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

Jace Hargis, Ph.D.

Ocala, Florida, United States of America
Researcher, Generative Artificial Intelligence Researching Integration into Higher Education
Experience

University of Doha

Professor and Associate Vice President / December, 2022July, 2023

Kean University

Vice President for Curriculum and Faculty Development / November, 2022November, 2021

New York University Shanghai

Professor and Director / July, 2018September, 2022

University of California San Diego

Director / April, 2016July, 2018

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Associate Provost and Associate Professor / March, 2015March, 2016

Higher Colleges of Technology

College Director / July, 2011July, 2013

University of the Pacific

Assistant Provost and Assistant Professor / June, 2007June, 2011

University of North Florida

Director and Assistant Professor / August, 1999May, 2007

CH2M Hill Engineering

Research Expertise
Generative AI
Emerging Instructional Technology
About
Jace Hargis is an experienced educator and administrator with over 25 years of experience in higher education. He received his PhD in Science Education from the University of Florida, his M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida, and his B.S. in Oceanography from the Florida Institute of Technology. Hargis has held various leadership positions throughout his career, including Associate Vice President at the University of Doha, Vice President for Curriculum and Faculty Development at Kean University, and Professor and Director at New York University Shanghai. He has also served as Director at the University of California San Diego, Associate Provost at Chaminade University of Honolulu, College Director at Higher Colleges of Technology, Assistant Provost at the University of the Pacific, and Director and Assistant Professor at the University of North Florida. Hargis is a dedicated educator and is passionate about promoting student success and academic excellence. He has a strong background in curriculum development, faculty development, and strategic planning. He is also experienced in managing international partnerships and promoting cross-cultural understanding in higher education. In addition to his administrative roles, Hargis has also taught courses in education, environmental engineering, and oceanography at various institutions. He is a published author and has presented at numerous conferences and workshops on topics related to education and global partnerships. Hargis is committed to staying current with the latest trends and advancements in higher education and is constantly seeking ways to improve and innovate in the field.

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Fayth Tan, Ph.D.

Pasadena, California, United States of America
Science Communicator · Biologist
Education

California Institute of Technology

Ph.D. Biology, Biology and Bioengineering / June, 2023

Pasadena, California, United States of America

University of California San Diego

B.S Marine Biology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography / June, 2018

La Jolla, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Regeneration Biology
Developmental Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Biology
Physiology
And 3 more
About
Award-winning science writer and communicator with >7 years of experience as an academic biologist. Available for opportunities to consult on topics including regeneration biology, inflammation and fibrosis, aging, stem cell biology, metabolic disease, and animal physiology—or how best to communicate them to your target audience. I can also speak on effective science communication for researchers. My graduate research was in animal regeneration, using mouse models to investigate how physiology affects regenerative ability in the mouse digit tip and the neonatal mouse heart. I've published on novel methods to induce mouse digit regeneration, and analyzed the single-cell transcriptome of neonatal cardiac stem cells to identify potential developmental changes that may cause the loss of regenerative ability in older mice. As a science writer and communicator, I write about how science and technology impact and are impacted by society and culture. My work was recognized by the National Academy of Sciences in 2022, winning the Schmidt Prize for Excellence in Science Communication—an award of $20,000 that was given to 24 scientists and journalists from over 550 submissions. I've been commissioned by companies and non-profits to write about subjects from AI-powered drug discovery to the use of metaphor in neuroscience—my work doesn't shy away from niche, interdisciplinary and unexpected topics. <br> <br> <br> <br>

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Martin Tsui

San Francisco, California, United States of America
University of California, San Francisco
Education

Florida State University

Ph.D., Molecular Biophysics / July, 2017

Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America

University of California, San Diego

B.S., Chemistry / June, 2012

San Diego, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Biochemistry
Structural Biology
Cryo-EM
CRISPR
Molecular Assembly and Interaction
And 11 more
About
Martin Tsui is an accomplished scientist with a strong background in biochemistry. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from Florida State University in 2017, where he conducted research on the structure and function of CRISPR proteins. Prior to that, he obtained his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego in 2012. After completing his graduate studies, Martin founded his own company, Stealth, where he serves as a Founder & CEO. Under his leadership, the company has developed innovative solutions for the biotech industry and has gained recognition for its groundbreaking research. Before starting his company, Martin worked as a Senior Scientist at Amazon, where he applied his expertise in protein biochemistry and CRISPR to improve the company's product development processes and creating new products. He also gained valuable experience as a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, San Francisco and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Van Andel Institute, where he studied cancer proteins, SARS-CoV-2, HIV proteins, and the role of proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, respectively. Martin is a highly driven and passionate individual who is dedicated to advancing the field of biotechnology. His impressive education and diverse experience have equipped him with the skills and knowledge to make significant contributions to the scientific community. He continues to pursue new opportunities to further his research and make a positive impact in the world of science.

