Meet Our 2026 Speakers
Matthew Bir
Embracing Embarrassment to Fend Off the Imposter Syndrome
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
Seeing and Believing Survivors of Sexual Assault
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
Meaning, Fulfillment, and Fight Club
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
Science and Faith Don't Disagree, You Do
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
Adapt How You Approach Life: The Actor's Mindset
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
The Purpose of Power in the Climb to Self-Actualization
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 Schuler
Listening to Our Inner Dialogue
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.