Theme: At The Core

“At the Core” celebrates the fundamental vision and values we share at UC Irvine that empower us to grow as a more compassionate, curious, and creative community. Experience a day of brilliant speakers, thought-provoking conversation and collaborative activities as we join into conversations that matter. On May 14th, collaborate with local thinkers and doers as we challenge ourselves to explore the core elements that connect humanity.

UC Irvine
92697
Irvine, California, TBD
United States

Abigail Reyes

Director, Sustainability Initiative at UCI

Abigail Reyes is the director of the Sustainability Initiative at UC Irvine. Ms. Reyes also is a co-Principal Investigator of the FloodRISE project, leading the Research Integration and Impact Team, and co-chair of the Faculty Engagement and Education Working Group of the UC Global Climate Leadership Council. In addition, she has provided facilitation and design services for the Salton Sea Initiative, UCI OCEANS, Research Justice Learning Community, Nexus 2014, and the Borrego Stewardship Council. Ms. Reyes brings to UC Irvine experience convening interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and lawyers to address community-identified sustainability challenges.

Amir AghaKouchak

Amir AghaKouchak is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. His research crosses the boundaries between hydrology, climatology, and remote sensing to address critical global water resource issues. Dr. AghaKouchak is the principal investigator of several research projects funded by NASA, NOAA, and NSF.

Ben Teller

Founder at Cuck Fancer.

Ben Teller graduated from UC Irvine in 2012. As a cancer survivor, Ben has used his experience to be an active leader in his community. Not only is he a City of Hope patient speaker and Advocate for Be The Match, he is also the founder of Cuck Fancer., the non-profit organization which aims to help young adults affected by cancer. Cuck Fancer. currently provides grants, raises awareness, and acts to confront obstacles that cancer survivors may encounter. Ben is also a Social Media Producer at FOX Sports 1 as well as a Huffington Post Blogger.

Brian Mac Mahon

CEO of Expert DOJO

Brian Mac Mahon is currently the CEO of Expert DOJO, the largest training academy for entrepreneurs in Southern California. Throughout his career Brian has lived in over 35 countries gathering business and entrepreneurial experience along the way. This experience has helped form and contribute to his passion of finding creative and effective ways to increase the success rates of entrepreneurs.

Dr. Henry Klassen

Researcher at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center

Henry Klassen, MD, PhD completed his combined doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh, and is currently an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine. Dr. Klassen’s long-standing research interests focuses on the application of neural regeneration strategies to diseases of retina and optic nerve. As a researcher at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, he is currently focused on translational development of retinal progenitor cells as a candidate therapy for retinitis pigmentosa.

Dr. Weian Zhao

Founder at Velox Biosystems

Dr. Weian Zhao is an Associate Professor at the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of California, Irvine. Dr. Zhao’s research aims to elucidate and eventually control the fate of transplanted stem cells and to develop novel miniaturized devices for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Elizabeth Cauffman

Elizabeth Cauffman is a Professor and Chancellor's Fellow in the Department of Psychology and Social Behavior in the School of Social Ecology and holds courtesy appointments in the School of Education and the School of Law. Dr. Cauffman's research addresses the intersect between adolescent development and juvenile justice. She has published over 100 articles, chapters and books on a range of topics in the study of contemporary adolescence, including adolescent brain development, risk-taking and decision making, parent-adolescent relationships, and juvenile justice.

Gregory Weiss

Gregory Weiss is a Professor of Chemical Biology in the Departments of Chemistry and also Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UCI. He earned a BS from UC Berkeley and a PhD from Harvard University. His undergraduate and graduate research focused on the development of heterocyclic mimics of peptides. In 2000, he joined the faculty at UCI where his laboratory focuses on the interface between chemistry and biology, including the study of membrane proteins and bioelectronics. Tenured in 2006, he is a full Professor and former Vice Chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Neil Sahota

IBM Master Inventor and World Wide Business Development Leader in the IBM Watson Group

Neil Sahota is an IBM Master Inventor and World Wide Business Development Leader in the IBM Watson Group as well as an Adjunct Professor at the UCI Merage School of Business. He works with a wide range of clients to ideate next generation products and solutions powered by IBM Watson. In addition, Neil actively partners with entrepreneurs through his work with Tech Coast Angels, Cove Fund, and various other entrepreneurial organizations. He also volunteers his time with multiple non-profits and foundations to aid in event management, fundraising, grant reviews, as well as site visits.