Meet Our 2026 Speakers
Matthew Bir
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Matthew hails from Wenatchee, Washington. He is a junior studying biochemistry and molecular biology. Matthew’s advice to his younger self is to “Enjoy what another person says without feeling the need to have your voice heard.”
Katie Gorton
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Katie hails from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She’s a senior studying social work and psychology. Katie‘s advice to her younger self is to “Find joy in the little things.”
Owen Harries
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Owen hails from Lexington, South Carolina. He’s a senior studying biology and English.​Something absurdly small that makes Owen ridiculously happy is “The way pop tarts taste after you’ve been hiking.”​​​
Emersyn McCann
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Emersyn hails from Grand Blanc, Michigan. She’s a junior studying neuroscience and biochemistry. Emersyn’s life motto is that “Everyone can teach you something. You just have to be humble enough to learn.”
Ella Halverson
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Ella hails from Grayslake, Illinois. She’s a sophomore studying psychology and music. Ella’s life motto is to “Be a little light.”
Gale Mercado
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Gale hails from Rockwall, Texas. She’s a junior studying business, communications, and leadership. Gale’s life motto is to “Spare no expenses when giving your all into something, and give your all into everything.”
Rachel Schiller
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Rachel hails from New London, Wisconsin. She’s a junior studying biochemistry and religion. Rachel is a self-proclaimed nerd about behavior mannerisms and how people think.