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Fatemeh Nematollahi

Los Angeles, California, United States of America
AI Research Scientist with Ph.D in Physics
Experience

University of California San Diego

Postdoctoral Scholar / January, 2021January, 2023

Georgia State University

Postdoctoral Research Associate / May, 2019January, 2021

Intellisense Systems, inc

AI Research Scientist / January, 2023Present

Research Expertise
Condensed Matter Physics
Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Biotechnology
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
About
Fatemeh Nematollahi is a highly accomplished physicist with a strong educational background and extensive experience in the field. She received her Ph.D. in Physics from Georgia State University (GSU) in 2019, where she specialized in the study of solids in ultrafast laser pulse. During her postdoctoral at GSU, she continued to study the interaction of solids in an external ultrafast pulse. After that, she joined the Radiation Oncology Department at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as a postdoctoral. She applied deep learning to predict a dose for breast cancer treatment. In addition to her academic work, Fatemeh has also gained valuable industry experience as a Research Scientist at Intellisense Systems, Inc, a company specializing in advanced sensing and communication technologies. Here, she worked in the AI and RF group to develop advanced systems. She has published numerous papers in prestigious scientific journals and has presented her work at international conferences. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Fatemeh's passion for physics and her drive to push the boundaries of knowledge in the field make her a valuable asset to any research team. She is dedicated, hardworking, and always seeking new challenges and opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge.

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Dr. Emily I. Chen, Ph.D.

California
An experienced scientific investigator committed to life sciences, cutting-edge proteomics technology, and business strategy.
Education

University of California San Diego

Ph.D., Molecular Pathology / August, 2002

La Jolla, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Multi-omics platform and data analysis
Proteomics technology and data analysis
Breast cancer research
Al and biological applications
Al and therapeutic applications
About
Dr. Emily I. Chen is a highly accomplished scientist with a strong background in molecular pathology and translational medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from the University of California San Diego in 2002, and later received post-doctoral training at the Scripps Research Institute, where she specialized in studies of proteomics alterations in cancer and mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis. After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Chen joined as a principal investigator at Stony Brook University’s Department of Pharmacological Science, and later as the Director of the Proteomics Shared Resource at Columbia University Medical Center, where she led a team in the development and implementation of cutting-edge proteomic technologies for translational research. Her work at Columbia resulted in numerous publications and presentations at national and international conferences. In 2018, Dr. Chen joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as the Senior Director of the Precision Medicine Science Center. In this role, she oversaw a team of scientists who worked with academics and pharmaceutical businesses to create precision medicine technologies such as next-generation sequencing and companion diagnostic biomarker analysis. Throughout her career, Dr. Chen has been involved in numerous research initiatives and collaborations, resulting in over 60 publications in peer-reviewed journals. She is also a frequent conference speaker and has been recognized for her contributions to proteomics and translational research. Dr. Chen's expertise and leadership have made her a highly sought-after consultant and advisor for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. She continues to be a driving force in the advancement of precision medicine, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing healthcare.

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Michael Grandner

Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
Dr. Michael Grandner - Expert in Sleep and Health Research
Education

University of Pennsylvania

Masters in Translational Research, Translational Research / June, 2014

UC San Diego

PhD, Clinical Psychology / December, 2007

San Diego State University

MS, Clinical Psychology / December, 2005

University of Rochester

BA, Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology / December, 2001

University of Rochester

BA, Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology / 2001

San Diego State University

MS, Clinical Psychology / 2005

San Diego State University / University of California, San Diego

PhD, Clinical Psychology / 2007

San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare System

Clinical Psychology Internship / 2007

University of Pennsylvania

Postdoctoral Fellowships / 2011

American Board of Sleep Medicine

Board Certification in Behavioral Sleep Medicine / 2014

University of Pennsylvania

Masters in Translational Research / 2014

Eureka Institute for Translational Medicine

Certificate in Translational Medicine / 2016

Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine

Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine / 2018

University of Arizona

PhD, Psychology / 2010

University of Arizona

MA, Psychology / 2007

University of Arizona

BA, Psychology / 2005

University of Arizona

MS, Psychology / 2006

University of Arizona

BA, Psychology / 2004

About
Dr. Grandner is a licensed Clinical Psychologist certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, Medicine, Nutritional Sciences, and Clinical Translational Science at the University of Arizona. His clinical work focuses on non-medication treatments for sleep disorders. His research examines the relationship between sleep and obesity, diabetes, heart disease, daytime functioning, and longevity. His work has received awards from the Sleep Research Society, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Heart Association, and other organizations. He is author or co-author on over 300 academic publications. He has served on grant review panels for the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health, both the mental health and sleep and wellness task force for the NCAA, and the mental health consensus committee for the International Olympic Committee. He is a frequent consultant and speaker on the issue of sleep health and  has been invited multiple times to the US Congress to discuss the role of sleep in health and functioning. Dr. Grandner’s work has been featured in television, radio, and print media, in over 50 countries. Learn more about his work at michaelgrandner.com. <br>

