Our Team

Dr. Patterson focuses on preparing students of various Hip Hop generations to be civic-minded urban global leaders in cultural innovation, entrepreneurship, engineering, business, art, and technology. He challenges students by contextualizing applied learning methods that encourage students to re-think various forms of traditional scholarship from a variety of disciplines in order to address contemporary issues that impact urban environments around the globe.

Read Dr. P's full bio here.

Experienced Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Board Member with a demonstrated history in the information technology industry. Skilled in IT strategy, risk oversight, diversity & inclusion, organizational culture building, start-up advising, and executive coaching. Strong business professional with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and numerous recognitions and awards.

Sharon Irish is a Research Affiliate in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. A resident of Urbana, IL, since 1985, she has collaborated with a number of local youth-serving organizations, especially on arts-based initiatives. As an historian, she has a particular interest in community cultural development and urban spatial practices. For further information, see https://sharonirish.org/

Joe Bolton is a fabrication and maintenance engineer who has been creating and experimenting with machines and materials for decades. He has worked on small and large scales—trucks and trailers to tiny audio speakers. In addition to sound and mechanical engineering, he has been a digital and neon sign fabricator; an events DJ; and music producer. In the latter capacity, he tests different software and computer configurations for their creative potential. Born and raised in Urbana, IL, he has also worked in Louisiana and Georgia.