industry.
University of Washington
GAEL TARLETON
Gael Tarleton is an international policy and national security expert with four decades of experience working in the public and private sectors to tackle public policy challenges at home and abroad. During a career that began in the depths of the Cold War, Gael served as a senior Soviet intelligence analyst in the U.S. national intelligence community as the Berlin Wall was torn down and the Soviet empire started to crumble. Following the 1992 collapse of the Soviet Union, Gael spent the 1990s at a science and technology company working in Russia and leading teams of scientists and engineers to implement U.S. cooperative threat reduction and nuclear test ban treaties.
KEVAN KIDDER
Kevan Kidder currently works as a Research Scientist at Basso Lab at the University Washington, where he delves into the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases and aging through the application and advancement of cutting-edge methodologies.
Dr. Kidder’s professional focus lies at the intersection of neuroscience and technological innovation. During his doctoral studies, Kevan concentrated on understanding the roles played by the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in working memory abilities.
CARL KNOWLEN
Carl Knowlen received his Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1991 and is currently a Research Associate Professor with the UW William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has a strong background in modeling gas dynamics, chemical kinetics, heat transfer and fluid flow systems and extensive experience in experimental techniques for internal ballistics, subsonic and supersonic wind tunnel testing, cryogenic systems, rocket propulsion systems, and flow field diagnostics. Prof. Knowlen served for four years as the manager of the Kirsten Wind Tunnel, which is the largest commercial subsonic wind tunnel on the west coast operated in a university setting.
DR. DARRELL JACKSON
Dr. Darrell Jackson is an Associate Professor at Washington State University, Spokane, since 2019, where he has been teaching pharmacology to pharmacy, graduate, and undergraduate students. Before joining the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Washington State University, Dr. Jackson served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Montana (2004-2019), where he taught pharmacology, neuroscience, and neuroanatomy to pharmacy, physical therapy, graduate, and undergraduate students.
University of Washington, Foster School of Business
VALERIE TRASK
Valerie Trask has spent the past eight years teaching entrepreneurship at the University of Washington, where she guides students through launching real, profitable ventures.
An experienced founder and startup advisor, she’s built and supported multiple early-stage companies across consumer and innovation sectors. Val brings an energetic, practical approach that helps young entrepreneurs turn creative ideas into actionable business experiments.
Barnard College, Columbia University
EMMANUEL WHITMORE
Emmanuel Whitmore is a stylist, couture designer, and fashion educator with more than fifteen years of experience in designer couture, luxury retail, and image consulting. His career spans craftsmanship, entertainment styling, and youth-centered fashion education, bringing a unique blend of industry expertise and creative leadership to the classroom. Emmanuel began his formal training at The Art Institute in 2009, where he studied fashion design before becoming the lead couture designer for the custom design house Versailles Couture. During his tenure, he created original gowns and custom pieces for artists and public figures, including Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and cast members across MTV, VH1, and Bravo networks.
ARTEM JOUKOV, JD
Dr. Artem M. Joukov, a professor of Finance at Wenzhou-Kean University in China, initially pursued a legal career in the United States before transitioning to academia. Born in St. Petersburg, USSR, he holds the prestigious Order of the Samaritan from the UA Public Interest Institute. Dr. Joukov’s research, spanning law, economics, and finance, emphasizes the critical role of property rights in a thriving economy. His recent papers explore shareholder rights, trade rights, and property owners’ rights in residential real estate. Notably, his legal articles have earned favorable recognition from the Supreme Court of the United States, the Supreme Court of Georgia, and the Appellate Court of Connecticut.
GUIDO ZULIANI
Guido Zuliani is an architect and an educator. He graduated summa cum laude from the Università IUAV di Venezia in the summer of 1980. In 1982 he became a registered architect. After graduation Mr. Zuliani began his academic work as a researcher at the Dipartimento di Progettazione Edilizia of the Università IUAV di Venezia where he remained until 1985. In the fall of that year Mr. Zuliani moved to New York and began to teach at The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union where is he currently a Distinguished Professor in Architecture. At Cooper Mr. Zuliani has taught Design Studios, Architectural History, and Seminars in the Theory and History of Architecture.
