Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Koushyar Rajavi is an empirical researcher with PhD in Marketing from Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina, where he also received his Master of Science in Marketing. Prior to his time at UNC, Koushyar earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Engineering from the University of Tehran. Since 2018, Koushyar has been an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In this role, he teaches courses on business statistics and analytics. He is also involved in various research projects, with a focus on marketing mix activities and consumers' perceptions of brands. He also conducts research on digital piracy of entertainment goods, focusing on strategies that can mitigate digital piracy. His methodological expertise encompasses a wide range of empirical techniques in econometrics and machine learning.

Francisco Santibanez is a highly educated and experienced physicist with a Ph.D. from Universidad de Santiago de Chile. He obtained his degree in 2010. After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Santibanez joined Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso as an Associate Professor. During his time there, he has taught various courses in physics and supervised numerous graduate students. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has been recognized by his students and colleagues alike. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Santibanez has also been actively involved in research. He spent several years as a Research Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he conducted groundbreaking research in the field of Medical Ultrasound Imaging. His work has been published in top scientific journals and has been presented at international conferences. Dr. Santibanez's research interests lie in the areas of nonlinear physics, experimental mechanics, wave propagation, and materials science. Apart from his academic pursuits, Dr. Santibanez is also a passionate advocate for science education. He has been involved in various outreach programs to promote STEM education among underprivileged communities. He believes that science has the power to change the world and is committed to making it accessible to everyone. Overall, Francisco Santibanez is a highly accomplished physicist with a strong passion for education and research. His contributions to the field of physics have been significant, and his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists is commendable. He continues to inspire and make a difference in the scientific community through his work.

I am the inaugural Chair and Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at Gonzaga University and Editor of the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. I was Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Denver from 2006-2019. I served as department chair, associate chair, and director of graduate studies at the University of Denver.  <br> In 2003 I graduated from the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an emphasis in Performance Studies, and a secondary concentration in queer Latina/o literature and performance.  Prior to earning my doctorate at UNC-CH, I finished undergraduate and master's degrees in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. I have published articles in several journal including Text and Performance Quarterly, Critical Studies in Media Communication, Cultural Studies <=> Critical Methodologies, The Communication Review, Communication, Culture, and Critique, Journal of Communication Inquiry, Voces: A Journal of Chicana and Latina Studies (Now Chicana/Latina Studies), Latino Studies, Review of Communication, and the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. My book Latina/o Communication Studies: Theorizing Performance was published by Peter Lang in 2007 as part of the series on Critical Intercultural Communication edited by Dr. Thomas Nakayama. In 2015 I published Monstrosity, Performance, and Race in Contemporary Culture. I have also co-edited several books. I was awarded the 2009 Lilla A. Heston Award for Outstanding Research in Oral Interpretation and Performance by the National Communication Association. In 2009 I was presented with the Out Through the Mind Award for tenure track faculty at the 4th Annual LGBTQIA Gala at the University of Denver.  In 2010, I was selected by the Latina/o Communication Studies Division and La Raza Caucus of NCA as the Latina/o Communication Studies Scholar of the Year. The same year I was also given the Outstanding Faculty Award by the Center for Multicultural Excellence at the University of Denver. In 2014 I was awarded the Provost's Champion of Change Award for my Social Activism and Advocacy for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Denver. I received the Lambda Award for outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ community from the Caucus on Gay and Lesbian Concerns of the National Communication Association in November 2017. I received the Francine Merritt Award from the Women's Caucus on NCA in November 2018. I received the 2018 Outstanding Article Award, Feminist and Women’s Studies Division of the National Communication Association for “From Failure to Allyship to Feminist Solidarities: Negotiating Our Privileges and Oppressions Across Borders,” a Presidential Citation for Exceptional Commitment to Social Justice and Activism within the National Communication Association, and the 2018 Monograph of the Year Award, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division of National Communication Association for “Queer Utopias and a (Feminist) Iranian Vampire: A Critical Analysis of Resistive Monstrosity in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” co-authored with Shadee Abdi and published in Critical Studies in Media Communication. In November 2019 I received the Faculty Mentorship Award from the Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division of the National Communication Association.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY PhD level molecular biologist with over 10 years of work experience in qualitative, quantitative, and investigational microbiome research within academia and government agencies. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory with significant laboratory expertise and great ability to mentor others. Strong organizational, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Quick learner and able to understand complex topics. Self-motivated with a great work ethic and works well independently under minimum supervision. Superior collaborative and teamwork skills. Excellent written and verbal communication, with a keen eye for detail. Bilingual: English and Portuguese. SKILLS Molecular biology (i.e., DNA extraction, purification, primer design, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, microbiome analysis, R/RStudio), microbiology (i.e., aseptic technique, culturing, selective plating, plate reading, membrane filtration, BSL2, flow cytometry, environmental monitoring), molecular genetics (i.e., cloning, transformations, gene editing), scientific communication (formal and informal), critical thinking, public speaking, mentorship, Microsoft Office & Google Suite, organization, time-management, flexible, forward-thinking, and motivated.

