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

Aimee Eggler

Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Villanova University
Education

University of California, Santa Cruz

BS, Chemistry / May, 1996

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Ph.D., Biochemistry / May, 2002

Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Research Expertise
Biochemistry
Physiology (medical)
Toxicology
Organic Chemistry
Clinical Biochemistry
And 14 more
About
Dr. Eggler has 20 years of experience in the field of redox biology, with a focus on the Nrf2 transcription factor, a master regulator of antioxidant, detoxification and anti-inflammatory genes. She is also an award-winning educator and the recipient of the Villanova University Junior Faculty Excellence in Teaching award. Her interests in education include innovation in teaching metabolism from a logic-based perspective.

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Dr. Gina C. Pieters

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Structural international macroeconomist, with specific area focus in CBDCs, cryptocurrencies, and tokenomics, Lecturer at University of Chicago.
Education

University of Minnesota System

PhD, Economics / August, 2012

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America

University of California Santa Cruz

BA, Economics / June, 2005

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S., Physics / June, 2005

Santa Cruz
Research Expertise
Cryptocurrencies
Digital Currency
CBDC
Blockchain
Economics Pedagogy
And 6 more
About
Dr. Gina C. Pieters has over 10 years of experience in economics. Dr. Pieters has a strong background in theoretical, computational, and applied economics, with a focus on international macroeconomics. She has published numerous articles in academic journals and has presented her research at conferences, central banks, and universities around the world. In addition to her academic career, Dr. Pieters has also worked as a consultant providing economic analysis and policy recommendations. She has been interviewed by numerous news and media organizations, including BBC and NPR, in a variety of formats including live television, radio, and print. She has taught undergraduate and MA courses on microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, monetary systems, and crypto assets. She received her PhD in Economics from the University of Minnesota, after earning her BA in Economics and B.S. in Physics from the University of California Santa Cruz.

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Leilani Gilpin

Assistant Professor of Computer Science - UC Santa Cruz
Experience

UC Santa Cruz

Assistant Professor of Computer Science / 2021 — Present

Sony

AI Researcher / 2020 — 2021

Palo Alto Research Center

Technical Staff / 2011 — 2013

Research Expertise
Explainable AI
Diagnostics
Anomaly Detection
Commonsense Reasoning
AI and ethics
And 7 more
About
Leilani Gilpin is an assistant professor of computer science at UC Santa Cruz. She holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of California, San Diego. She also has experience as an AI researcher at Sony and the Palo Alto Research Center.

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Monica Moritsch, Ph.D.

Marine Ecologist and GIS Specialist
Education

University of California Santa Cruz

PhD Candidate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology / August, 2018

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
marine ecology
blue carbon
ecosystem services
GIS
marine spatial planning
About
* Marine/coastal ecologist with strong interest in applying scientific information to support sustainability and conservation. * Background in communicating details of scientific studies to interdisciplinary teams. * Over 11 years of GIS and research experience, with a particular focus on climate adaptation, spatial analysis, climate impacts modeling, and 5 years of experience in blue carbon science

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Dr. Chloe Willis

California
Linguistics PhD working in the ethical AI/ML/NLP sector with a strong background in community and coalition building
Education

University of California Santa Barbara

PhD in Linguistics, Linguistics / September, 2023

Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

University of California Santa Barbara

M.A. in Linguistics, Linguistics / March, 2020

Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

University of California Santa Cruz

B.A. in Language Studies with an emphasis in Japanese, Linguistics / March, 2014

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Computational Linguistics
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Natural Language Understanding (NLU)
Linguistics
Sociolinguistics
And 9 more
About
I am a researcher, linguist, data scientist, and educator in the ethical AI space. Currently, I leverage my academic research background to build machine learning models and label ontologies that detect biased language. I am seeking opportunities to drive and evangelize innovative AI/ML/NLP research through my technical, research, and communication skills. Read more about me on my website: https://chloemwillis.com/

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Tianjiao Adams Ph.D

Research Scientist with background in CEA and ecology.
Education

University of California Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America