ALANA CHEEKS-LOMAX
Alana Cheeks-Lomax is the Co-Founder and CEO of Untold Impact, a strategy consulting firm dedicated to helping brands forge authentic connections with multicultural communities, empowering them to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. A recognized global leader, Alana delivers innovative solutions that empower public and private sector organizations to achieve their strategic goals. She is a mission driven strategist with over 15 years of experience providing management and strategy solutions to non-profits, public, and private sector organizations looking to achieve their strategic objectives through business transformation, organizational growth, and social impact.
MAX KALNITZ
Max Kalnitz is a digital marketing and social media professional with over five years of experience in social media strategy and eight years as an award-winning multimedia journalist, with work published in national and local outlets. He specializes in TikTok marketing, audience growth, and content performance, and actively manages and scales social media accounts across platforms. Max has led international teams of content creators and interns, overseen more than 20 social media channels, and provided creative direction for major brand campaigns. He has collaborated on large-scale product rollouts and brand partnerships with companies and has successfully launched and grown TikTok accounts from the ground up, generating millions of views and driving measurable sales growth through viral content.
ARIA CAZEAU
Aria Cazeau is a registered nurse at NYU Langone’s Tisch Emergency Department, where she cares for patients facing a wide range of critical conditions, including cardiac, respiratory, and neurological emergencies, as well as trauma and psychological crises. A strong academic foundation backs her clinical experience: she holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry & Chemical Biology from Cornell University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University. Aria is especially passionate about advancing healthcare access for underserved communities. She’s currently involved in clinical research on improving stroke outcomes through a nurse-led, multidisciplinary triage approach. She has also been recognized as a Gloria Riley Nursing Scholar and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
PATRICIA BROOKS-DICKENS
Patricia Brooks-Dickens is an experienced Teacher Trainer and School Improvement Consultant with over 25 years of experience helping educators and schools reach their full potential. Holding a Master’s in Innovations in Education and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of South Wales, she believes that effective teaching can transform not only individual students but entire communities. As a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) and a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), Patricia has worked in the UK, UAE, USA, and the Caribbean, bridging research with real-world classroom practice. This summer, Patricia will lead the Future Educator Program at Barnard College. She has spent her career designing dynamic learning experiences, training teachers, and improving instructional practices.
Duke University
DAVID ROMINE
David Tyroler Romine Ph.D. is a historian of the United States focusing on the intersection of race, social movements, and public policy. He received a Master’s degree from New York University in 2009 and a Ph.D. from Duke University in 2018. Since graduating, he has worked as a teacher and a research associate with the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, where he began work on a biography of the center’s namesake, Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook. Subsequently, he has worked as an instructor at Duke University and Winston-Salem State University, teaching public policy and history classes.
MIRANDA GRIFFIN
Miranda Griffin is a second year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Candidate at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. Her specialization lies in small animal surgery and hopes to open her own practice upon graduation. Miranda holds extensive experience working with a diverse range of species, spanning from mice to horses. Miranda obtained her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience from North Carolina State University. Engaged actively in her school community, she holds positions in student government and serves as the President of the Veterinary Business Management Association at her school’s chapter.
CHRISTOPHER J. LITTEL
Chris is a Lecturer in Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Poole College of Management, NC State University. Before NC State, he taught entrepreneurship and management at Florida Gulf Coast University and previously at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where he also directed the MBA Consulting Academy. Chris holds a B.S. in Engineering from West Point and a Master’s in International Economics, International Relations, and Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University. He consults early-stage life science companies, focusing on marketing strategy, business planning, fundraising, and commercial operations.
ASHLEY DI LALLA
Ashley Di Lalla, BSN-RN is a registered emergency nurse at Piedmont Atlanta. She is a Colorado University at Boulder (B.S. in Neuroscience) and Denver College of Nursing (B.S. in Nursing) alum. Ashley not only practices in a hospital setting, but also in the field of Emergency Medical Services riding on various ambulance rigs allowing her to use skills from basic to advanced life saving. At any given time you will find Ashley thoroughly involved in outreach programs throughout Atlanta and her home town in Colorado.
