Salem speaks that Science is a new initiative in the hope of making the general public interested in science and connecting each other with each other.
The idea of a “scientific pub” from Salem leading scientists to speak to the community alongside food and drinks, came when Dylan and Taylor McDowell attended similar events in Corvalis and Washington, DC, but realized that there was no one in Salem.
Scientific pubs allow people from all walks of life to “go there, meet and learn something, be exposed to something you couldn’t otherwise,” said Dylan McDowell.
THE first gatheringOn Thursday March 27, featured the professor of the University of Willamette, David Craig. Entitled “The Decade of Oak”, the event will focus on the importance of Oregon’s white oak in local history and biodiversity and the way it is an integral part of the life of most people, often without them being aware.
The event, located at the Venti’s Cafe at 325 Court St. Ne, is free and the reservation is not required. It will start at 6.30 p.m.
The academic history of McDowell are in fish and fauna and he also holds a diploma in scientific education. McDowell works in environmental policy and is also the co-founder of Vision of Salem bicycleA plea group that supports making Salem less dependent on the car and more accessible to bikes.
Since its move to Salem in 2018, McDowell has been very involved in the communityIncluding as a former president of the Park and Leisure Advisory Council, where he presented Walk to a Park Day.
As the first cycle, McDowell studied abroad as part of the Gilman scholarship program of the federal government. Years later, he applied for the Gilman Changemaker Grant, who finances community service projects by the former program. The subsidy is now the main source of financing for Salem Talks Science and supports sound equipment, aperitifs, stickers and other purchases for gatherings.
The grant paid the equipment and the cost of holding four conferences, which he hopes to do every few months.
“I hope it is not only a one-year project, but something that can become a continuous effort and people will have something to hope for regularly,” he said.
Salem speaks that science is not only to train a community, but also to underline the work of local educators, researchers, scientists and industry professionals who are often not recognized, said McDowell.
“I have so much appreciation for Salem and all the wonderful expertise that we have in the community. I don’t know if everyone realizes how there is, ”said McDowell.
His wife Taylor was “an integral part” of the organization of events and the promotion of the work of Salem talks about science on his Instagram accountSaid McDowell.
They also collaborate with Salem organizations and artists such as Proud SalemanderA pop-up craft shop that sells Salem brand goods for event visuals and marketing.
Craig, their first speaker, has been teaching in Willamette for almost 25 years and has been trained in behavioral ecology. Craig mainly studies how animals modify their habitats and how human action can affect their behavior. Although his research is currently focusing on birds, he has also worked with insects, squirrels and other species.
White oak is present in the backwards of many people and other spaces and is “the story of everyone” because “wherever you come from your ancestors, you probably appreciate white oaks if you have a heritage in Oregon,” said Craig.
During the event, Craig will speak of “healthy people, healthy trees and healthy birds” and how they are all connected. He will show that the behavior of the white metering, a bird with great affinity with the white oak, gives important clues to the natural habitats of Oregon and human well-being.
Craig wants to help make the event accessible and get involved in people from all backgrounds, to restore the community thanks to the teaching of science and to take advantage of the privilege that he studied nature to earn a living, he said.
It was not involved in the creation of Salem talks about science, but thinks that it is a good opportunity for people to exchange ideas and learn together in person even if they have no scientific training. Initiatives like Salem Talks Science have been very popular in the past, he said.
Future speakers have not been announced, but the events will concern many subjects, including the social sciences, history or medicine, according to McDowell.
Contact journalist Alan Cohen: (Protected by e-mail).
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Alan Cohen is an intern with the Journalist in Salem and First Cycle at Willamette University. Born and raised in Spain, he has also been involved in student journalism for three years and is passionate about giving a voice to the communities underrepresented by ethical reports.