Dr. Andrew Raij, Ph.D. is a principal researcher at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, where he leads research on human-centered computing and virtual / augmented / mixed reality. For over 20 years, Dr. Raij has been helping companies unlock the transformative power of immersive technologies through **rigorous user research, strategic guidance, and creative problem-solving**. With a deep understanding of human behavior in immersive environments, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world needs. His career began in academia, where he was an Assistant Professor and Director of the Powerful Interactive Experiences (PIE) Lab at the University of South Florida. Later, he joined Universal Creative, where he applied his expertise to the challenge of using immersive, wearable technologies in the theme park environment. At Draper Labs, his research focuses on applying immersive technologies to training and situational awareness. Dr. Raij earned his Ph.D. in the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering from the University of Florida in 2009. Prior to this, he completed his M.S. in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 and his B.S. in Computer Science at Northwestern University in 2001.

* Clinical psychologist with 9+ years experience conducting research (clinical trials, surveys, and longitudinal studies) * Published 25+ peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals * Presented 40+ times at national and international conferences * Expertise in conducting mental health assessments, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, ACT, and FBT) in adolescents and adults * Specialization in women's health (including eating behaviors, weight-related health behaviors, and reproductive psychology/mental health)

Dr. David Siderovski is a renowned scientist and academic, with a career spanning over two decades. He received his Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto in 1997, where he specialized in signal transduction and cellular signaling pathways. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Siderovski held various faculty positions at prestigious universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, West Virginia University School of Medicine, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. At these institutions, Dr. Siderovski has made significant contributions to the field of pharmacology through his research on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and RGS proteins, which are key regulators of GPCR cellular signaling. His work has helped to advance the understanding of RGS proteins and their roles in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. In addition to his research, Dr. Siderovski is also a dedicated educator and mentor. He has taught and mentored numerous undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, and has served as a mentor for postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty members. He is known for his passion and enthusiasm for science and his ability to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists. Dr. Siderovski has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the scientific community. He was the recipient of the Abel Award in 2004 from the American Society of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics for his pioneering discoveries of the RGS proteins and the GoLoco motif. He has also served on editorial boards of several scientific journals (including a decade at *J.Biol.Chem.*) and has been a member of various scientific committees, NIH study section panels, and pharma/biotech advisory boards, including for Inspire, Wyeth, and BellBrook Labs. Overall, Dr. David Siderovski is a highly accomplished and respected scientist and educator, whose research has had a significant impact on the field of pharmacology. His dedication and passion for science continue to inspire and influence the next generation of researchers in this field.

