Waverly Duck, PhD, Professor North Hall Endowed Chair, Department of Sociology, University of California (Santa Barbara)

I study everyday interactions with an emphasis on miscommunication. I am privileged to be part of a project that aims to offer tools for a deeper understanding of various forms of discrimination through experiential learning.

Shari Hughson, RN, BScN, MBA • Smith School of Business at Queen's University • Neuma Centre for Social Well Being

My passions and work are innovation and community well-being. I believe our ability to solve problems for people and the planet only comes from embracing different viewpoints, open curious minds, and rich lived experiences. I’ve lived and worked in a remote Indigenous community and experienced a deep transformation in my life perspective and actions. This has created a need within me to contribute to our mission, impact society’s ability to solve problems together, and build healthy diverse communities for the future.

Lia Ahonen, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh

As a Criminologist, researching young people’s mental health, delinquency, and victimization, I have encountered the stark social injustices that any person of color faces, especially in the criminal justice systems. I am interested in strengthening the evidence base of this training initiative and to contribute to awareness, and acknowledgement of, disparities in society.

Henrika McCoy, MSW, MJ, PHD, LCSW, Matchpoint Consulting

My desire to engage in work that provides individuals with an opportunity to change in ways that increase the common good is core to who I am. I believe that such work is my responsibility to the world, and I feel privileged to be a part of WAKE^ because I know that our ground-breaking strategy can lead to change on a large scale.

Dirk Rodenburg, Post Doctoral Research Fellow – Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems, Queen’s University

We are only beginning to recognize the potential of mixed and immersive reality as a profound mechanism for engagement, learning and personal change. Helping to further our understanding of the ways in which mixed reality can facilitate transformative learning is a truly breathtaking opportunity.

Paul Hungler PhD, P.Eng, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering Faculty, Queen’s University

Empathy and truly putting yourself in the shoes of others is essential to a well-functioning society. Waking the unConscious through extended reality simulation will help build empathy and provide people with a first person experience related to how the world interacts with marginalized groups. Very excited to be part of this project!

Nicole McKinney, CEO, WtC Technology Corp.• President, WtC (NFP)

At WtC (NFP), I’ve always focused on converting real-time work into something transformative. My dream has been to build proprietary technology that allows people to confront the trauma and psychological harm experienced in a society dominated by one group. Through first-hand exposure to painful yet typical interactions, participants may be able to tap into their privilege and close equity gaps. By being “the change we need to see in this world,” I hope to contribute to and benefit from an enriched society where all can find wellbeing and success in every form.