Dr Thoennes is a recognized expert in new media innovations and leader in the conversation around how AI integrates with a deeper understanding of the human brain to predict desired outcomes. With a media degree from the Univeristy of Florida, he joined the team at Disney where he created an internal global communications group for executive messaging that eventually merged with the Broadcast and Music Production group. The team reaped various awards including Emmys, Addys, and Tellys during his tenure. His deep experience in media persuasion is enhanced by his MA in psychology with a concentration in media effects, and experience teaching Media Psychology at UCLA Extension. After receiving his Ph.D. in psychology with a focus on social media political discourse from Fielding Graduate University, he authored a course––and later the text––that defines AI as a media innovation. He served on Fielding’s Board of Trustees, and the Executive Board of the American Psychological Association, Division 46: The Society for Media and Technology receiving three Presidential Citations. In his 30+ year career, Dr. Thoennes continues to encounter exponential changes that challenge the human brain’s adaptability to these new technological tools. He continues to find ways to connect traditional knowledge to exponentially growing technologies and champion their ethical and intentional use.