Our Research Advisors

The Solomon Research Scholars Program gives high school students a chance to work one-on-one on independent research projects with a research advisor who has a PhD, is a current PhD candidate, or is a postdoc. The PhD research advisor will work with students on every aspect of the research process, including research topic selection, guidance on how to conduct the research, feedback on the research process, feedback on the outline for the research paper, and feedback on the written research paper. In addition, a technical writing editor will assist with the revision of the final draft of the student’s research paper.

Our PhD research advisors come from a wide range of academic disciplines, ranging from the natural sciences to engineering to social sciences to business to the humanities. Many of our PhD research advisors have experience teaching students in a university setting. Our PhD research advisors coordinate with the student’s college admissions consultant to help pick the best research topic to maximize college admission odds and to strengthen the student’s positioning in the college application.

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A

Adele - High School Research Mentor

Adele

PhD Student in Learning Sciences and Technology Design

Areas of specialization: computer science, cognitive science, education

Adele graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2023, majoring in computer science and electrical engineering. She is currently pursuing her PhD in learning sciences and technology design, with her research focusing on the applications of artificial intelligence to learning tools. She's been recognized with notable fellowships for her academic excellence and contributions.

During her undergraduate studies, Adele founded an educational technology company aimed at assisting students with complex needs in learning mathematics via personalized computer games and analytics.

Adria - High School Research Mentor

Adria

PhD Student in Nuclear Engineering

Areas of specialization: chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, higher education, underrepresented groups, materials science and engineering, history of science, engineering policy

Adria earned her BS in Chemical Engineering and her M.Eng in Nuclear Engineering. Formerly a Nuclear Engineer at a prominent energy company, she is passionate about using higher education to foster both personal and professional growth, especially as a first-generation college student. Her experience in higher education encompasses developing a program for undergraduate women of color, conducting seminars and workshops for undergraduate students, and tutoring students in Math.

Alexander - High School Research Mentor

Alexander

PhD Graduate in Religious Studies and History

Areas of specialization: religious studies, history, anthropology, media studies, politics, international relations, medical anthropology, cultural anthropology

Alexander is a scholar whose expertise spans Religious Studies, History, Anthropology, Media Studies, Politics, and International Relations. After completing his BA, MA, and PhD, he has had the opportunity to teach at various renowned institutions and delivered lectures at several universities and conferences globally.

Alexandra - High School Research Mentor

Alexandra

PhD Graduate in Global and Sociocultural Studies

Areas of specialization: sociology, anthropology, social science, history, geography

Alexandra earned her Ph.D. in Global and Sociocultural Studies (sociology track) at a university in Miami, Florida in 2023, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a minor in African American Studies from a liberal arts college in Maine in 2003. Her academic specializations include Du Boisian Sociology, African Diaspora Studies, Community Formation, Cultural Production, and Religion, with a focus on Cuba, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic World.

Ali - High School Research Mentor

Ali

PhD Candidate in Religious Studies

Areas of specialization: political science, Arab studies, philosophy of religion, linguistics

Ali is a historian with a focus on the premodern Islamic world. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in the field of religious studies and has earned two master’s degrees, one in near Eastern languages and civilizations, and another in religious studies. Ali regularly teaches courses on Islamic history.

Alli - High School Research Mentor

Alli

PhD Candidate in City and Regional Planning

Areas of specialization: urban studies, city planning, security studies, urban history, African studies, human geography, development studies

Alli holds a BA (with distinction) in History and Political Science and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning Studies, which she also achieved with distinction while holding a distinguished international scholarship. She is currently a PhD candidate in City and Regional Planning. Having passed her qualifying exams with distinction, she is working on a dissertation project that examines questions of security and urban governance in South Africa and India.

Aman - High School Research Mentor

Aman

PhD Student in the Philosophy of Religion

Areas of specialization: political science, Arab studies, philosophy of religion, linguistics

Aman is a research associate at a non-partisan research center. He earned his BA in political science and Arab studies, and his MA in South Asian studies with a focus on history. As a former journalist based in the Middle East and South Asia, Aman brings a vast array of global experience to teaching, admissions consulting, and mentorship. He is currently a doctoral student focusing on the philosophy of religion, the historical encounter between Indian and Islamic philosophical traditions, and contemporary

Ana - High School Research Mentor

Ana

PhD Student in Developmental Psychology

Areas of specialization: psychology, linguistics, Latino studies

Ana is a graduate in Psychology with minors in Linguistics and Latino Studies. Currently, she's working towards her PhD in Developmental Psychology. As a first-generation college student, she became deeply passionate about guiding others through the college application process to help them find their best-fit schools. She boasts considerable experience in advising students and families throughout all stages of the admissions process, having worked with individuals both in the United States and China.