Lisa Marie Nelson, Ph.D. is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the fields of pathology, drug discovery and commercialization across all phases of development. She received her Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2005, where she specialized in parasitology and drug discovery research. Dr. Nelson is pursuing an MD in General Surgery from Oregon Health & Science University and holds a BS in Zoology from Oregon State University. After completing her doctorate, Dr. Nelson began her career as a Scientist/Senior Scientist at Shire Human Genetic Therapies. She then went on to hold various roles at the company, including Associate Director of Preclinical Discovery and Senior Medical Science Liaison. During this time, she gained extensive experience in drug development and medical affairs. In 2014, Dr. Nelson joined BIO Ventures for Global Health as a consultant, where she focused on developing and implementing global health programs. She then moved on to work as a Portfolio Development Manager at Ascendis Pharma, where she was responsible for identifying and evaluating potential drug candidates. Most recently, Dr. Nelson serves as the Global Medical Lead and Engagement Manager at Syneos Health, a leading healthcare consulting firm. In this role, she worked with pharmaceutical companies to develop and implement strategies for bringing new drugs to market. She also served as a consultant at The NemetzGroup LLC, providing expertise in medical affairs and drug development. Dr. Nelson is a dedicated and passionate professional with a strong commitment to improving global health. She is constantly seeking new opportunities to use her skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

Elizabeth Groff is a professor of Geography and Criminology at Temple University. She holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Maryland, College Park (2006), and MA degrees in both Geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland, College Park (2005). Her expertise combines detailed analysis of physical landscapes, geographical research, geographic information systems analysis, and popular culture. Her research interests include urban security and crime mapping, the social and economic aspects of urban development, the socio-political dynamics of aging and changing metropolitan regions, and the intersections of race, gender, and place. She has published numerous articles and has presented at various conferences throughout the country.

Laura Jackson Young graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in December 2014 with a PhD in Economics. She is now an Associate Professor of Economics at Bentley University.  ​ Founder and co-advisor for [WEB: Women in Economics at Bentley](https://webentley.weebly.com/). Faculty Research Director for the [Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business](https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business) **Research Interests:** Macroeconomics, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Financial Economics, Business Cycles, Econometrics

At UNC, I worked on type 1 diabetes, particularly the regulatory role of AIM2, a DNA sensor inflammasome molecule associated with autoimmune disorders. NOD mice deficient in AIM2 do not develop diabetes, indicating a potential beyond host defense. My research involves mapping AIM2's functional binding partners using various methods. During my time at FIU, I worked on characterizing glycan structures in ovarian cancer and developing a peptide and glycan array for identifying potential biomarkers. At BIIR in Dallas, I researched nuclear hormonal transcription factors implicated in autoimmune disorders and cancers, utilizing various methods. Additionally, my work at UTMB in Galveston involved studying cell adhesion molecules linked to neurological disorders, using biochemical and biophysical techniques. My academic background includes extensive knowledge of molecular and biochemical techniques gained at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, India.

Morgan Edwards is an Assistant Professor at the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin--Madison and affiliated faculty with the Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, Energy Analysis and Policy Program, Holtz Center for Science and Technology Studies, Institute for Research on Poverty, and Data Science Institute. Her research focuses on modeling the role of technology in addressing the threat of climate change and assessing policies to accelerate equitable energy transitions. Her current projects include modeling the role of climate-tech in meeting net zero targets, evaluating the equity impacts of building electrification policies, and assessing pathways to transition natural gas infrastructure. She holds a PhD in Data, Systems, and Society from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a SM in Technology and Policy from MIT, and a BS in Environmental Science and Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to coming to Madison, she was a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland.

Dana Walsh is a Senior Microbiome Scientist at CosmosID, a leading company in microbial genomics and bioinformatics. With a PhD in Toxicology and more than five years of experience in microbiome research, she manages the bioinformatics team and assists clients with design, analysis, and interpretation of multiomics data. She has a strong background in both wet bench and computational research, and has applied novel analysis methods to derive meaning from microbial taxonomic, functional, and metabolomic data. In her previous role at Rebiotix, she supported the development of microbiome-based live biotherapeutic drugs for various diseases. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where she investigated the role of the microbiome in cancers of the reproductive tract. She is passionate about exploring the microbiome dynamics and applications in the industrial sector, with a current emphasis on maternal and infant health.

