Expert Advisors
Our expert advisors are uniquely positioned at the intersection of cutting-edge fields and research areas, leading in a diverse array of disciplines.
Allie Morris
Creative Producer, Instructional Design and Strategic Planning
Focused and driven leader with twenty five years of experience in strategic planning, program design and building online platforms/applications across a variety of spaces including Higher Education, Professional Development and Creative Media and Technology. Proven development success beginning with customer-centric research and market demands — always staying one-step-ahead to provide a unique and personalized customer experience in media and learning.
Gabe Sachs
Writer and Producer, Freaks and Geeks, Just Shoot Me, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and accomplished photographer
A master of bringing authentic and captivating stories to the screen, Gabe Sachs has written and produced box office-topping movies and a slate of top-rated television series. By sharing his craft, Sachs hopes to help aspiring filmmakers bring their ideas to fruition.
Joe Árvai
Director, USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability
With expertise in environmental issues and sustainability, Joe Árvai uses innovative research to improve decision making across a broad range of environmental, social and economic contexts. He also advises government, private business, and NGOs.
Julian Hirst
Strategic Leader, Innovator, and Global Business Growth Catalyst
With 15 years of board-level experience on four continents, Julian Hirst loves working with founders to build companies, including helping entrepreneurs and investors move from Phase One to Phase Two. Currently, he is the Regional Director, EMEA, for Busbud, a global online travel platform. Previously, he was Executive Director at WhereIsMyTransport, raising over $20m from investors including Google, Samsung, and Toyota, and leading the team that enabled millions of people in emerging markets to make a positive change in the way they move and in the way they live.
Leslie Ann Saxon, MD
Executive Director, USC Center for Body Computing, Lab Director; USC Institute for Creative Technologies
Renowned for cardiovascular expertise, Leslie Ann Saxon is a global authority on virtual care, wearable technology and software solutions providing real-time physical data to health care professionals for improved wellness. Saxon will be leading and facilitating the Silicon Beach module on Health, Wellness and Innovation.
Kamy Akhavan
Executive Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future; Former CEO, ProCon.org
An expert in solutions to political polarization, interpersonal communication, nonprofit leadership, digital marketing and civics education, Kamy Akhavan’s efforts have served more than 300 million people around the world. Akhavan will be leading and facilitating the Washington, D.C. module on Policy and Social Good.
Caroline Cicero
Director, USC Age-Friendly University Initiative; Professor of Gerontology
As a gerontologist, social worker and urban planner, Caroline Cicero is committed to fighting ageism in society, making local communities better places to grow old, and analyzing aging’s portrayal in popular media, fine art, and the public square.
Tara Hein-Phillips
Executive Director of Continuing Education, USC Global and USC Online
A product and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in creating new digital programs and experiences, Tara Hein-Phillips works with companies and organizations of all sizes to create and grow memorable new digital businesses and audiences.
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