Andricus - High School Research Mentor

Andricus

PhD Student in Social Work

Areas of specialization: social work, poverty and inequality, international development, public health

With 20 years of experience in academic and professional writing, Andricus is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Social Work. Serving as a pre-doctoral fellow, he received training in social and behavioral sciences and has conducted studies exploring various issues, including poverty and inequality, entrepreneurship, and factors impacting student success from middle school through post-secondary schools.

Arturo - High School Research Mentor

Arturo

PhD Student in Materials Science and Engineering

Areas of specialization: 2D materials, catalysis, ferroelectric devices, graphene synthesis, polymers, cleanroom manufacturing

Prior to his graduate studies, Arturo completed his B.S. in mechanical engineering. Throughout undergrad, he was involved in various projects, including a solar car, fuel cell project, and phosphorus wastewater treatment. Arturo’s PhD focuses on 2D materials, primarily for catalysis and memory storage.

Ashley - High School Research Mentor

Ashley

PhD Student in Anthropology

Areas of specialization: sociology, anthropology, medical anthropology, human biology

Ashley completed her BA in sociology with honors and pursued a concentration in policy studies. Further, she earned her MA in interdisciplinary studies. Currently, she is a fully-funded PhD student in the anthropology department. Throughout her academic career, Ashley has earned numerous award-recipient grants, including the Mellon Mays Fellowship program.

Ashley - High School Research Mentor

Ashley

PhD Candidate in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures

Areas of specialization: radio, television, film, Latin American studies

Ashley holds two undergraduate degrees, one in Radio-Television-Film and another in Latin American Studies. She also possesses a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and is set to receive her Ph.D. in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures in July 2023.

Her research interests encompass gender and border studies, the examination of violence, trauma, and memory, Mexican literature and film, oral history, and crónica writing.

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Caleb - High School Research Mentor

Caleb

PhD Candidate in Ethnic Identity and Public Policy

Areas of specialization: public policy, South & East Asian policies, global health, economics, genetics, biochemistry

With nine years of teaching experience across various institutions, Caleb is currently a PhD candidate, studying the intersection of ethnic identity and public policy.

Caleb has extensive experience in higher education, including roles as a student, staff member, and faculty. As an undergraduate, he pursued a triple major in international relations, politics, and biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, while also minoring in chemistry.

Research Advisor - Crasun

Crasun

PhD Student in Engineering

Areas of specialization: electromechanical engineering, applied mathematics, national security, robotics

Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in ElectroMechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics in Iowa, Crasun dedicated six years to the industry, where he undertook diverse responsibilities in automation, application, and design engineering. Concurrently, he pursued a career in the US Army Reserves, contributing to the mission of delivering combat-ready vehicles to the Army and Joint Forces across a wide spectrum of conflict scenarios.

Cresa - High School Research Mentor

Cresa

PhD Graduate in Sociology

Areas of specialization: sociology, cultural studies, environmental history, feminism and gender studies

Cresa is an accomplished academic with a diverse and impressive educational background. She received her BA in Anthropology from a liberal arts college, followed by an MSc in Migration Studies from one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. She further advanced her scholarly pursuits by earning a PhD in Sociology from a leading university in the United States. Currently, Cresa is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at a prominent university in New York City, where she also serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

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Dahlia - High School Research Mentor

Dahlia

PhD Candidate in History

Areas of specialization: history

Dahlia is a research advisor with significant academic and teaching experience, guiding high school students through the research process. She is currently a PhD candidate in the department of history and a Benjamin Franklin fellow. She also holds a Master of Arts in Arab studies and a certificate in refugee and humanitarian emergencies, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in international relations with a minor in management, all received with high distinction.

Das - Research Mentor

Das

PhD Graduate in Philosophy

Areas of specialization: logic, critical thinking, ethics, gender studies, philosophy, instructional design

Das is a former Associate Professor of Philosophy with 22 years of undergraduate teaching experience at a well-regarded university in the Midwest. In addition, he has 7 years of experience designing and developing corporate training courses for global companies. Das draws upon his extensive experience in both academic and corporate settings to mentor students, helping them gain a deep understanding of complex topics and effectively communicate their knowledge.

