Academic Excellence Showcase

Presidential Plenary

A plenary is a session that students and faculty from all fields are welcome to participate in. The first Presidential Plenary was in 2017, and the theme was solar eclipses. The session included student presentations ranging from mathematics to poetry as well as a special introductory lecture. The showcase team has continued this tradition in AES.

2026 Presidential Plenary

8:30-10:00 am 

Willamette Room, Werner University Center

Keynote Speaker: David Heil, innovative science educator

What started as a child with adventurous wanderings in the Dallas, Oregon city park, later became a lifelong endeavor to encourage others to explore and discover the many wonders of the world with confidence and curiosity. David will reflect on his 50-year career as a scientist, educator, TV personality, museum administrator, author, and global consultant. His years at WOU (then, known as WOSC) were seminal in that journey. His talk is going to be about how doing research as a student at WOU can help a student’s career, no matter the major.

David Heil is known as an innovative science educator, new enterprise developer, lecturer, author, and host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS science series Newton’s Apple. He was the lead author of the award-winning elementary science curriculum Discover the Wonder, editor of the popular book Family Science, and co-authored Family Engineering: An Activity & Event Planning Guide. With support from the Oregon Dept. of Education, he co-developed SEEDS (Supporting Early Engagement and Development in STEM) for PreK learners and their caregivers. Prior to establishing his consulting business in science education, evaluation, and non-profit business planning in 1996, David was affiliated with the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) for 13 years, serving as Associate Director from 1988–1996. While at OMSI, David initiated and administered many of the museum’s nationally recognized education and outreach programs and developed hands-on exhibits for national tour. David has also taught science and enrichment programs in grades 7-12, conducted research in plant biochemistry and radiochemistry, and worked 5 years for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Western Oregon University faculty speaking: 

• Dr. Brianne Salvati, Assistant Professor, OTD, OTR/L “Telehealth Lifestyle Pilot Study for Improving Occupational Performance in Older Adults”
• Dr. Ryan Topper, Associate Professor of Literature.  “Tree Prisons, Environmental Memory, and African Literature.”