The Kino-Eye Center team combines decades of expertise in education, media production, research, and higher education leadership. Together, they bring the knowledge, creativity, and strategic partnerships that drive our mission to empower communities through innovation, technology, and storytelling.
Cesare Wright, Ph.D., M.F.A.
President • Filmmaker • Innovation Anthropologist • Leadership Specialist
- Rice University: Lecturer and Leadership & Outreach Specialist (7 years); co-developed and launched the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL).
- University of St. Thomas: Assistant Professor of Communication; later Director of Graduate Programs; created and launched the M.A. in Digital Media & Emergent Technology.
- Industry programs: Creator/leader of Microsoft FAST, VIP, and EPIC.
- Media: Frequent TV guest (KHOU, FOX 26); award-winning documentary filmmaker featured by National Geographic, CNN, MSNBC, and international festivals.
Greta Niu, Ph.D.
Higher-Ed Strategy • Media & Cultural Studies
- Scholarship: Co-editor of Imagining Asia in Speculative Fiction, History, and Media (2015) and Techno-Orientalism 2.0 (2025, Rutgers University Press).
- Expertise: Higher education strategy, speculative media, cultural representation.
- Kino-Eye: Strengthens university partnerships and bridges K-12 outreach with advanced academic programs.
Kirill Igumenshchev, Ph.D.
Chemistry & Physics • Quantum / Nanoscale Systems
- Expertise: Quantum dynamics, semiclassical methods, nanoscale/surface-enhanced spectroscopy.
- Background: B.S. Physics and M.S. Chemistry, University of Rochester; doctoral research in chemical physics; recent affiliations with UC Berkeley Chemistry.
- Kino-Eye: Scientific advising to align programs with leading-edge research.
Ashley Hallock
Marketing • Photography • Creative Strategy
- Photography: Creator of the Shadowscapes series (available on Amazon).
- Features: Work published across print and TV outlets.
- Campaigns: Imagery used by Microsoft, BP, Chevron, and other major brands.
- Kino-Eye: Leads brand storytelling, digital outreach, and media partnerships.
Shelea Majors, M.S. Ed.
Education Director • Curriculum & Instruction
- Education: M.S. in Education, University of Rochester.
- Experience: 20+ years of classroom teaching across grade levels.
- Recognition: ESL Teacher of the Year award.
- Focus: Inclusive curriculum design, teacher training, literacy & language development.