Daniel - High School Research Mentor

Daniel

PhD Graduate in Neuroscience

Areas of specialization: neuroscience, biochemistry, biology, genetics

Daniel holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and earned his Ph.D., followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuroscience at a leading university. He has been working as a researcher in the field of neuroscience at one of the Ivy League schools. His primary research expertise lies in Neurodevelopment and Systems Neuroscience, with a specific focus on the circuit-level mechanisms of brain function under both normal and pathological conditions.

Denise | Our High School Research Advisors

Denise

PhD Student in Environmental Engineering

Areas of specialization:environmental engineering, developmental engineering, wastewater management, pathogen transmission

Denise has earned her B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Engineering and is currently a third-year PhD student focusing on Developmental Engineering within the field of Environmental Engineering. With over four years of research experience, she has delved into various environmental engineering topics, including wastewater treatment, water filtration, and wastewater-based epidemiology.

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Eleanor - High School Research Mentor

Eleanor

PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Areas of specialization: biology, environmental science, ecology, environmental justice

Ellie is a PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She earned an MA in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, and prior to that, she received a BSc in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. Ellie has a strong passion for science mentorship, ecological research, and transdisciplinary initiatives that bring science to practice considering the social context.

Elizabeth - Research Mentor

Elizabeth

PhD Student in Critical Music Studies

Areas of specialization: ethnomusicology, musicology, sound studies, music education, SE Asian music

Elizabeth is a PhD Student in Critical Music Studies. Her research focuses on Sound & Protest, Gender & Sexuality, and SE Asia. A multi-instrumentalist with a classical background, Elizabeth is a vocalist, trumpet player, violinist, and pianist. She received a M.M. in Music Education before pursuing her PhD. Elizabeth serves as a Teaching Assistant and Adjunct Professor, teaching courses ranging from Music of the World to History of Rock Music. Her expertise lies at the nexus of the cultural, political and the musical. As an experienced educator, performer, and scholar, Elizabeth displays her high drive and curiosity through her work with students.

Elizabeth - High School Research Mentor

Elizabeth

PhD Graduate in Art History

Areas of specialization: art history, history

Liz is a Lecturer in Art History at a technical university in New Jersey. With over three years of teaching experience at American colleges, she is a published author with works featured in prestigious publications. She has also been a visiting speaker at several major colleges and universities.

An alumnus of a prestigious university in Pennsylvania, Liz won a notable thesis prize before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 2009. She later completed a doctorate at a university in New York, where she was awarded a fellowship in Latin American Art.

Emily - High School Research Mentor

Emily

PhD Graduate in Chemistry

Areas of specialization: chemistry, chemical engineering, data science, computer science, materials science and engineering, data science

Emily has a B.S. in chemistry and a BA in psychology. She went on to receive her PhD in chemistry. As an undergraduate, Emily spent two years as a tutor and mentor with a CRLA level 1 tutoring certification, leading one-on-one and large-group sessions to help her peers build the tools necessary to succeed in a diverse array of classes. Additionally, she participated in laboratory research for her dual degrees, completing a study to optimize the catalytic degradation of atmospheric toxins with a high-school

Emily - High School Research Mentor

Emily

PhD Student in Anthropology

Areas of specialization: anthropology, human trafficking

After receiving a prestigious scholarship, Emily earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology, sociology, and Spanish. She graduated summa cum laude and went on to secure a full scholarship for her master’s degree in the social sciences with a concentration in anthropology. Currently, Emily is working towards completing her PhD in anthropology with specializations in both archaeology and sociocultural anthropology.

In addition to conducting her own academic research,

Eric - High School Research Mentor

Eric

PhD Student in Historical Musicology

Areas of specialization:musicology, music history, cello performance, French Baroque music

Eric is a musicologist specializing in the cultural symbolism and music theory of French baroque music. With a background in cello performance, he holds a B.A. in this field, an M.A. and a Master of Interpretation of Early Music - Research and Practice. Currently, he is a PhD student in Historical Musicology, engaging deeply with the subtleties and nuances of French baroque music.