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Cindy Lin

Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Beauty Industry Expert and Product Development Consultant
Education

University of California, Los Angeles

BS, Sociology

Los Angeles, California, United States of America

University of California, San Diego

San Diego, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Beauty Industry
Product Development
Clinical Skincare
Color Cosmetics, Makeup
Contract Manufacturing
And 7 more
About
Cindy Lin is a Global Product Developer in the beauty industry with unique dual expertise on both the brand side (color, skincare, personal care, fragrance) and the supplier side (packaging, raw materials, and contract manufacturing). Specializing in: -360 degree Product + Package Development -Contract Manufacturer/Supplier Management -Full Service/Turnkey Solutions + Processes -Innovation + Clean Beauty Her work has been featured in Vogue, Allure, Nylon, Elle, Cosmopolitan, IntoTheGloss.com, and more; and won awards, including: Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), Women's Wear Daily (WWD) Beauty Biz Award, Allure's Best of Beauty, and the Seventeen Beauty Awards; earning Cindy a 2004 nomination at the prestigious Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star Awards (www.fgi.org) in New York City. Cindy made waves as a product developer for Mark., the youth-oriented brand at Avon, which broke ground in the industry. After developing a full color line for Victoria’s Secret Beauty, PINK, she made an innovative career move to Albéa, the largest packaging supplier in the beauty industry. Cindy's combined formula + packaging expertise forecasted the industry shift for full service/turnkey solutions for global clients, ranging from the Top 10 beauty companies to indie & emerging brands. After establishing a well-respected reputation in NYC as a product developer, Cindy is back in her hometown of Los Angeles pushing the boundaries of beauty as a Product Development consultant for brands, contract manufacturers, and raw material suppliers.

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R Mata, Ph.D.

Washington
Associate Professor of Linguistics & Spanish at Western Washington University with research experience on Spanish speaking communities in the United States and Mexico.
Education

University of California San Diego

M.A., Linguistics

San Diego

University of California, San Diego

Ph.D., Linguistics

San Diego

University of Alaska Fairbanks

M.F.A., English

Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
Experience

Western Washington University

Associate professor of Linguistics & Spanish / 2017Present

Colby College

Visiting assistant professor of Spanish / 20162017

University of California San Diego

Assistant academic coordinator & instructor of Spanish & Linguistics / 20082016

Research Expertise
Linguistics Experiment Design
Sociolinguistic Fieldwork
Language Documentation
Survey Design
About
Dr. R. Mata is an accomplished and experienced linguist, instructor, and researcher. He holds a M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of California San Diego, as well as a M.F.A. in English from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. With over 15 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Mata has a deep understanding of linguistics and language education. He has held various research & teaching positions, including associate professor of Linguistics & Spanish at Western Washington University, visiting assistant professor of Spanish at Colby College, and assistant academic coordinator & instructor of Spanish & Linguistics at University of California San Diego. His research interests lie in the areas of Spanish dialectology, language attitudes, language use in discourse, inclusive use of language, and language contact. He has published various articles and presented at conferences on these topics, making significant contributions to the field of Spanish linguistics. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Mata is also dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation for the Spanish language and its speakers, particularly minoritized communities. He has organized and participated in various community events and workshops, both academic and non-academic, sharing his expertise with a wider audience.

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Jonathan Loi, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Biophysics with over 11+ years of research experience applying physics, math, and computation to biology
Education

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Ph.D., Biophysics / August, 2023

Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America

University of California, San Diego

Bachelors, Physics and Biochemistry/Cell Biology Double Major / June, 2016

San Diego, California, United States of America
Experience

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Doctoral Research Assistant / August, 2020August, 2023

Co-authored and secured grants for 3 independent research projects (two cancer-related at $250,000 per year each, one machine learning and image processing-related at $25,000 total). Solely developed MATLAB software to provide researchers easy access to mathematical and statistical methods for 3D image correction and analysis (published). Performed mathematical modeling and simulation of point spread functions to identify optimal conditions for biological image data acquisition. (published). Developed an image registration algorithm for 3D super-resolution image reconstruction (under review). Developed and applied an Expansion Microscopy method for economical 3D super-resolution imaging of biological samples (submitted). Led and executed multiple projects related to chromosomal abnormalities in cancer, Epstein-Barr Virus infection of human cells, and using machine learning for patient karyotyping. Regularly communicated research results to expert and non-expert audiences to the field.

