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.”

Class of 2027

Watch Their Talk Here

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.”

Class of 2026

Watch Their Talk Here

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.”

Class of 2026

Watch Their Talk Here

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.”

Class of 2027

Watch Their Talk Soon!

Ella Halverson

Class of 2028

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.”

Watch Their Talk Here

Gale Mercado

Class of 2027

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.”

Watch Their Talk Here

Rachel Schuler

Class of 2027

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.

Watch Their Talk Here