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Gee - High School Research Mentor

Gee

PhD Graduate in Global History

Areas of specialization: history, environmental studies, religion and ethics, Asian studies

Gee is an award-winning historian with a particular emphasis on the intricate interplay of human culture, politics, and beliefs within the Pacific region. Known for meticulous research and an interdisciplinary approach, Gee's scholarly endeavors have garnered recognition, including grants and funding from esteemed institutions such as the Social Science Research Council, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Freeman Foundation, the Luce Foundation, and the Wilson Foundation

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Hannah - High School Research Mentor

Hannah

PhD Candidate in Musicology

Areas of specialization: musicology, jazz, education

Hannah is researching the Creole jazz clarinet tradition in New Orleans and its effect on a prominent jazz composer's work. She received her MA in musicology en route to her PhD and her BA in music. As she nears the completion of her PhD, set to defend in Spring 2023, she is currently working as an adjunct instructor.

Hannah is deeply committed to both scholarship and teaching.

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Ilna - High School Research Mentor

Ilma

PhD Candidate in Religious Studies

Areas of specialization: religious studies, comparative literature, international relations, anthropology, sociology

As a Ph.D. candidate in Religious Studies, Ilma has expertise in South Asian studies and is fluent in four languages. Ilma received her Masters in Religious Studies as a Fulbright Scholar in 2017. Prior to this, Ilma received her Masters in Political Science & Economics.

Ivette - High School Research Mentor

Ivette

PhD Student in Biopsychology

Areas of specialization: psychology, Spanish, biopsychology

Ivette graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Spanish, and a minor in Biology. She began her journey towards a PhD in Biopsychology in 2019. Throughout both her undergraduate and graduate careers, Ivette has been dedicated to mentoring undergraduate students from various backgrounds. She has guided students in designing thesis projects, preparing manuscripts, and teaching them the skills required to become independent researchers.

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James - High School Research Mentor

James

PhD Candidate in Hispanic Linguistics

Areas of specialization: linguistics

James is a linguist specializing in language contact in the Ibero-Romance world. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Hispanic linguistics and has published work in a variety of peer-reviewed journals. With a commitment to education, he frequently teaches courses on Spanish and linguistics at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Jay - High School Research Mentor

Jay

PhD Student in Computer Science

Areas of specialization: computer science, electrical engineering, pure mathematics, applied mathematics

Jay is a computer science PhD student with a research focus on wireless networks and communication. He holds a BS in electrical and computer engineering as well as a BS in mathematics. He has been involved in a variety of projects related to satellite networks and connectivity. Jay has also designed machine learning algorithms for satellite sensing applications.

Jeffrey - High School Research Mentor

Jeffrey

PhD Candidate in Classics & Archeology

Areas of specialization: archeology, classical and modern linguistics, literature, culture 

Jeffrey is a PhD Candidate in Classics and archaeology, a former Fulbright scholar, and has had success with earning fellowships to prestigious American research centers in Europe. He additionally completed coursework programs toward his undergraduate degree in Classical and Modern Languages, Literature, and Cultures.

Jiani - High School Research Mentor

Jiani

PhD Student in Physics

Areas of specialization: physics, biophysics, environmental science

Jiani is a first-generation graduate who earned her bachelor’s in physics. She has collaborated with several research labs, amassing both academic and industry research experience, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and abstracts, and tutoring math and physics at the undergraduate level. During her undergraduate studies, she developed various research skills ranging from data analysis to computer programming.

Jihoon - High School Research Mentor

Jihoon

PhD Candidate in Economics

Areas of specialization: macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, data science

Jihoon is an accomplished student in the field of Economics, with his dissertation research focusing on the topic of business groups, internal capital markets, and resource allocation. Before embarking on his PhD journey, he worked as a Research Professional. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics, graduating with High Honors and Phi Beta Kappa.

Joe - High School Research Mentor

Joe

PhD Graduate in Biomedical Engineering

Areas of specialization: biomedical engineering, machine learning, AI, signal processing, statistical analysis, computational modeling, neuromodulation

Dr. Joe is currently a Senior Principal Data Scientist at a leading healthcare company. He has previously worked as Lead AI Scientist at a major retail company, Senior Data Scientist at a well-known food manufacturer, Senior Machine Learning Engineer at a prominent hearing technology firm, and Senior Research Scientist at a medical device company.

Joelle - High School Research Mentor

Joelle

PhD Student in Physics

Areas of specialization: ethnographic research, mental health, Black studies, culture, and communication

Joelle is a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate in Anthropology. She embarked on her research journey as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, where she executed a two-year protocol for a self-designed ethnographic research project within the Haitian community. Currently, her doctoral dissertation delves into the mental health repercussions of regional immigration policies on Black migrants throughout the Americas.