Doctoral Research Assistant / September, 2017April, 2020

Explored the effects of pressure and drug treatment on exocytosis kinetics via simultaneous whole cell patch clamping and amperometry. • Performed signal processing, model fitting, and analysis of time-series amperometric signals.

Student Assistant / February, 2019September, 2019

Explored the relationship between audio stimuli and EEG neural responses using Granger causality on time-series data.

Doctoral Research Assistant / September, 2016August, 2017

• Characterized neurophysiological effects of using CRISPR / Cas9 to attenuate the pathogenic pathway in Alzheimer’s Disease (published).

University of California, San Diego

Undergraduate Research Assistant / September, 2014June, 2016

• Developed scripts in R & MATLAB for colocalization and kymograph image analysis to study protein trafficking, targeting, and distribution in hippocampal neurons (published). • Performed fixed and live cell fluorescence microscopy imaging to study actin assemblies (published).

Undergraduate Research Assistant / April, 2015February, 2016

• Developed scripts in R to identify essential genes in cyanobacteria interrupted using barcode transposons. • Created pipeline in R for large-scale RNA Seq data analysis using Bioconductor packages. • Authored a review on chronobiology as an inaugural member of the Bioclock Studio, a group of circadian biology researchers and students dedicated to science communication and outreach.

Undergraduate Research Assistant / September, 2012August, 2014

• Explored bacterial growth patterns using microfluidic devices, spectrophotometry, and microscopy. • Quantified bacterial growth in microscopy images using MATLAB.

Research Expertise
Computational Biology
Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy
Expansion Microscopy
Image Processing
Cell Biology
About
I am a PhD in Biophysics with over 11 years of research experience applying math, physics, and computation towards biological data to drive research strategies and decisions. I specialize in quantitative fluorescence microscopy, super-resolution imaging, image processing & analysis, and computational modeling & simulation for hypothesis testing.

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Chad "CJ" Valasek, Ph.D.

Ph.D. Health Researcher & Social Scientist
Education

University of California, San Diego

Ph.D., Sociology & Science Studies / March, 2022

San Diego, California, United States of America

University of California, San Diego

M.A., Sociology / June, 2013

San Diego, California, United States of America

University of California, Irvine

B.A., Psychology & Social Behavior / June, 2010

Irvine, California, United States of America

Antelope Valley College

A.A., Letters, Arts, & Science / May, 2008

Lancaster, California, United States of America
Experience

University of California San Diego

Research Expertise
Public health
implementation science
homelessness
medical sociology
science studies
And 3 more
About
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.

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Arwa Kurabi

Accomplished Project Scientist with a proven track record of 15 years and over 50 publications and H-index of 19
Experience

University of California, San Diego

Associate Proj. Scientist / July, 2019Present

Part of the Department of Otolaryngology Research division. Worked independently and in cooperation with other faculty on different research projects and to meet project goals and deadlines. Assisted in preparation of grant proposals, submissions, publications and conference presentations .

Assistant Proj. Scientist / November, 2015June, 2019

Performed general lab management and administrative duties plus assisted in day-to-day laboratory activities. Led independent research projects working with students and staff

Post Doctoral Fellow / November, 2009October, 2015

Developed, adapted and implemented new research techniques and protocols related to Otology. Tasks included compailing, analysis, interpretation, and summarizing data. Plus, participated in publications and presentations as author or co-author.

About
Dr. Arwa Kurabi is a highly experienced scientist with background in protein chemistry and molecular biology. She received her Ph.D. in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology from York University in 2009, where she focused on studying the structure and function of proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Kurabi completed her Master's degree in Applied Biotechnology from the University of British Columbia in 2005. Her research during that time focused on developing novel techniques for protein enzyme purification and analysis. After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Kurabi pursued a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, in otology and ear diseases. She was involved in various projects studying protein interactions and their role in cellular processes and signaling pathways. She also utilized phage display and protein targeting to develop new drug delivery strategies for the ear. Dr. Kurabi then was promoted to Project Scientist academic trajectory where she started as an Assistant and then Associate Project Scientist at the University of California, San Diego. She gained valuable experience in basic and translational research. Her research during this time focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying otitis media and other otic diseases. she investigated the human immune responses using in vivo animal models and “humanized” model. She also utilized single-cell RNA-Seq and ATAC-seq to study cellular gene expression patterns to reveal how chromatin packaging and other factors affect gene expression in both human and murine middle ear tissue. Dr. Kurabi was selected to participate in a panel to determine the future of otitis media research at the NIH National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders (NIDCD) in October, 2020, being involved in group discussions with leaders in the field to sett new goals and draft a final report that was presented at NIDCD Workshop in 2021. With her extensive education and experience, Dr. Kurabi is a highly sought-after scientist. She has published numerous research articles in prestigious scientific journals and has presented her work at national and international conferences. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her expertise in the field make her a valuable asset to any research team.

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