Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of California, Irvine

Wesley R. Hartmann is a Professor at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. He received his PhD in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2003, and his MA in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001. He also holds a BA in Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Irvine.

Vivek Singh is a highly accomplished computer scientist and researcher. He earned his Ph.D. in Information and Computer Science from the University of California Irvine in 2012. During his time at UC Irvine, he focused on research in the areas of natural language processing and machine learning. After completing his Ph.D., Singh joined Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a post-doctoral associate, where he worked on developing algorithms for large-scale data analysis and information retrieval. In 2014, Singh joined Rutgers University as a faculty member in Information Science and Computer Science. As a faculty member at Rutgers, he has published numerous papers in top computer science journals and conferences and has received several grants for his research. Singh's research interests include natural language processing, generative AI, and social computing. He has a particular interest in developing algorithms for analyzing large datasets and extracting valuable insights from them. His work has been applied to various domains, including social media, healthcare, and finance. He has multiple patents, and has experience consulting with early and late-stage (unicorn) startups. His work has led to multiple grants, awards, funding, patents, and deployed products.

Emily Owens is an economist and professor at the University of California, Irvine. She earned her PhD in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2007, and her MA in Economics from the university in 2005. She holds a BS in Applied Math and Economics from Brown University, which she obtained in 2002. At UC Irvine, Emily is a professor in the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society as well as the Department of Economics. She is an expert in the fields of public policy, urban economics, and law and economics. She has also conducted research on topics such as the effects of increased policing on crime and the impact of school vouchers on educational outcomes. She has published articles in academic journals such as the Journal of Urban Economics and the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management.

Wesley Chiang, Ph.D. is a highly skilled and dedicated scientist with a strong background in biophysics, optics, materials science, and neuroimmunology. Throughout his academic career, Wesley has been actively involved in research projects focused on developing novel imaging techniques in combination with hybrid nano-bio assemblies to mimic biological assemblies to study immunologic drivers of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, and NeuroCOVID. His skillset spans across a diverse scope of techniques from high-content to super-resolution microscopy; synthesis, functional modification, and characterization of semiconductor nanocrystals (i.e. quantum dots); development of multi-cellular and mouse models for neurologic diseases; and molecular biological techniques such as RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, and quantitative proteomics. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science from the University of California, Irvine in 2017. He then pursued a Master of Science degree in Optics from the University of Rochester, which he completed in 2019, followed by a Ph.D. in Biophysics at the University of Rochester.

Chad "CJ" Valasek is a highly accomplished sociologist with a focus on medicine, science, and technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology & Science Studies from the University of California, San Diego in 2022. Prior to that, he obtained his M.A. in Sociology from the same university in 2013. His undergraduate studies include a B.A. in Psychology & Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine in 2010 and an A.A. in Letters, Arts, & Science from Antelope Valley College in 2008. Valasek's interdisciplinary research interests include the social implications of behavioral and health interventions. In addition to his academic pursuits, Valasek has also worked in various applied settings with local government and non-profits. Dr. Valasek's primary line of research includes community-engagement and an emphasis on health equity. His work has been featured in numerous publications, and he has presented at conferences around the world. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications, and he strives to make his work accessible and relevant to a wide audience. In his free time, Valasek enjoys exercise, meditation, cooking, and playing music. He is also an avid reader and enjoys discussing books and ideas with his colleagues and peers. With his diverse background and wealth of knowledge, Valasek is a valuable asset to any organization or project that seeks to understand and navigate the complex relationship between society and technology.

John Arnold is a highly experienced chemist with over 30 years of experience in the field. He received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California Irvine in 1984 and his BS in Chemistry from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1978. After completing his education, John began his career as an engineer at Bethlehem Steel, where he gained valuable experience in the industrial sector. He then moved on to work as a Senior Chemist at First Brands Corporation, where he developed his expertise in chemical research and development. In 1990, John joined Dymax Corporation as a Manager of Commercial Development, where he was responsible for developing new products and markets for the company. He later became the R&D Director at ACTEGA Radcure, where he oversaw the development of new UV-curable coatings and adhesives. John served as the R&D Director at Miltec UV International, a leading manufacturer of UV-curing equipment. In this role, he is responsible for managing the company's research and development efforts and driving innovation and technological advancements in Lithium Ion Batteries. John served as a Validation subject mater expert in pharmaceutical manufacturing and validation. Throughout his career, John has been recognized for his contributions to the field of chemistry. He has published numerous articles in scientific journals and has received several patents for his innovative research. He is also an active member of various professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society, American Physics Society, and Radtech.

Tom Lourie is a highly educated and experienced political scientist with a strong background in research, analysis, and strategic consulting. He is a PhD in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, with a focus on populism and its impact on modern democracies. Tom has a diverse range of experience in both the public and private sectors, including positions at Team Populism, Reichman University, and the National Cyber Bureau. He has also worked as a strategic analyst at Deloitte and a parliamentary consultant at Knesset Israel. Tom's extensive education and experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political systems, international relations, and policy-making. He is dedicated to using his skills and knowledge to help shape more effective and equitable political systems for the betterment of society.

Ayesha Nadiadwala is a neuroscientist and academician. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, where she majored in Cognitive Sciences with concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. Her passion for understanding the brain and its complexities led her to work with pioneers at Stanford University in the fields of emotional processing and memory. She published co-authored papers in highly esteemed scientific journals and presented her findings at numerous conferences. Fascinated by both the fields and the gap between them, Ayesha pursued in the PhD in understanding the basic mechanisms underlying the intersection of emotion and memory. Ayesha has now completed her PhD and she continues to conduct research on learning and memory, as well as teach and mentor students in the fields of Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology. Ayesha is also an advocate for promoting diversity and inclusion in the sciences. She is actively involved in various initiatives to encourage and support underrepresented groups in pursuing careers in STEM fields. In addition, she is a strong proponent of science communication and regularly engages in public outreach activities to make science more accessible and understandable to the general public. In her free time, Ayesha enjoys watching mystery shows, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is dedicated to using her knowledge and expertise to make a positive impact in the world and inspire the next generation.