University of Houston

Houston, Texas, United States of America
Research Expertise
rangeland ecology
plant ecology
insect herbivore interaction
insect nutrition
Ecology
And 6 more
About
I am a highly experienced and dedicated scientist with a Ph.D in Biology. My research interests include controlled environment agriculture, insect rearing, plant and insect ecology, and climate change. Throughout my academic career, I have been involved in six research projects, including examining the effect of artificial diet composition on insect growth and fecundity. After completing my Ph.D, I joined Dream Harvest Farming Company LLC as a Research Scientist. In this role, I lead a team of researchers in developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, such as the development of novel methods to produce spinach in a vertical hydroponic farm. I have been responsible for managing research projects, analyzing data, and publishing scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals.

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Dr. Brent Lindquist-Kleissler, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in bioinorganic chemistry with publications on inorganic synthesis, computational chemistry, and crystallography.
Education

University of California Santa Cruz

PhD, Chemistry

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

Fort Lewis College

Bachelor of Science, Chemistry / May, 2017

Durango, Colorado, United States of America
Experience

University of California Santa Cruz

Graduate Student / August, 2018 — December, 2023

Developed a more information-rich topological analysis of pnictogen-oxygen bonding using DFT and QTAIM. Solved the long outstanding question of the solution-state geometry of pentaphenylantimony using Sb XAS, Raman spectroscopy, single-crystals XRD, and TD-DFT. Synthesized and characterized a small library of novel compounds designed to model antimony-containing drugs using multidimensional and multinuclear NMR, HPLC, single-crystal XRD, DFT, and ab initio molecular dynamics.

Rivergate Pharmacy

Compounding Manager / June, 2017 — June, 2018

Optimized the workflow and doubled productivity in preparing prescription creams, capsules, troches, and suspensions increasing sales and number of patients helped. Managed the compounding operations of the pharmacy and increased efficiency of chemical ordering and new formula creation.

Northeastern University

Research Associate / June, 2015 — August, 2015

Synthesized the natural product SIA7248 and optimized the conditions of an allylation reaction. Successfully showed metal-catalyst interactions play a role in Leighton's allylations, furthering fundamental knowledge of organic synthetic pathways.

Research Expertise
Main-group inorganic chemistry
About
Dr. Brent Lindquist-Kleissler received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California Santa Cruz in 2023. During his graduate studies, he focused on bioinorganic chemistry and developed new methodologies for the synthesis and characterization of antimony-containing molecules. His computational research on antimony-containing molecules provided new insight to understanding main-group chemical structures and bonding. Prior to completing his doctorate, Dr. Lindquist-Kleissler worked as a compounding manager at Rivergate Pharmacy, where he gained experience in formulating customized medications for patients. During his undergraduate studies he studied natural product synthesis at Fort Lewis College and at Northeastern University, where he synthesized new drug delivery systems. Dr. Lindquist-Kleissler's expertise in both inorganic chemistry, computational chemistry, organic chemistry, and pharmaceuticals allows him to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the pharmacy, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications for patients. He is passionate about finding innovative solutions to improve patient health and is committed to staying current on the latest advancements in the field. In his free time, Dr. Lindquist-Kleissler enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and reading.

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Stephanie Pierce

Physics Ph.D. with expertise in laser, optics, optical frequency combs, and microscopy
Education

University of Colorado Boulder

PhD, Physics / May, 2011

Boulder, Colorado, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

M.S., Physics / March, 2003

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

M.A., Mathematics / March, 2003

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
optical frequency combs
super-resolution microscopy
numerical modeling
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Biomaterials
And 5 more
About
My Ph.D. research was in building and characterizing optical frequency combs. At CU Anschutz I have been working on super-resolution microscopes, in particular STED microscopy.

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Jessie Dibble

Ph.D. in organic chemistry with publications in peptide nanomaterials.
Education

Johns Hopkins University

Ph.D., Organic Chemistry / August, 2021

Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S., Chemistry / August, 2014

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Organic Chemistry
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Polymers and Plastics
And 2 more
About
I am a chemist with over eight years of laboratory experience. I most recently served as a Senior Scientist at Senseonics, Inc., contributing to the development of molecular sensors for an implantable glucose monitor. My academic background is in Organic Chemistry and I received my Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University where my work focused on electronic peptide nanomaterials. <br> Beyond the realm of science, I am currently operating as a full-time artist. I strongly believe that my creativity has been a cornerstone in my scientific pursuits, providing me with a distinctive perspective toward problem-solving and conveying scientific ideas in innovative ways.