John - High School Research Mentor

John

PhD Graduate in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology

Areas of specialization: science and technology

John holds a PhD in human and social dimensions of science and technology. He is an active researcher specializing in science and technology policy and sociology of science. His research focuses on social processes of technological innovation, governance of emerging technologies, and government research funding strategy. John has published twelve peer-reviewed research articles in journals such as Research Policy, Minerva, Futures,

Josh - High School Research Mentor

Josh

PhD Graduate in Systems Biology

Areas of specialization: systems biology, ai, xenobiotic materials, bioelectronics, agricultural technology

Josh is a graduate of a prestigious university with a passion for enabling people to build the world in which they want to live. Josh has done a postgraduate fellowship in systems biology at a renowned medical school, received the Quest AI Award for Artificial Intelligence research, and led his own research at several top universities and institutions.

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Kathryn - High School Research Mentor

Kasey

PhD Candidate in Anthropology

Areas of specialization: cultural anthropology, archaeology, Spanish

Kasey is a cultural anthropologist and archaeologist currently finishing her PhD in anthropology. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in archaeology and Spanish, and a master’s degree in historic preservation.

She studies cultural heritage, politics, and historic preservation in a rural region as part of a community-focused heritage preservation and development project.

Katy - High School Research Mentor

Katy

PhD Candidate in Anthropology

Areas of specialization: anthropology (political and economic), urban studies, public policy, gender studies

Katy is a PhD Candidate in Anthropology. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with honors. Her research areas span political and economic anthropology, urban studies, development studies, public policy, and gender studies. Recently, she finished twelve months of ethnographic research for her dissertation on the emerging middle class and political participation in Kampala, Uganda.

Kieren - High School Research Mentor

Kieren

PhD Student in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management

Areas of specialization: environmental sciences, environmental justice

Kieren holds a BA and a master’s degree in environmental science. During their master's study, they led multiple studies on climate change adaptation planning and led student groups focused on environmental justice advocacy and community building.

Kieren has worked in numerous research, education, and environmental policy positions at various

Konrad - High School Research Mentor

Konrad

PhD Graduate in Political Science

Areas of specialization: political science, public policy, business, comparative political science and political economy, educational public policy, tech policy, history of science, public administration, science and technology studies (STS)

Konrad holds a PhD in political science and has earned multiple degrees in political science and physics. His academic focus is on the comparative politics and political economy of technology regulation and governance.

Konrad has taught for 10 years across political science

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Larisa - High School Research Mentor

Larisa

PhD Candidate in Global Health and International Development

Areas of specialization: public health, bioinformatics, data science, social justice

Larisa is an interdisciplinary scholar working across fields of global health and international development. Her extensive education includes a Master of Public Health, a Master of International Policy Management, and a Bachelor of Science in biology. Larisa earned full scholarships for nearly all of her studies through competitive essay-based applications.

Laura - High School Research Mentor

Laura

PhD Student in Biomedical Engineering

Areas of specialization: biomedical engineering, data analysis, tissue engineering, biomaterials, inflammation, immunology, materials science and engineering

Laura is an accomplished researcher dedicated to inspiring and mentoring fellow scientists. She attained her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering with top honors and served as a mentor, contributing to the design of a new laboratory course for her department. Currently pursuing her Ph.D., Laura's research spans data analysis, tissue engineering, biomaterials, inflammation, and immunology.

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Maile - High School Research Mentor

Maile

PhD Graduate in American Studies

Areas of specialization: ethnic studies, gender and sexuality, Latin American studies, urban studies, science and technology, anthropology, political economy, media, social science research methods, cultural anthropology

With 9 years as a Graduate Researcher and 1 year of experience as an Admissions Intern, Maile obtained her PhD in American Studies, complemented by a certificate in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She also holds an MA in Latin American Studies

Maja - High School Research Mentor

Maja

PhD Candidate in Philosophy

Areas of specialization: philosophy, gender studies, history of science

Maja is a PhD candidate in philosophy and a former lecturer. Her main areas of research are metaphysics, the history of philosophy, general philosophy of science, metaphilosophy, and feminist philosophy. Her writing, including her dissertation, focuses on the challenges that pregnancy raises for metaphysical assumptions about individuality and for scientists' chosen target systems. Other interests include political philosophy, ethics, and bioethics.

