News & Updates
The Fulbright Claremont Consortium Chapter and Mayfield Senior School invite you to International Women’s Day!
Featured Speakers for International Women’s Day
Katherine Tighe
Robotics Mechanical Engineer
Katherine is a robotics mechanical engineer in the Advanced Robotic Systems Group at JPL. She is currently working on a project designing and building a mine-exploration robot, a project putting ISAM missions in space, and is the hardware and field test lead for an airborne instrument. A large part of her work is in tether management systems for mobile and deployable robots. She has previously worked on R&D for Mars Sample Return, the development of sampling tools for Europa, and an inspection robot.
Katy Gozias
Multilingual Risk Mitigation and Intelligence Leader
A multilingual risk mitigation and intelligence leader, Katya Gozias has spent two decades advising global corporations, law firms, and financial institutions on some of the world’s most complex and sensitive matters involving integrity, operational, and reputational risk.
Known for transforming chaos into clarity, Ms. Gozias has directed high-stakes investigations on five continents—tracing assets across opaque jurisdictions, uncovering internal fraud, and navigating sanctions and compliance breaches with precision and discretion. Her work bridges traditional investigative tradecraft with modern technology, from blockchain analytics to open-source intelligence and deep social media forensics.
Katya has served as Managing Director at Guidepost Solutions and FTI Consulting, where she advised C-suites, boards, and counsel on investigations spanning financial crime, sanctions compliance, and cross-border disputes. Case studies have included the recovery of stolen digital assets, DOJ-appointed monitorships, and cultural integrity assessments within global organizations.
A recognized authority in anti-money-laundering, financial crime prevention, and blockchain investigations, Ms. Gozias holds multiple certifications—including CFE and CAMS-Audit, is a Certified Blockchain Expert, and Certified Cryptocurrency Expert—and has authored and spoken extensively on emerging risk, compliance innovation, and the convergence of AML and technology.
A mentor, thought leader, and former president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ Los Angeles Chapter, Ms. Gozias continues to shape the profession through education, advocacy, and collaboration across the global financial crime community.
Janet Elliot
President/CEO of International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles (ICDLA)
Janet Elliott has served as President/CEO of International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles (formerly International Visitors Council of Los Angeles) since 1997. Ms. Elliott came to ICDLA with a ten-year background in marketing and sales. ICDLA is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization with the mission to create international understanding and cooperation between the Los Angeles region and the rest of the world. As ICDLA’s CEO she is responsible, along with the ICDLA Board of Directors, in leading the organization as it creates global dialogue through citizen diplomacy.
Along with her dedication to promoting ICDLA’s mission and expanding its reach in Greater Los Angeles, she also serves on the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce World Trade Week Committee where she previously chaired the Public Relations and Legislative Outreach sub-committees. She is a director for the Heidelberg Club International Los Angeles Chapter and served on the board of the International Youth Media Summit and the Beirut/Los Angeles Sister Cities board where she assisted in establishing the Beirut Student Exchange Program. She also served on the board of American Women for International Understanding, and was an advisory board member for the African Marketplace, Inc.
Liliana Cerilo
Chief Strategy Officer and Partner, Lexica Corp, and Past Head of Strategy, Exploratory, Google
Liliana is the Chief Strategy Officer and Partner at Lexica, a deep-tech AI company that builds enterprise software directly from business knowledge in natural language without using machine learning. Lexica’s patented technology transforms how complex, highly regulated organizations structure data, make decisions, and scale intelligent systems. She leads the company’s strategic growth, driving global expansion, strengthening enterprise partnerships, and bridging operations between Latin America and the United States.
Prior to her current role, Liliana served as Chief Marketing Officer at Lexica, where she defined the company’s positioning and go-to-market strategy. Before Lexica, she spent a decade at Google as Head of Strategy, building technology-driven innovation partnerships with global brands including LVMH, Samsung, P&G, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson.
Earlier in her career, Liliana spent over 12 years at leading U.S. advertising agencies in Miami and New York, guiding brand and growth strategy for blue-chip clients across mainstream and multicultural markets. Alongside her work at Lexica, she leads LC Solutions, a boutique consultancy that helps busy professionals who lack the bandwidth or experience to validate strong ideas and turn them into viable, market-ready business solutions.
Alongside her work at Lexica, she leads LC Solutions, a boutique consultancy that helps busy professionals who lack the bandwidth or experience to validate strong ideas and turn them into viable, market-ready business solutions. Liliana served as a member and President of the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Beauty Bus Foundation for eight years and is currently a member of the Board of Governors of Latina Professionals.
The Fulbright Experience at UC Irvine
The Fulbright Association Claremont Consortium Chapter and The University of California, Irvine gathered at the Fulbright Experience at UC Irvine to welcome current Fulbrighters, connect Fulbright Alumni, and create space for reflection.
