Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) students in the Authentic Exploratory Research (AER) program presented their final projects last week in a walk-through symposium. The AER independent research course, adapted and inspired by Palo Alto Unified School District, has given students the opportunity to explore their passions and future career pathways through their own driving questions and curiosities alongside adult mentors in their respective fields who have helped guide each mentee in their research and analysis.
Current Mentors
Business/Marketing
- Roger Magowitz, CEO/Founder (ret.), Mattress Discounters
- Steven Short, Real Estate Developer, Fortland Inc.
- Mikal Belicove, Management Consultant, Atomic Unit
- Marisa Driscoll, Artists Agent, Marisa Mgmt Ltd.
- Kurt Bjorkman, General Manager, The Ranch at Laguna Beach
- Jenny Sharpe, Realtor, Coldwell Banker
- Cindy Cohn, Chief Event Officer, Specialty Coffee Association
- Holly Dunn, Financial Consultant, Self-Employed
- Heather Schwarm, President & Strategist, Carlie & Co
- Stuart Trautenberg, Entrepreneur & Investor, JobzLab
- Piero L. Wemyss, Senior Loan Officer, Farmers and Merchants Bank
- Steve Samuelian, Owner, Samuelian Investment Group
- Randy Hierbaum, VP & GM or Sales, Hewlett Packard
- David Makela, CEO, People-Centric Group
- Chris Murray, Investor, Self-Employed
- Christine Kelleher, Former Senior Advisor, UBS
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
- Sharon Dugan, Business Systems Analyst and Software Developer, Black Knight Inc.
- Tom Sippl, Technology Project Management (ret.), Pacific Life
- Carl Seely, Maintenance Supervisor, Sares Regis
- Allen Balian, VP of Corporate Engineering, Sunstone Hotel Investors
- Dr. Martha Sutula, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
- Laura Storke, Data Analyst, Ambry Genetics
Education
- Michael Gamerl, Co-founder, E2 Global Education
- Kelly Osborne, Outdoor Educator, Roots and Wings Foundation
- Sandy Marshall, CEO/Founder, Project Scientist
- Dustin Bainbridge, CEO/Founder, Horizon Education
Law/Public Policy
- Sian Poeschl, Cultural Arts Manager, City of Laguna Beach
- Don Sciortino, Non-Prof Founder, Net-Works Laguna Beach
- Rev. Mandy McDow, Minister, Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
- Stephen Cohn, Attorney, Berger Kahn
- Mark Powell, Partner, Dorsey & Whitney
- Steve Chadima, Communications & Public Policy, Retired
- Christa Johnson, Assistant City Manager, City of Laguna Beach
Sports/Entertainment
- Frank Arellano, Owner & Producer, Laguna Sound
- Donald Brink, Surfboard Designer, Vissla
- Lindsey Richland, Associate Professor, UCI School of Education
Medicine/Wellness
- Monica Yen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Private Practice
- Kristin Ross, Veterinarian, Banfield Pet Hospital
- Holly Viloria, Nurse Practitioner, Laguna Family Health Center
- Dr. Jeff Briney, Dermatologist, Private Practice
Art/Design
- Jean Wollam, Fashion Merchandising, Boot Barn
- Iva Pawling, CEO/Founder, Richer Poorer
- Stacey Hunter Harrington, Founder, Quo Active