Mansur - High School Research Mentor

Mansur

PhD Graduate in Mechanical Engineering

Areas of specialization: trustworthy artificial intelligence, safe autonomous vehicles, engineering decision-making, aerospace engineering

Mansur is a researcher working to ensure advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and robots are safe and benefit society. He wants to help people understand how artificial intelligence systems make decisions so we can trust them.

Martijn - High School Research Mentor

Martijn

PhD Candidate in History

Areas of specialization: history

Martijn is currently pursuing a PhD in history. His research centers on Eastern European, American, and transnational history. He graduated cum laude and holds an MSc in international and global history as well as two MA’s.

As a PhD candidate, he has supervised dozens of successful student research projects in a wide array of historical topics, ranging from medieval Russian history to post-Civil War American history and 20th century international relations.

Mayank - High School Research Mentor

Mayank

PhD Candidate in Public Policy

Areas of specialization: public policy, human rights, social justice, environmental studies

Mayank is a PhD candidate and a former civil rights lawyer. He holds bachelor’s degrees in law and the arts, and two master’s degrees in environmental and public policy. Mayank has also worked as a consultant for prominent international organizations. He has a breadth of teaching experience, having lectured on a number of subjects at several institutions.

Melina - High School Research Mentor

Melina

PhD Candidate in Anthropology

Areas of specialization: anthropology, archaeology

Melina earned her BA in anthropology and her MA from a prestigious university. As an underrepresented minority in the field of anthropology, she has developed a passion for sharing her work outside of a university setting. She believes that anthropology is intriguing, informative, and easily relatable to other disciplines.

Michaela - Student Research Advisor

Michaela

PhD Graduate in Neuroscience

Areas of specialization: anthropology, Islamic studies, cultural anthropology

Michaela is a former research fellow at a prestigious university, with 8 years of research experience and 10+ years of tutoring, teaching, and mentoring experience. She received a PhD in Neuroscience and studied Cellular and Molecular Biology and Harp Performance at an undergraduate level.

Michaela began scientific research as an undergraduate where she studied neurogenesis and cell morphology in one lab and the relationship between rhythm skills and speech delays in another lab.

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Nayere - High School Research Mentor

Nayere

PhD Graduate in Computational Biophysics/Bioinformatics

Areas of specialization: data science, biophysics, bioinformatics

Nayere is a data scientist and bioinformatician with years of experience in both academia and industry. She completed her PhD in computational biophysics/bioinformatics, during which she was involved in a variety of projects that resulted in several publications. Alongside her studies, Nayere served as a teaching and research assistant for five years, exhibiting a deep passion for mentoring students in their research journey.

Naveed - High School Research Mentor

Naveed

PhD Candidate in Metabolic and Computational Biology

Areas of specialization: biology, biomedical engineering, computational biology, materials science and engineering, nutrition science, food science

Naveed is a PhD Candidate studying Metabolic Biology and Computational Biology. Before that, he got his master’s degree in bioinformatics and a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, where he was a Regent’s scholar. Naveed’s research currently spans the intersection between biochemistry and computational biology, and he has prior experience spearheading research projects in genetics, neuroscience, and behavioral psychology.

Nicole - High School Research Mentor

Nicole

PhD Student in Organizational Behavior

Areas of specialization: business, organizational behavior

Nicole is a doctoral student focusing on organizational behavior. Her research examines how leaders can create climates of safety and inclusion, where everyone feels safe to express their thoughts. Utilizing group laboratory experiments and conversation analysis methods, including natural language processing, she aims to further understanding in this field. Nicole's research has been published in renowned journals and covered by major media outlets.

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Orelia - High School Research Mentor

Orelia

PhD Candidate in Culture, Institutions, and Society

Areas of specialization: philosophy, education, African studies, Middle Eastern studies, history, art history

Orelia is a graduate in history and African American studies and also holds an MS in education. She is currently a doctoral candidate focusing on culture, institutions, and society. She is a recipient of many awards, including most notably a National Academy of Education Dissertation fellowship.

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Peter - High School Research Mentor

Peter

PhD Candidate in Religion and Comparative Literature

Areas of specialization: religious studies, comparative literature, language, area studies

Peter is an accomplished academic with a background in Religious Studies (Islamic Studies/Middle Eastern Studies/South Asian Studies) and Comparative Literature (English, Persian, and Arabic). He has also served as a Senior Resident Tutor, where he closely mentored undergraduates in their academic pursuits and provided guidance as a fellowships advisor. Throughout his academic journey, Peter has taught classes spanning literature,

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Qiyang - High School Research Mentor

Qiyang

PhD Student in Civil Environmental Engineering

Areas of specialization: computer science, computational linguistics

Qiyang is a PhD student in civil environmental engineering and also holds a second master's degree from a computer science department. His research focuses on implementing machine learning and deep learning technology into the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain. Qiyang's research goal is to develop an advanced knowledge network to support improved maintenance decision-making for bridges.