Strategic thinker and cross-functional communicator showcasing nearly 6 years of biotech industry experience leading projects as a specialist in early drug discovery, platform development, and oncology. Proven track record of establishing research laboratories, conceiving and executing cell-based assays, leading external projects in collaboration with CROs and academic partners. Passionate about mentoring and enabling opportunities for the next generation of scientists. Committed to finding solutions to complex challenges and seeking new ways to push the boundaries of discovery.

As an avid rock climber, ultramarathoner, mountain biker, and skier, I am always searching for challenges to push myself and grow. At Utah State University, I created the Commercialization Division in Technology Transfer Services, bridging the gap between research and real-world application. My work combines strategic business insight with technical fluency to cultivate partnerships between industry and academia. I lead marketing initiatives to promote USU technologies—including creating videos, LinkedIn content, newsletters, and press releases. Additionally, I initiate outreach campaigns for licensing agreements and connect USU start-up companies with business advisors. I collaborate closely with researchers across various fields, such as mechanical engineering, software, outdoor products, chemistry, and life sciences, supporting the university’s mission to translate discovery into impact. <br> In parallel, I am pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry, with my research focusing on Electrochemistry. My research focuses on monitoring electron transfer in light-driven nitrogen fixation using biohybrid systems and exploring electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia using metal sulfides. This interdisciplinary work merges biochemistry and electrochemistry to provide the foundational knowledge needed to develop better catalysts for ammonia production.

**Dr. Christopher Winter** has practiced sleep medicine and neurology in Charlottesville, Virginia since 2004, but has been involved with sleep medicine and sleep research since 1993. Currently he is the owner of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine clinic and CNSM Consulting. He is the author of ***The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It*** as well as ***The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired or Irritable Child May Have A Sleep Disorder--And How To Help***. In addition to working with numerous professional sports organizations to help their athletes optimize sleep, he is the host of the podcast **Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter** which has consistently ranked as one of the most popular medical podcasts in the country. He is also the host of the Sleep.com series **Sleeping Around with Dr. Chris Winter**.

I earned my PhD in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida (2018). I then worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. I am currently an Assistant Professor and Molecular Biologist at Emory University-Oxford College. My past research includes studies of protein signaling in plants. My current research focuses on the use of biochemical, molecular and genetic tools to study interactions between the germ cells and somatic support cells of the model organism *C. elegans*. My research articles have been published in research journals such as the *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*, *Journal of Proteomics* and the *Journal of proteome research*.

DD Lewis is a highly educated and experienced communications professional with a passion for media and culture. She obtained her BA in Strategic Communications and BA in Arts Administration from Elon University in 2020. During her time at Elon, she honed her skills in crafting effective communication strategies and managing the business side of the arts industry. After graduation, DD continued to expand her knowledge and expertise by pursuing a MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Northeastern University, which she completed in 2021. DD is currently earning her PhD in Media and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is expected to graduate in 2028. Through her doctoral studies, DD delves deeply into the world of media and communication, conducting extensive research and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field. Throughout her education, DD also gained valuable hands-on experience in the communications industry. She worked as a Field Marketing Lead at PowerSchool, a leading education technology company, where she developed and executed marketing strategies to promote the company's products and services. She also served as a Communications Consultant at Moore Strategies, providing strategic communication guidance to various businesses and organizations. DD's passion for community engagement and management led her to work as a Community Manager at Workbar, a coworking space in Boston. In this role, she fostered a vibrant and collaborative community among members and organized events and initiatives to enhance the overall experience. DD's diverse education and experience have equipped her with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of communications. She is driven, dedicated, and always seeking new opportunities to use his expertise to make a positive impact.

I'm a Ph.D. candidate with expertise in neuroimmunology.