Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Missouri–Kansas City

Jordan Woehl is a highly educated and experienced scientist with a passion for biochemistry and molecular biophysics. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Missouri in 2011, where he gained a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of chemistry. He then pursued a Master of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes. Continuing his academic journey, Jordan obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from Kansas State University in 2017. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research on the structure and function of proteins, gaining expertise in techniques such as X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, and protein purification. After completing his Ph.D., Jordan continued to expand his knowledge and skills through postdoctoral training at Scripps Research. Here he focused on studying viral proteins and their interactions with the host immune system. Jordan then transitioned to the industry, working as an Analytical Scientist at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. In this role, he utilized his expertise in protein analysis to support the development of biologics for various infectious diseases. Currently, Jordan is a Senior Staff Scientist at Scripps Research/Calibr, where he leads a team of researchers in the development of antibody based therapeutics. He is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and making a positive impact on human health through his work. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jordan is also passionate about mentoring and teaching the next generation of scientists. He has served as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students, helping them develop their research skills and pursue their own scientific passions. Overall, Jordan Woehl is a dedicated and highly skilled scientist with a strong background in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. His education and experience make him a valuable asset to any research team, and his passion for advancing scientific understanding makes him a valuable contributor to the field.

Senior research manager and methodologist with extensive experience designing, deploying, and analyzing large-scale consumer and behavioral surveys across public health, digital platforms, and applied research settings. Highly organized and scientifically rigorous, with deep expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods, including survey programming and statistical analysis using SPSS. Proven record delivering clear, defensible research reports supporting client decision-making, senior leadership, and legal case strategy, including service as an expert witness in multiple successful litigation cases. Experience in managing complex, multi-year research projects on time and within budget, including federally funded studies exceeding $2.5 million.

Dr. Beck is a Clinical Psychologist who earned her doctorate in 2009 from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA. She completed her internship at the Sarah Reed Children’s Center in Erie, PA, and received postdoctoral training at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, MD in the Center for Pediatric Weight Management and Healthy Living. She also earned her credential in School Psychology from La Sierra University in Riverside, CA, serving as a School Psychologist in the San Bernardino Unified School District in San Bernardino, CA, during 2007-2008. From 2010-2023, Dr. Beck practiced as a Pediatric Psychologist in the Weight Management Program at the Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. At Children’s Mercy, Dr. Beck worked with the Office of Equity and Diversity and was a Health Equity Advisor to her Division of Developmental and Behavioral Health and a DEI Champion with the Department of Pediatrics. She was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics in the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 2022. Her professional interests include health equity, weight bias/stigma, and the clinical implementation of yoga (she became a registered yoga teacher in 2016). She is currently serving as a Licensed Psychologist contracting with The Black Girl Doctor, an online boutique therapy practice prioritizing Black professional women. At the state and national levels, she is involved with the Missouri Psychological Association as the Diversity Board Officer, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, and Legislative Chair, the Society of Pediatric Psychology as the Division Advocacy Partner with APA, and the American Psychological Association, where she recently completed a fantastic year as a participant leader in the Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. She has won several national awards for her advocacy and service.

I am an Associate Professor of economics at Denison and President of the Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity. Before settling at Denison in 2008, I taught at Simon’s Rock College of Bard (MA) and at Drew University (NJ) where I also directed the Wall Street Semester Program (NY). I have also held research affiliations with the Levy Economics Institute (NY), the Economic Research Forum (Egypt), the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (MA), and the Center for Full Employment and Price Stability (MO).

I am an Associate Professor in Psychology involved in scholarly research, teaching, and graduate-level training of mental health practitioners. I have particular expertise in research that centers on multiple dimensions of identity development (e.g., racial-ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, etc.,), family and environmental socialization, and implications of adoption throughout the lifespan. I typically use frameworks of contact theory, intersectionality, and minority stress theory in my scholarship and teaching. I also am a private practitioner who works with clients and families who are in some way, connected to the adoption triad (i.e., adoptee, birth parent, and adoptive parents) and face a variety of intersectional concerns related to race-ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender diversity, immigration status, religion, and disability status. I am also the co-founder of a non-profit group in Chicago, Korean Adoptees of Chicago, an organization dedicated to promoting education and awareness about issues surrounding transracial and international adoption.

Samuel Sheffield has always been interested in the intersection of technology and security. After earning his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology, he joined the United States Army where he served as a Military Intelligence Officer, Signal Officer, and Company Commander. During his time in the army, he became fascinated with cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, leading him to pursue a Master's degree in Cybersecurity and a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence. In 2023, Samuel founded PantheonAI, a company that specializes in developing advanced ethical decision-making solutions using AI technology. He also served as the Deputy CISO at General Datatech, L.P., where he oversaw the security of the company's systems and networks. Samuel is also passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. He previousky worked as an Adjunct Professor at Collin College, where he taught courses on cybersecurity analysis. He currently serves as the Innovation Officer for the United States Army, where he leads initiatives to implement cutting-edge technology in military operations. Throughout his career, Samuel has been recognized for his expertise in the field of cybersecurity and AI. He has received multiple certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. He is committed to using his knowledge and experience to make the digital world a safer place for individuals and businesses.