HOPE PETERSON-SOCKWELL
Hope Peterson-Sockwell is a postdoctoral research associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). She received her B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Wake Forest University. Her research involves building brain networks from functional MRI data and exploring how different populations of people change their brain states while they complete cognitive tasks. She has taught courses in psychology, biological psychology, and neuroscience at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, Iona University, and UNC.
Georgetown University
EKUNDAYO SHITTU
Ekundayo Shittu is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He directs the Systems Modeling Laboratory for Economic Decisions (SysMoLED), where he collaborates with students and researchers to analyze the strategic interaction between firms’ technology investments and the external environment using mathematical programming, transaction cost economics, and the resource-based view.
DR. KUNIKO ASHIZAWA
Dr. Kuniko Ashizawa is a professorial lecturer at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, where she specializes in Asian politics and societies. Dr. Ashizawa has previously taught international relations courses at universities in the UK, Kosovo, and her home country, Japan. Her research interests include the USA and Japan/Asia relations, regional cooperation in Asia, and the role of international organizations in global governance. She has authored numerous academic journal articles, book chapters, and single-authored books on these topics.
LISA FRANCIS
Lisa Francis is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and educator with a deep passion for fostering growth in new ventures and organizations. With an MBA from American University, Lisa has built her career around entrepreneurship and business strategy. Her early work at POLITICO focused on people strategy during the organization’s formative years, connecting talent to opportunities that propelled growth. She later served as Director of Graduate Admissions at American University’s Kogod School of Business, building global partnerships and mentoring aspiring leaders.
MARK HANNUM
Mark Hannum holds his MS in Applied and Engineering Physics from George Mason University and his BA in Mathematics and Physics. He is an accomplished educator and physicist, and has over 20 years of experience teaching both in high school and at American University. He is an Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow and is currently directing the Quantum Information and Optics research program at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). With a fervent commitment to advancing science education, Mark has helped expand the access of high school students to Quantum across the country.
GABRIELA ROSENBLAU
Gabriela Rosenblau is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the George Washington University (GWU). She is also affiliated with the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute at GWU. She is part of the Cognitive Neuroscience program and the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Cognitive Neuroscience BS major. Her research combines computational and neuroscientific methods to understand the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying social interactions across development and clinical populations, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder.
DENNIS CLARK
Dennis Clark, JD, currently serving as a prosecutor and instructor, brings over a dozen years of experience in the law field. With roles as a prosecutor in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Dennis has conducted nearly 50 jury trials and numerous bench trials, navigating a range of legal proceedings from suppression hearings to sentencing and violation-of-probation cases, including presentations to the grand jury. In addition to his prosecutorial duties, Dennis has been sharing his expertise as an instructor of Criminal Procedure and trial advocacy courses at American University’s Washington College of Law since 2016.
Georgia Tech
DR. DAWN GREGORY
Dr. Dawn Gregory is a distinguished business strategist, innovation leader, and educator, specializing in aligning strategy, customer experience, and technology. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration with a research focus on Industry 5.0 technologies, including AI and their cross-industry applications. As Chief Digital Officer for Strategic Innovation, she helps organizations harness AI and digital tools for hyper-automation, cost reduction, and revenue growth. Her previous roles include Innovation Management Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation for the City of Atlanta.
BEN DAVIS
Ben Davis is an Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. He leads the Dynamic Devices and Solutions Lab, which houses the only high-speed water tunnel in the Southeast—unique in its focus on fluid-structure interaction research. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Davis spent six years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center as a propulsion structural dynamics and acoustics analyst. His professional and research expertise encompasses structural vibration, acoustics, acoustic-structure interaction, nonlinear dynamics, fluid-structure interaction, and elastic stability.
SARAH SMITH
Sarah Smith MPAS, PA-C is a board certified physician assistant who currently practices at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She attended the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate degree and FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine for her Master in Physician Assistant Studies. She was the first Advanced Practice Provider in the CHOA Egleston Emergency Department and has led the way in providing mentorship to other Advanced Practice Providers. In the emergency department, she works alongside physicians in coordinating and managing both simple and complex treatment plans for children with various different medical conditions.