The evening opened with welcome remarks from Tyrus Miller, Dean of Humanities at UCI and Fulbright alum, and Dr. Edel Jose, President of the Fulbright Association Claremont Consortium Chapter, highlighting the value of international exchange and collaboration.
Moderated by Amanda Swain, Executive Director of the UCI Humanities Center and Fulbright alum, the panel featured UCI faculty and graduate students who shared their experience as Fulbright Scholars:
- Andrea Henderson, Professor of English, Fulbright Scholar to South Korea (2024–2025)
- Arash Kheradvar, Professor of Bioengineering, Fulbright Scholar to Finland (2020–2021)
- Sophie Wheeler, PhD Candidate in East Asian Studies, Fulbright Student to Japan (2024–2025)
- Julia Gelfman, Librarian in Applied Sciences, Engineering & Public Health, Fulbright Scholar to Botswana (2025–2026)
Panelists reflected not only on their research, but also on their lived experience in their respective countries. Fulbrighters engaged in poetry and literature in their host country’s language, navigate everyday life in new cultural contexts, and serve as cultural ambassadors representing the United States abroad. From classroom collaborations to community conversations, each scholar highlighted how immersion beyond the classroom deepened their understanding of place, language, and people.
The Fulbright experience also solidified their professional paths—strengthening their commitments to teaching, research, and public scholarship, and in their cases affirming their calling to become professors and academic leaders.
Thank you to all for joining our first Spring event. We hope to see everyone again!
The Fulbright Experience at UCI
February 12, 2026 – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Humanities Gateway 1030
The UCI Humanities Center and the Fulbright Association Claremont Consortium Chapter
Invite you to The Fulbright Experience at UCI
Fulbright alumni know the value of connections. Join us to meet colleagues across the university and in the community who share the Fulbright experience.
- Welcome by Tyrus Miller, UCI Humanities Dean and Fulbright alum, and Dr. Edel Jose, Fulbright Association Claremont Consortium Chapter president.
- A conversation with three UCI faculty about their experiences as Fulbright Scholars and Fulbright Student awardees, moderated by Amanda Swain, Humanities Center executive director and Fulbright alum.
- Light reception to connect with fellow alumni.
- Andrea Henderson, Professor of English, Fulbright Scholar in South Korea, 2024-2025
- Arash Kheradvar, Professor of Bioengineering, Fulbright Scholar in Finland, 2020-2021
- Julia Gelfman, Librarian, Applied Sciences, Engineering & Public Health, Botswana, 2025-2026 (by 2 min video)
-
Sophie Wheeler, PhD Candidate in East Asian Studies, Fulbright Student in Japan, 2024-2025
Directions to UCI: https://parking.uci.edu/maps/
The Humanities Gateway is building 611 on the UCI Campus map. Park in Lot 7 or Mesa Parking Structure: The Humanities Center will provide parking permits for guests not affiliated with UCI who request one in advance. Please provide your license plate number on the RVP form.
UC Irvine has been named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Leader for four consecutive years. This distinction, awarded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, honors UC Irvine’s noteworthy engagement with the Fulbright Program and the campus’s commitment to international exchange.
The Fulbright Association Claremont Consortium Chapter regional chapter serves Fulbright alumni and friends of international exchange by hosting engaging programs and events for Fulbright alumni and visiting Fulbright students and scholars throughout Southern California.
Event Date: February 12, 2026
Humanities Gateway Building 611
Humanities Gateway Rm 1030
Irvine, CA 92697
YouTube Premiere: The Future Is Personal: Inside The Science Of Precision Medicine
Mental Health Matters: A Collective Effort
The Speaker Forum on Mental Health Matters: A Collective Effort brought together parents, faculty, and students of the Claremont Colleges and Fulbright Alumni for a collaborative effort to highlight the discussion of mental health during World Mental Health Day! The speakers explored a broad range of topics from genetics for the betterment of mental health, crisis management, youth mental health, and the dynamics of the parent-student relationship. Dr. Lawrence Palinkas discussed youth mental health in our evolving world and how factors such as COVID, climate change, technology, school violence, social deprivation, and limited access to services have greatly affected mental health. Kurt Jose, Founder & CEO of IndiviDx, a biotech laboratory specializing in personalized medicine, discussed how mental health management can benefit from being personalized and precise. He believes mental health care should be guided by the individual’s data. William Johnson, a clinician from Kaiser Permanente, elaborated on how parents can properly prepare students for crises, disasters, and unknowns, as well as preparing them for the transition to adulthood. Christian Santana, a student case manager, highlighted the Strive2Thrive program at Pitzer College and its mental health services. Overall the event opened several new discussions and informed the families with the tools needed!
