community Experts

Valerie Duffy, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of Connecticut

Professor focused on how variation in taste affects food flavor and food preference, translated to healthier eating to reduce obesity risk.

Emily Fisher

ProfessorLoyola Marymount University

Department of Specialized Programs in Professional Psychology

Tim Draimin

Executive Director, Social Innovation Generation (SiG) NationalSocial Innovation Generation (SiG)

SiG tackles social & ecological challenges by creating a culture of social innovation that develops entrepreneurship for the common good

Gisli Olafsson

Emergency Response DirectorNetHope

Leading expert in the use of technology in disaster response. Expert and author in the area of crisis leadership.

Thara Pillai

Director - Alumni Programs and EngagementHarvard Innovation Labs

Thara Pillai is a marketing and business development professional who mentors and advises companies and entrepreneurs.

Ryan Cohn

Partner, Executive Vice PresidentSachs Media Group

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Media and Communications

James Young, MD

Executive Dean, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University; Chairman, Endocrinology & Metabolism InstituteCleveland Clinic

Expert in Cleveland Clinic institute structure, model of care and medical student education

Cato Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Convergence InstituteUConn Health

Dr. Laurencin is a world renowned engineer, physician and scientist who is known for pioneering the field of Regenerative Engineering.

Ellen Woodsworth

ChairpersonWomen Transforming Cities International Society

Ellen Woodsworth is an international speaker and urban consultant on gender and intersectional planning

Junghoon Park, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Management, College of Business AdministrationLoyola Marymount University