MIT Campus
MIREIA TORELLO
Mireia Torello is the CEO and co-founder of Aikreate, a global EdTech company transforming how students learn about Artificial Intelligence. With a PhD in Earth Sciences and an Executive MBA from IESE Business School, Mireia brings both academic excellence and real-world experience to the classroom. She has led Aikreate’s work with schools, universities, and governments. Recognized as a 2025 Leading Woman in AI at the ASU+GSV Summit and selected for MIT’s Venture Advancement Program, Mireia is passionate about helping students not only understand AI but use it safely, ethically, and creatively.
BRADY MCNITT
Brady McNitt has over 15 years of experience across security and technology, with a focus on securing and enabling business at the speed of development. His career providing guidance, consultation, and expertise has spanned both public and private sectors including financial services, higher education, local and state government. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University with certifications from SANS, notably the GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) and GIAC Web Application Penetration Test (GWAPT). He is an active member of OWASP, InfraGard, and the SANS GIAC Advisory Board.
BARRY HORWITZ
Barry Horwitz is a strategy consultant, entrepreneur, author, and educator. His career has been exceptionally diverse and varied, spanning a broad range of industries, organization types, and sizes, both domestic and international.
His 20+ year consulting career includes several years with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a leading global strategy firm, and several years operating his own independent practice. His clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage companies, global NGOs, and many others in between.
OLIVIER ARIES
Olivier Aries is the founder of Thrive Labs, a consultancy that helps leaders drive business transformation through the power of behavioral intelligence. A seasoned executive coach and strategist, Olivier brings decades of experience helping executive teams and boards unlock performance through practical applications of human behavior insights. He previously led client services at the Predictive Index and was a transformation consultant at Kearney, where he advised Fortune 500 firms on leadership and performance.
DR. ALI TALEBINEJAD
Ali Talebinejad has done his PhD at MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in the area of Robotics and Computer Vision and has received his MS from MIT Mechanical Engineering in the area of System Dynamics and Control. His postdoctoral research was a pioneering work on Tracking Moving Objects Using Video Images at the Canadian Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems. His industrial experience includes his work at Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) on “Pro Engineer” which was the leading software suite in CAD/CAM area at the time.
DR. ANDREW EYRE
Dr. Eyre serves as the Medical Director for the STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation at BWH, where he is also a practicing emergency medicine physician. Throughout his career, Dr. Eyre has held a variety of leadership roles in medical education at both Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, including serving as the Assistant Program Director for HAEMR. Dr. Eyre has received numerous awards for teaching and education, including the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Bernard Lown Award for Excellence in Teaching.
DR. SEAN KIVLEHAN
Dr. Kivlehan is an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Assistant Professor of Global Health and Population at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. He also serves as the director of the Global Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the Brigham, director of the Lavine Family Humanitarian Studies Initiative at Harvard, and director of the Emergency Health Systems Program at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.
New York School of Interior Design
FRANCISCO DE LEON
Francisco de Leon is a graphic design virtuoso! As the president of FAD Graphics and a former graphic designer for The New York Times, Francisco brings a wealth of creativity to the table. But that’s not all—his architectural background adds an extra layer to his artistic prowess. Leading the way as our pre-college Director, Francisco’s classes promise an exhilarating fusion of graphic design and architectural finesse.
DON KOSSAR
Don Kossar is a powerhouse in interior design! A graduate of the New York School of Interior Design’s BFA program, Don is not just an interior designer; he’s the creative force behind Don Kossar Interiors. His design mantra? Good design is not just aesthetically pleasing—it’s functional and uniquely tailored. Get ready to explore the world of design with Don and discover the magic that happens when form meets function!
LUKAS NORTH
Lukas is a former U.S. Army service member who turned his passion for creativity into a dynamic design career. He holds a BFA and MFA in interior design from the New York School of Interior Design. Over the years, Lukas has worked in diverse roles, from data analyst and project manager to photographer.
University of Michigan
LEIGH WEIR
Leigh Weir is a multifaceted business leader, realtor, and seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience. Possessing both an MBA and MAED from the University of Phoenix and a BA in Advertising from Michigan State University, she excels in educating, training, and mentoring, with a focus on management, servant leadership, and intercultural relations. Leigh’s passion for cultivating meaningful connections has driven her to successfully instruct thousands of students worldwide, including teaching overseas for the Abu Dhabi Education Council.