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Gabriel Stockdale

Researcher in Structural Mechanics with publications on masonry design and analysis
Education

Politecnico di Milano

PhD, Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering / April, 2020

Milano

University of Hawaii at Manoa

M.S., Civil Engineering with Structural Emphasis / June, 2012

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S., Physics / June, 2009

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Software
Computer Science Applications
Building and Construction
Civil and Structural Engineering
Geophysics
And 5 more
About
Gabriel Stockdale has always been passionate about the built environment and construction engineering. With a strong foundation in physics, he pursued a degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural design at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After completing his master's degree, he worked as a civil engineer, gaining valuable experience in the field and obtaining his professional license. Driven by his curiosity and desire to further his knowledge, Gabriel went on to obtain his PhD in Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2020. During his doctoral studies, he conducted extensive research on sustainable building materials and methods, focusing on masonry construction. In 2020, Gabriel joined Masonry Methods, Inc. as the President and Principal Investigator. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of innovative masonry construction techniques, as well as conducts research and development to further advance the field. Gabriel is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional, with a strong understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of construction engineering. He is dedicated to finding sustainable and efficient solutions for the built environment, and is committed to continuous learning and growth in the field.

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Christopher A. Thom, Ph.D.

Ivy League Ph.D. and former University of Oxford research staff. World expert in the selection and deformation of materials in extreme conditions.
Experience

University of Oxford

University of California Santa Cruz

Rhenium Alloys Inc.

About
I obtained my Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2019 for my award-winning work on the micro- and nano-physics of deformation in geological materials. I translated this skill set into working with a variety of other materials at the University of Oxford from 2019 until 2021. Following a short time teaching at the University of California Santa Cruz, I worked as the R&D manager for a multimillion dollar refractory metals manufacturer specializing in the aerospace, energy, and defense industries. I am now looking for new projects to become passionate about. I bring a unique variety of experience and expertise and love to learn about new topics.

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Ray Gutierrez Jr.

Seasoned AI Ethics Writer & Fulbright Candidate Seeks AI Consultancy Role
Experience

Luminance Innovative Technologies LLC | Silicon Valley, CA, USA CEO and Co-owner (2020 to present)

CEO / April, 2020 — Present

• Authored comprehensive business plans and proposals integrating ethical AI practices. • Scripted and edited screenplays and storyboards for an animation series and podcast, ensuring narrative coherence and ethical representation of AI themes. • Produced written content for marketing and promotional materials, aligning with industry best practices in ethical messaging.

USC Annenberg Media News

AI Technology Writer / October, 2023 — Present

• Composed articles and reports on AI technology developments, focusing on their ethical implications and societal impact. • Written, produced, and directed the animation series” Virtually Nutz” based on the fears and phobias of artificial intelligence in modern society. • Developed a series of thought leadership pieces on AI ethics, contributing to public discourse and policy recommendations.

Fulbright Candidate | AI Ethics Project Proposal (2025)

Project Manager / August, 2022 — Present

• Drafted a detailed research proposal outlining the need for robust ethical frameworks in AI in Southeast Asia, demonstrating foresight and strategic thinking. • Prepared presentations and written communications for various stakeholders to garner support for the project, showcasing persuasive writing skills.

Wysant, Preply, SuperProf, Skillshare

Tutor / April, 2020 — Present

• Designed and wrote educational content, including lesson plans and tutorials, for students learning about animation and digital arts. • Provided written feedback and guidance to students, enhancing their understanding of ethical considerations in digital content creation.

University of California Santa Cruz Anthropology Field Study

Documentary Director / June, 2016 — August, 2016

• Researched and wrote scripts for documentaries focusing on cultural preservation and ethical storytelling. • Authored articles and reports on the field study findings, contributing to academic discourse on the intersection of anthropology and technology.

