Melissa Cesarano Ph.D.

Melissa Cesarano Ph.D. has a long history of work experience. In 2009, they were a Director and Cast Member for Bloomers All Female Sketch Comedy Troupe, as well as an Intern at Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital. In 2011, they worked as a research assistant at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, they were a Research Associate at Evoke Neuroscience and an Intern at Sesame Workshop. In 2015, they were a Cognitive Consultant at Riverdale Country School. In 2016, they were a Graduate Consultant at InGenius Prep and an Adjunct Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Since 2018, they have been the Cofounder, President, and Chief Learning Officer of ThinkHumanTV, a company that leverages streaming media to provide soft skills (EQ) training. Affectifi, which is part of ThinkHumanTV, has received seed funding from the National Science Foundation and is a finalist at the 2022 SXSW EDU Startup Launch Competition.

Melissa Cesarano Ph.D. obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cognitive Science from Columbia University between 2012 and 2018. Melissa also obtained their Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Cognitive Science from Teachers College, Columbia University between 2012 and 2015. Prior to that, they obtained their BA in Cognitive Neuroscience (philosophy of mind concentration) and Minor in English (Poetry) from the University of Pennsylvania between 2008 and 2012. Melissa graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School in 2008. In addition, they have obtained certifications in EQ Certification Level 1 from Affectifi Inc. in 2021, Ashtanga Yoga Teacher 100 hr from Lighthouse Yoga School in 2020, and Reiki Level I from Reiki (Usui System of Natural Healing) in 2020.