DR. CHARLES REID
Dr. Charles Reid is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Adrian College, specializing in Consumer Behavior, Ethics, and Sports Media. A native of Orlando, FL, Dr. Reid earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University and brings a wealth of experience from working in soccer at every level, including Major League Soccer (MLS).
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Dr. Reid hosts his own sports podcast, where he shares insights and engages with the latest trends in sports media.
BASHAR ABDULNOUR
Bashar Abdulnour is a Professor of Engineering Practice in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University with a specialty in automotive engineering. He worked at Ford Motor Company for more than 20 years, gaining extensive experience in ground vehicle aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing. Today, he teaches courses in Automotive Engineering, Electric Vehicles, and Engineering Design & Development, sharing his knowledge and real-world experience with students.
DR. MARIE CRAWFORD
Dr. Marie Crawford holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from D’Youville University. She is a board certified orthopedic specialist & has also been certified to utilize the LSVT BIG protocol for individuals managing neurological diagnoses like Parkinson’s Disease. Currently, Dr. Crawford is honored to be a part of Care for You, an organization of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, & therapists whose goal is to assist individuals with complex medical history in the comfort of their homes. In her spare time, Dr. Crawford enjoys staying healthy through resistance training & barre classes.
DR. NIKOLAS WEBSTER
Dr. Nikolas Webster is a clinical assistant professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. His research examines the cognitive, affective, and behavioral consequences of sport fandom as well as issues surrounding the economics and management of sport. Dr. Webster’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including International Journal of Sport Management and International Journal of Business in Sports, Tourism, & Hospitality Management. He is also a faculty member in both the Center for Sport Market Research as well as the Center for Sport Venues and Real Estate at the University of Michigan.
Vanderbilt University
DR. MICHELLE MCKENNEY
Dr. Michelle McKenney Jones is a creative human resources leader with more than 31 years of corporate experience. Her areas of human resources expertise include recruitment and selection, compensation, succession planning, organizational development, personnel investigations, labor relations, salaried personnel administration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to extensive HR experience, Dr. Jones has served as an adjunct instructor in public and private universities across Middle Tennessee. Dr. Jones currently serves as a dissertation advisor for the DBA program at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Yale University
BROOKE W. KAMMRATH, PH.D.
Brooke W. Kammrath Ph.D., ABC-GKE is a Professor of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and co-Executive Director of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science. In addition, she works as a consulting criminalist where she is a qualified expert in both state and federal courts. She received her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in 2013. She has a BA in Chemistry from Northwestern University (2000), a M.A. in Chemistry Education from New York University (2003), a M.S. in Forensic Science and a M.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College (2007 & 2010), and a M.Phil. in Criminal Justice from the Graduate Center (2011).
KEISHA WINSTON
Keisha Winston is a Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology and Biology. She began her educational venture at Northeastern University and completed her doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut where she studied and conducted research in both the Neuroscience and Pharmaceutical Sciences departments. She has been teaching at the University of New Haven for the past eleven years. Her past research has focused on the behavioral characterization of novel cannabinoid compounds, the medicinal benefits of novel cannabinoid compounds, behavioral tolerance, and the effects of ethanol on central nervous system function. She is involved in cannabinoid education within her community including participation in mental health education with the CARE program and assisting with the training of police professionals across the state.
JERRY BIAS
Mr. Jerry B. Bias is a Baltimore, Maryland native with South Carolina roots. Shortly after graduating from the University of Virginia (UVA), Jerry began his career on Wall Street as a real estate investment banker with Merrill Lynch. He was a Managing Director leading High Yield Trading with JP Morgan Chase before becoming a Partner at Och Ziff Friedheim (currently known as Sculptor). Bias then Co-Founded Cyrus Capital Partners and was Head of Global Trading. This hedge fund which specializes in distressed credit opportunities across the entire capital structure grew from $100MM to $5B over the course of Bias’ tenure. After relocating to Charleston, South Carolina in 2014, Jerry operated a boutique investment bank with a focus on leveraged finance, private equity and real estate investing.
