Salem Talks Science is a new initiative hoping to make the general public interested in science and form connections with each other by talking about it. The idea for a Salem “science pub” bringing scientists to talk to the community alongside food and drinks, came when Dylan and Taylor McDow ell attended similar events in Corvallis and Washington, D.C. but realized there were none in Salem. Science pubs allow people of all backgrounds to “go out there, meet and learn something, be exposed to something you might not otherwise,” Dylan McDowell said. The first gathering, on Thursday, March 27, will feature Willamette University professor David Craig. Titled “The Decade of the Oak,” the event will focus on the importance of the Oregon white oak to local history and biodiversity and how it is an integral part of most people’s lives, often without them being aware.  The event, located at Venti’s Cafe at 325 Court St. N.E. is free to attend and reservation is not required. It will start at 6:30 p.m. McDowell’s  academic background is in fish and wildlife and he also holds a degree in science education. McDowell works in environmental policy and is also the co-founder of Salem Bike Vision, an advocacy group that supports making Salem less car-dependent and more accessible to bikes.  Since moving to Salem in 2018, McDowell has been very involved in the community, including as the former chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, where he introduced Walk to a Park Day. As an undergraduate, McDowell studied abroad through the federal government’s Gilman Scholarship Program. Years later, he applied for the Gilman Changemaker Grant, which funds community service projects by alumni of the program. The grant is now the main source of funding for Salem Talks Science and supports sound equipment, appetizers, stickers and other purchases for the gatherings.  The grant paid for equipment and the cost of holding four talks, which he hopes to do every few months.  “I’m hopeful that this is not just a one year project, but something that can become an ongoing effort and people will have it as something to look forward to regularly,” he said. Salem Talks Science is not only about forming community but also highlighting the work of local educators, researchers, scientists and industry professionals which often goes unrecognized, McDowell said.“I have so much appreciation for Salem and all of the wonderful expertise we have in the community. I don’t know if everyone realizes just how much there is,” McDowell said.  His wife Taylor has been “an integral part” of organizing events and promoting the work of Salem Talks Science on its Instagram account, McDowell said.  They are also collaborating with organizations and artists in Salem such as Proud Salemander, a pop-up craft shop that sells Salem-branded merchandise for event visuals and marketing. The new Salem Talks Science logo. (Courtesy/ Dylan McDowell) Craig, their first speaker, has been teaching at Willamette for almost 25 years and is trained in behavioral ecology. Craig mostly studies how animals modify their habitats and how human action can affect their behavior. Although his research currently focuses on birds, he has also worked with insects, squirrels and other species. The white oak is present in many people’s backyards and other spaces and is “everybody’s story” because “wherever you’re coming from your ancestors probably had some appreciation of white oaks if you have any legacy in Oregon,” Craig said. At the event, Craig will talk about “healthy people, healthy trees and healthy birds,” and how they are all connected. He will show that the behavior of the white-breasted nuthatch, a bird with high affinity to the white oak, gives important clues about natural habitats in Oregon and human wellbeing.  Craig wants to help make the event accessible and engaging to people of all backgrounds, give back to the community through science education and take advantage of the privilege he has studying nature for a living, he said. He was not involved in the creation of Salem Talks Science but thinks it’s a good opportunity for people to exchange ideas and learn together in person even if they don’t have a science background. Initiatives like Salem Talks Science have been very popular in the past, he said. Future speakers have not been announced but events will be about many topics including social science, history or medicine, according to McDowell. Contact reporter Alan Cohen: alan.salemreporter@gmail.com. A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE – If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE. The post New community science talks aim to teach Salem about the local environment appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less