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Rebeca - High School Research Mentor

Rebeca

PhD Candidate in Educational Psychology

Areas of specialization: psychology, Spanish, education

Former Operations Specialist for a national community-driven educational transformation initiative, Rebeca is a three-time graduate and current doctoral candidate studying Educational Psychology. She has earned her B.A. in Organizational Studies and Spanish, an M.A. in Education, and an M.S. in Psychology. As someone deeply rooted in her hometown, Rebeca developed a passion for the college admissions process, particularly reflecting on her own journey as one of the few from her community

Rebekah - High School Research Mentor

Rebekah

PhD Student in Clinical Psychology

Areas of specialization: gender studies, psychology, religious studies

With more than 5000 hours of research experience and over 500 hours spent on informative interviews of academics, Rebekah's experience in admissions is dynamic. She has been involved in recruitment and decision-making for university research projects and worked in a supervisory role for a summer research fellowship program, mentoring students from minority backgrounds aiming for graduate/medical school.

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Seanna - High School Research Mentor

Seanna

PhD Candidate in English

Areas of specialization:English, Black speculative fiction, gender, environmental humanities, African-American literature, Caribbean literature and culture

Seanna is a Ph.D. candidate in English, with a focus on African-American, Global, and Caribbean writers. She is particularly interested in Black speculative fiction, gender, and the Environmental Humanities, actively participating in a Caribbean Literature, Arts, and Culture research cluster. Her research journey began after earning her Bachelor of Arts in English and Education, leading her to work as a Fulbright Student Researcher.

Shelby - High School Research Mentor

Shelby

PhD Student in Chemistry

Areas of specialization: chemistry, psychology, chemical biology, drug discovery

Shelby has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Psychology. She is currently in the last year of her Ph.D. program in Chemistry. Her research focuses on using Chemistry for biological and pharmaceutical applications.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Shelby worked in several research labs focused on Chemical Biology and drug discovery.

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Taylor - High School Research Mentor

Taylor

PhD Graduate in Musicology

Areas of specialization: music, music history, art history, environmental history, American history

Taylor is a scholar who studies the intersection of music, art history, and environmental history. Her work has been recognized and supported by numerous fellowships, and her research has been presented widely at national and international conferences. While her most recent work focuses on 20th-century American music, she has taught courses covering topics from medieval chant to 19th-century opera to popular music.

Tommy - High School Research Mentor

Tommy

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

Areas of specialization: computational mechanics, environmental engineering, machine learning

Tommy received a BS in Environmental Engineering Science while minoring in Mechanical Engineering before starting his PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Motivated to study methods in climate change mitigation, Tommy initially aimed for a career in air quality engineering before pivoting to mechanical engineering.

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Victor - High School Research Mentor

Victor

PhD Student in Computer Science

Areas of specialization: computer science, robotics

After completing both a bachelor's and a master's degree in computer science, Victor briefly worked as a software engineer at a prominent tech company before deciding to further his academic career by pursuing a PhD in computer science. Victor is an experienced educator and tutor, having guided high school and college students in a range of subjects, from physics, math, and Spanish, to astronomy and computer science.

Vivek - High School Research Mentor

Vivek

PhD Candidate in Sociology

Areas of specialization: sociology, public policy, data science, computational social science, qualitative methods

Vivek completed a BA in economics and public policy and is currently a PhD candidate in sociology. His research focuses on social change, economic justice, and the environment, using computational and ethnographic methods. His current research focuses on social and institutional responses to deforestation in SE Asia.

Available Disciplines

Available academic disciplines that our PhD research advisors can help students conduct research projects in include:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • African American Studies
  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art History
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Business
  • Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Classics
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computer Science
  • East Asian Studies
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • English
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film and Media Studies
  • Finance
  • French
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
  • Geosciences
  • German
  • History
  • Human Rights
  • Industrial Engineering and Operations Research
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Linguistics
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Music
  • Music History
  • Near Eastern Studies
  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Religion
  • Slavic Languages and Literature
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Theater Studies
  • Urban Studies