GEORGE MUKSIAN
George Muksian combines a lifetime of courtroom experience with teaching experience at some of the nation’s top universities. He has worked as a criminal defense lawyer and prosecutor for many years, as well as having tried many cases in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts trial courts. George has also been a law lecturer at Tufts University, Johnson & Wales University and other universities. He holds degrees from Harvard University (Ed.M), Suffolk University (J.D.), Wesleyan University (M.A.), and Providence College (B.A.).
Oxford, UK
DR. GERARDO MONTALVO
Dr. Montalvo is a postdoctoral research scientist and a research associate in the medical sciences at the Nuffield Department of Experimental Medicine and St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, whose expertise lies in the design and development of ‘state-of-the-art’ vaccines against neglected viruses. His current research primarily focuses on the development of prophylactic Hepatitis C virus vaccines and universal coronavirus vaccines using viral vectors and mRNA.
PAULA BEJARANO CARBO
Paula is a PhD candidate at the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on central bank and government responses to economic shocks. Before starting her PhD, Paula worked as an Economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in London, where she focused on UK macroeconomic policy analysis and forecasting the UK economy. Paula also holds a master’s degree (MPhil) in Economics from the University of Oxford and a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Warwick.
DR. CARMEN PINON
Dr. Carmen Pinon is a Lecturer in Neuroscience at Brasenose College, University of Oxford. She is also a Senior Lecturer at the Medical School of the University of Buckingham. Prior to this post, she was a Lecturer in Psychology at St Catherine’s, Queens and Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford. She joined the Experimental Psychology Department of this University in June 2000 to investigate the neural mechanisms of the Blindsight phenomena in the group of Professor Alan Cowey. In 2004 she moved to the Department of Physiology and Anatomy (DPAG) to work with Professor Zoltan Molnar investigating the development of the interactions between the thalamus and cortex.
Berkeley Middle School
JANET MURO
Janet holds her Master of Arts in Education from the University of the Pacific and her BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University. She also studied developmental psychology and research methods in psychology at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. She currently teaches high school English, English Language Development, and Psychology for Aspire Public Schools. She also led the curriculum design for the first A-G (UC-accepted) high school psychology course for Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy. Janet is passionate about igniting the love of learning psychology to middle and high school students who may have limited access to the specialty in schools.
DR. MARIAM HJAIGE
The MS Medicine instruction in Berkeley is being coordinated by Dr. Mariam Hjaige and led by a group of resident physicians from UCSF.
Dr. Mariam Hjaige is a Michigan native who earned her bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from the University of Michigan. She then pursued her medical degree at Michigan State University before moving west for residency training. Mariam completed her Emergency Medicine residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she served as chief resident. Throughout her academic and professional career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and teaching. She is excited to enter her fourth year working with Summer Springboard.
ANDRE VAN DER BERGH
Before transitioning into a career as a facilitator of Team Business programs, André spent over 25 years deeply embedded in the retail industry in South Africa and the Middle East, where he specialized in process re-engineering and automation. His extensive experience in this field laid a strong foundation for his future work in education and leadership development. Since 2002, André has facilitated Team Business programs for a diverse range of clients, including corporate organizations, teenagers, and educational institutions across the globe—spanning the USA, England, Spain, India, Morocco, and Switzerland. His role in shaping future leaders extends to his involvement with MLT’s prestigious Leadership Development Program.
Georgetown Middle School
LISA FRANCIS
Lisa Francis is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and educator with a deep passion for fostering growth in new ventures and organizations. With an MBA from American University, Lisa has built her career around entrepreneurship and business strategy. Her early work at POLITICO focused on people strategy during the organization’s formative years, connecting talent to opportunities that propelled growth. She later served as Director of Graduate Admissions at American University’s Kogod School of Business, building global partnerships and mentoring aspiring leaders.
JENNIFER WALLACE, MSN
Jennifer Wallace has a Master’s in Nursing Education and a Bachelor’s in Nursing and Psychology. Her 18 years in nursing have included bedside care of obstetrical patients and clinical coordination of the maternity service line. She has also served as a Nursing Professional Development and Education Specialist for the past three years at Sibley Memorial Hospital, including onboarding and educating new graduate nurses. Her career in nursing also allowed her to travel and work at multiple hospitals throughout the country.
