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Meet the Instructors

Andy Hines

Andy Hines

Dr. Andy Hines

Dr. Andy Hines is in the UH CCE Technology Division Department of Human Development and Consumer Science. A seasoned consultant, and organizational futurist, Dr. Hines brings a wealth of diverse experience including a role as Managing Director of Social Technologies/Innovaro, and as a partner with Coates & Jarratt, Inc., a think tank and consulting firm that specialized in the study of the future. In addition, he served as Futurist and Senior Ideation Leader at the Dow Chemical Company, using futures tools and knowledge to turn ideas into new business opportunities. Before that, Hines established and ran the Global Trends Program for the Kellogg Company.

Dr. Hines completed his dissertation on "The Role of an Organizational Futurist in Integrating Foresight into Organizations" in 2012. He has authored five books: Teaching about the Future: The Basics of Foresight Education (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012); ConsumerShift: How Changing Values Are Reshaping the Consumer Landscape (No Limits Publishing, 2011); Thinking About the Future: Guidelines for Strategic Foresight (Social Technologies, 2007); 2025: Science and Technology Reshapes US and Global Society (Oak Hill, 1997); and Managing Your Future as an Association (ASAE, 1994).

In addition, he has authored dozens of articles, speeches, and workshops, earning the 2003 Emerald Literati Awards' Outstanding Paper accolade for best article published in Foresight for "An Audit for Organizational Futurists" and the 2008 award for "Scenarios: The State of the Art." Hines has appeared on several radio and television programs, PBS Houston, KRIV-26 News, and the CBS "Early Show". He also co-founded and served as Chair of the Association of Professional Futurists.

Laura Schlehuber

Laura Schlehuber

Laura Schlehuber

Laura Schlehuber is the Foresight Research Program Manager. As a futurist, Laura is passionate about telling plausible and provocative stories about the future that inspire people to action. Laura started her professional career at Ernst & Young (EY) as an actuary – a good fit for a double major in Mathematics and Statistics.  After spending 10 years in EY’s People Advisory Services consulting practice and having earned a Masters in Foresight from the University of Houston, Laura co-founded and designed the Foresight and Breakthrough Innovation practice at an innovation consulting firm focusing on consumer product goods and retail.

Now as an independent consultant, Laura converts foresights into strategic opportunities and action.  She is passionate about including intimacy, vulnerability, mental wellness and emotional intelligence in her analyses and forecasts.