Gavilan College Sports Dept.

Digital Media Manager / June, 2014 — June, 2015

• Developed and executed content strategies for marketing campaigns, emphasizing ethical promotion of sports programs. • Wrote press releases and feature stories that increased brand visibility while maintaining ethical standards in representation.

Gavilan College CalWORKS Program

Digital Media Manager / September, 2014 — June, 2015

• Crafted success stories and case studies highlighting the program's impact, focusing on storytelling of participants academic journey to success.

Castilleja School |

Academic Technology Instructor / July, 2010 — June, 2012

• Created written curriculum materials for innovative technology integration in education, ensuring ethical use of technology in classroom settings.

Menlo School

Adobe Specialist Instructor / January, 2010 — June, 2010

• Developed syllabi and instructional guides for Adobe Creative Tools, incorporating ethical considerations in digital design and media production.

About
Ray Gutierrez is an emerging leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, with specialized expertise in developing ethical frameworks to guide responsible AI progress. Ray is currently working on  a Master's degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School, where he focused his studies on AI technology and its societal impacts.   Ray's passion for exploring how new technologies can facilitate cross-cultural communication took root during college. Experiences abroad in Thailand and India exposed him to the potential for digital media to empower marginalized communities. For his work on social impact campaigns, Ray was honored as a "Citizen of the World" by the UC system.   Currently, Ray's academic research examines strategies for implementing ethical AI practices in media and corporate settings. He has contributed chapters on AI's societal implications to edited volumes such as "Redefining Journalism in an Age of Technological Advancements" and "Artificial Intelligence in the Age of Nanotechnology."   Ray is also a writer and producer for the Annenberg journalism media site, where he covers articles on AI technology and ethics. His popular animation series "Virtually Nutz" playfully explores pressing debates surrounding artificial intelligence through the antics of two squirrels.   As a Fulbright fellowship candidate, Ray aims to conduct field research assessing the integration of AI in Southeast Asian media. Through partnerships with organizations like Internews, he hopes to advance inclusive, rights-based approaches to emerging technologies.   Ray is also the founder of Luminance Innovative Technologies, spearheading the development of ethically-driven multimedia content exploring technology's impacts. He excels at advising cross-functional teams on responsible AI practices.   With his robust background spanning technology innovation, academic research, and ethical framework development, Ray is well-positioned to consult on cutting-edge applications of AI. His passion, strategic skills and interdisciplinary perspective make him a leader in shaping socially conscious AI progress.   Ray's ORCID iD is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1825-0097, allowing him to definitively connect his work and contributions across fields and borders.

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Christopher Limnios

I'm a PhD economist with past experience in providing consulting delivarables for litigation regarding mortgage fraud and calculation of the resulting economic damage.
Education

University of California, Santa Cruz

About
Finance, Monetary Policy, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Data Science, Forecasting, Real Estate, Machine Learning

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Sanjin Mehic, PhD

Ph.D. Scientist currently working in biotech at a startup. Highly experienced in microbiology, nanopore sequencing, and molecular biology.
Education

University of California Santa Cruz

Ph.D , Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology / April, 2022

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

University of California Santa Cruz

BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry / June, 2016

Santa Cruz
Experience

University of California Santa Cruz

Graduate Student - Microbiologist / September, 2016 — April, 2022

Stealth Startup

Scientist / April, 2022 — Present

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Kristy Biolsi

Professor and Chair, Dept. of PsychCo-Founder & Director: Center for the Study of Pinniped Ecology & Cognition (C-SPEC) (https://www.sfc.edu/pinniped)Research:Comp Cognition
Education

University of California, Santa Cruz

About
Cognition, Learning Theory, Comparative Cognition, Psychobiology, Marine Mammals, Animal Behavior

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Dr. Clinton Smith

Instructor of Political Science with considerable experience teaching online and in instructional design.
Education

Ph.D, Political Science / June, 2007

Eugene, Oregon, Oregon, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.A., Political Science and Environmental Studies / June, 1997

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

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