EKUNDAYO SHITTU
Ekundayo Shittu is a Professor in GW’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering and directs the Systems Modeling Laboratory for Economic Decisions (SysMoLED), where he works with students and researchers to analyze firms’ technology investments using mathematical programming, transaction cost economics, and the resource-based view. He co-edited Renewable Energy: International Perspectives on Sustainability, holds two patents improving patient safety through biomedical asset maintenance, and serves as Assistant Editor for Applied Energy.
DENNIS CLARK
Dennis Clark, currently serving as a prosecutor and instructor, brings over a dozen years of experience in the law field. With roles as a prosecutor in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Dennis has conducted nearly 50 jury trials and numerous bench trials, navigating a range of legal proceedings from suppression hearings to sentencing and violation-of-probation cases, including presentations to the grand jury. In addition to his prosecutorial duties, Dennis has been sharing his expertise as an instructor of Criminal Procedure and trial advocacy courses at American University’s Washington College of Law since 2016.
NYU Middle School
DR. GIZEM KAYAR
Dr. Gizem Kayar holds an MSc and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany. She later worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the MIT Geonumerics Group. With over 15 years of experience in Computer Graphics, Dr. Kayar’s research focuses on physics-based modeling and simulation systems. As a faculty member in the Computer Science departments of several renowned universities, she also directed graduate programs in Interactive Computing Technologies and Digital Game Design & Technologies. Additionally, she served as the technical lead for the TEDU-TOGED Digital Game Development Certificate Program, which trained industry-standard experts in both design and programming.
DR. CHRISTELLE SCHARFF
Dr. Christelle Scharff is a Professor of Computer Science at Pace University. She has a Ph.D. in Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (Theorem Proving and Automated Deduction) from INRIA, the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology. Her current research focuses on global software engineering, mobile for social change, and machine learning. She published more than 30 papers in these areas. She was awarded grants from NSF, IBM, Microsoft, VentureWell, and Google. She has taught numerous courses, including software engineering, quality assurance & reliability, databases, programming, artificial intelligence, and mobile application development at Pace University, but also in France, Senegal, Benin, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
UC San Diego Middle School
DR. NICOLE JOHNSON
Dr. Nicole Johnson is the CEO of TetraCore Consulting, a certified woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. With a robust career spanning over 23 years in K-12 education, higher education, and business, Dr. Johnson has been a transformational leader and educator. Dr. Johnson holds a Master’s of Education in Learning & Teaching from the University of San Diego and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.
GILBERT GIMENO
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 18 years of extensive experience in clinical practice, occupational health, emergency response, and healthcare education, Gilbert brings a dynamic and multidisciplinary skill set to the healthcare field. As a licensed Registered Nurse in both New York and the Philippines and a Registered Midwife in the Philippines, he holds an array of certifications including NREMT, California EMT, Phlebotomy Technician (NHA), Safety Officer 2, NAEMSE Instructor, and Offshore Safety Instructor.
ZACH BROOKS
Zach Brooks is a trial attorney practicing in both state and federal court and the owner of Zach Brooks Law, a criminal defense law firm. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his law degree from UCLA School of Law. He is the author of a forthcoming book with University of California Press examining the tension between criminal procedure and public safety.
MOHAMMAD SEDARAT
Mohammad Sedarat is a marine scientist and Ph.D. candidate in the Jennifer Smith Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. His perspective is grounded in ecology, shaped by early work on white abalone restoration that set him on the path to habitat conservation and restoration. His doctoral research examines how climate change is reshaping kelp forests in San Diego and across southern California, integrating ecological, physiological, and genetic approaches to evaluate the adaptability of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) across spatial scales.
DR. NICOLE JOHNSON
Caryn Kseniya Rubanovich is a doctoral candidate in the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology receiving research training under the mentorship of Dr. Cinnamon Bloss. She is the recipient of over 15 awards, honors, scholarships, and recognitions. Caryn’s research focuses on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies in clinical care as well as the societal-level impact of technology more broadly. Most recently, she has been working on topics such as the psychosocial impacts of genetic ancestry testing; psychometric development and evaluation of a self-report measure of health information privacy; and empathic, compassionate, and socially just medical education and training.