HFEC-2014 The Speakers

Lisa Sardinia is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at Pacific University. She received a B.S. in Biology from Whitworth College, a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Montana State University and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Following graduate school, she was awarded a National Cancer Institute research fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco studying molecular genetics before beginning a teaching career that has included stints at San Francisco State University, St. Olaf College, Foothill College and Pacific University. At Pacific University, she teaches Molecular Biology and Microbiology in the College of Arts and Sciences, Basic Science for Optometry in the College of Optometry and Genetics in the Physician Assistant Studies and Audiology programs. She has been the recipient of the Thomas J. and Joyce Holce Endowed Professorship in Science and the S.S. Johnson Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching at Pacific University. Her research with students focuses on microbiological analysis of freshwater streams in Metro’s Chehalem Ridge Natural Area. Her educational outreach activities include numerous Science Pub and Nerd Night presentations, as well as presentations to various professional and community groups on stem cell research and ethics, genetic testing, epigenetics and parasite symbioses.

Dr. Bill Meulemans

Bill Meulemans, Ph.D.  (University of Wisconsin and University of Idaho) held an eight-year appointment as a Professor of Political Science at Portland State University.  While there, he taught courses on the conflict in Northern Ireland.  During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Professor Meulemans taught 11 years at The Queen's University of Belfast.  Earlier, he served as a professor of political science at Southern Oregon University for 28 years. He received research and writing grants on the causes of internal violence in Northern Ireland; he  was a Fulbright Scholar to Israel, was awarded first place as having the best summer session in the nation, was designated  a Danforth Foundation Fellow, and served as a National Defense Fellow in political science. Meulemans published works include Making Political Choices:  An Introduction to Politics, and he has a recent book published entitled Belfast:  Both Sides Now.  His articles on political violence have been published in the Irish News of Belfast, and The Jerusalem Journal on Ancient and Modern Israel. Meulemans was a staff aide in the US House of Representative in the Committee on Education and Labor. In addition, he was a co-worker with Irving Goldaber in addressing civil unrest in Jersey City. He has served on many boards and commissions in the United States and Northern Ireland, and has been a political consultant in more than 100 political campaigns.  Meulemans has also served as a political organizer for several federal and state funded projects.

Jennifer Hancock

Jennifer is considered one of the top writers and speakers in the Humanist world today. Focusing on critical thinking, personal ethics and personal responsibility, Jennifer's "dynamic" and "captivating"   presentations will leave you "a good deal better informed and always inspired."
Jennifer is also the outhor of three books:  "Jen Hancock's Handy Humanism Handbood", "The Humanist Approach to Happiness: Practical Wisdom", and "Living Made Simpler".

Dr. Mitchell Turker

Dr. Turker is a Senior Scientist in the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Science and a Professor in Molecular and Medical Genetics at Oregon Health & Science University. His research interests are on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms leading to abnormal gene expression in mammalian cells.