Kenneth Butler (Treasurer), William Johnson, Dr. Lawrence Palinkas, Kurt Jose, Christian Santana, Dr. Edel Jose
Kurt Jose, Founder & CEO of IndiviDx
Enchanted Forest of Light Winter Event
Precision Medicine Symposium
The Future Is Personal: Inside the Science of Precision Medicine
We cordially invite you to a reception and an insightful discussion on precision medicine, which will be held at the recently dedicated Robert Day Science Center. This symposium will feature expert panelists who will discuss the impact of precision medicine on both healthcare and research.
Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 4:15 – 5:30 PM
Location:
Robert Day Science Center
681 Claremont Blvd
Claremont, CA 91711
Dr. Barbara Fortinin
Program Director Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics Program
Prior to joining KGI, Fortini served as a visiting assistant professor of biology at the W.M. Keck Science Department of the Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges. Fortini completed her postdoctoral training at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. She received her BS in 2002 and her PhD in 2011 at the California Institute of Technology.
Dr. Patrick T. Fueger, MS, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology Director, Comprehensive Metabolic Phenotyping Core Associate Director, Cancer Metabolism T32 Training Program Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
Kurt Jose
Founder & CEO of IndiviDx
At IndiviDx, he seamlessly integrates biotech innovation with clinical expertise to promote more personalized and human-centered care. By empowering individuals with data-driven insights, IndiviDx ensures that each clinician’s treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs of the patient.
Kurt’s vision extends beyond the laboratory, as he strives to create a future where mental health treatment is as personalized and precise as the individuals it serves. Through his commitment to combining science and compassion, he aims to revolutionize mental health care, ensuring that every treatment is guided by the individual behind the data.
Speaker Forum
Mental Health Matters: A Collective Effort
We invite you to join us for an insightful discussion on mental health and wellness. We will be exploring a broad range of topics, including genetics for the betterment of mental health, crisis management, mental health in our evolving world, and the dynamics of the parent-student relationship.
Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Location:
Pitzer College
McConnell Center, Founders Room
Reception & Speaker Forum
Lawrence Palinkas
Professor
Christian Santana, MSW, ASW
Student Support Case Manager | Pitzer College
William James Johnson, M.S., LMFT
Psychiatric Social Worker | Kaiser Permanente
Kurt Jose
Founder & CEO of IndiviDx
At IndiviDx, he seamlessly integrates biotech innovation with clinical expertise to promote more personalized and human-centered care. By empowering individuals with data-driven insights, IndiviDx ensures that each clinician’s treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs of the patient.
Kurt’s vision extends beyond the laboratory, as he strives to create a future where mental health treatment is as personalized and precise as the individuals it serves. Through his commitment to combining science and compassion, he aims to revolutionize mental health care, ensuring that every treatment is guided by the individual behind the data.
Fulbright Fall Celebration
Grove House
Reimagining Incarceration: Forging Paths Forward
The Claremont Consortium Chapter held its inaugural speaker forum centered on justice reform on May 2, 2025 at Pitzer College. The event highlighted the Inside-Out BA Pathway program at the California Rehabilitation Center, which serves incarcerated individuals, as well as rehabilitation efforts in fire camps, executive clemency, and related policy analysis.
Read more
The panel featured Professor Nigel Boyle, Professor of Political Studies at Pitzer College; Professor Charis Kubrin, Professor of Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California Irvine; Professor Daniel Pascoe from the School of Law City University of Hong Kong; and Lieutenant Anthony Banks, Camp Commander Malibu Conservation Camp #13.
The forum took place during Pitzer College’s Community Weekend 2025—a special event that unites alumni, families, students, faculty, and staff for a weekend of celebration. It also marked the retirement of Professor Nigel Boyle, honored at The Parting Glass event, which celebrated his 33-year legacy at Pitzer. For 20 of those years, he served as the Fulbright advisor, helping Pitzer become one of the nation’s top-producing institutions for Fulbright scholars for 16 consecutive years.
Chapter President Dr. Edel Jose opening remarks
Claremont Chapter Launch
Speaker Forum Event
Reimagining Incarceration: Forging Paths Forward Join us for an engaging discussion hosted by Pitzer College and the Fulbright Claremont Consortium Chapter. Reimagining Incarceration examines reform from policy to practice. The discussion focuses on current mechanisms and how we can shape the future of incarceration. Enjoy light fare, beverages, networking, and a thought-provoking speaker forum.
Nigel Boyle
Professor and IGLAS Chair, Political Studies|Pitzer College
Charis E. Kubrin
Professor Criminology, Law & Society|UC Irvine
Daniel Pascoe
Professor, School of Law|City University of Hong Kong
Lieutenant Anthony Banks
Camp Commander, Malibu Conservation Camp #13
Event RSVP
You’re invited to the Claremont Consortium Chapter’s launch event for networking with the Fulbright community and discovering ways to become active participants. You can enjoy tasty bites and refreshing drinks, and then spend the rest of the day networking and exploring Claremont Village.
