This month I have news about Alessandro Ceglia, who I tracked down after seeing a mention on the Dartmouth Alumni in Entertainment and Media website. After Dartmouth Alessandro attended the animation and digital arts master’s program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He is now an animator and award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles. His film The Intruder (2007), a combination of 2D and 3D techniques, screened at more than 30 festivals worldwide. More recently he completed Babayaga (2011), a film commissioned by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony Orchestra that screened at the inauguration of Frank Gehry’s latest architectural project, the New World Symphony Hall in Miami. He has also worked extensively as a 2D and 3D animator for television commercials and music videos and has taught animation at Loyola Marymount University. Currently he is working as a rough layout artist at Dreamworks Animation SKG, where he is working on the film Turbo, coming out this year. To see some of his amazing work, visit http://alexceglia.webfactional.com.


I also have news from Frida Polli,Ph.D., who just finished up an M.B.A. at Harvard. After a decade of neuroscience research in Boston, she has relocated to New York City to launch Pymetrics, a company that applies neuroscience-based assessment to the field of human capital management. Pymetrics aims to make the hiring process more scientific by using cutting-edge, neuroscience-based software tools designed to yield improved outcomes for job seekers and firms. Their multi-stage software platform aims to improve hiring, retention and development of employees in fields such as consulting, financial service and technology. Using short computer games to assess applicants instead of self-report questionnaires, Pymetrics also uses the latest machine learning technology to provide companies with a “people recommendation engine.” Frida and her almost-7-year-old daughter Ele have moved to North Battery Park in Manhattan, where they are enjoying the view of the new World Trade Center and the area’s many parks. For more information on Frida’s new company, you can visit www. pymetrics.com. You can also reach Frida at fridapolli@gmail.com.


Along with a number of other Dartmouth alums, Ara Lovitt has gotten involved with a national movement to create policy debate opportunities for at-risk, urban populations. Ara is serving as the young professionals leadership board member for the nonprofit association the National Association of Urban Debate Leagues (www.urbandebate.org/index.shtml), or NAUDL. Now a presence in 19 major cities, NAUDL offers thousands of at-risk students a chance to participate in debating with remarkable results. Many of the Urban Debate Leagues boast near perfect high school graduation rates, despite working with school systems with closer to 75-percent graduation ratings. Peer review studies reaffirm that participation in urban debate also increases standardized test scores and GPAs. 


For the last nine years Pherabe Kolb has been working at the Smithsonian Institution. After starting in government relations, she moved over to the communications office, where she is currently the associate director of strategic communications for the Smithsonian. Her latest project has been to develop its first-ever national advertising campaign. With the tag line “Seriously Amazing,” the 165-year-old institution wants to assure the younger generation that it is not, in fact, “the nation’s attic,” but is instead a historically rich and still relevant place to visit.


—Suzie Fromer, 26 Irving Ave., Tarrytown, NY 10591; suziefromer@gmail.com