Presentation by Arif Humayun and Shirin Elkoshairi. While almost all Muslims are opposed to Al Qaeda and ISIS, there are some who, through radicalization, wage war and terrorize innocent people. Our speakers explain what Muslims believe and why a small number of them are leaving the fold to follow a path of terror. Humayun was born in Pakistan, is a U.S. citizen, a practicing Muslim, and a student of comparative religion. He manages an intellectual property licensing business. Elkoshairi is a community volunteer who seeks to help people understand one of the world’s most misunderstood religions. He serves on the board of the Islamic Society of SW Washington.
Presentation by Mel Gurtov. Public discussion of the nuclear issue has focused on ways to deter, contain, or punish North Korea. South Korea’s efforts to create dialogue with the North point to another approach: engagement. This talk assesses North Korea’s objectives, the differing U.S. and South Korean responses, China’s often misunderstood role, and the outlines of an engagement strategy. Gurtov is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University. From 1966 to 1971 he was on the staff of the RAND Corporation where he was a co-author of the Pentagon Papers.
What makes certain people happier than others? Rodrigo Baena shares the latest research on happiness internationally and locally. Baena is a Happiness Evolutionist, Researcher, Executive Coach, author and founder of the Portland Happiness Center. He collaborates with individuals and organizations to strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and enhance an overall sense of well-being and happiness in life and in the workplace. He was born in São Paulo, Brazil.
Monica Chang, a 16-year-old junior at Camas High School, discusses her research at the Sorg neuroscience lab. She believes that effective communication is crucial in Science Technology Engineering & Math fields (STEM). Monica is enrolled in her school’s rigorous magnet program. Since February 2016, she has held an internship at the Sorg neuroscience lab at Washington State University Vancouver. She recently won the grand prize in the Oregon Bioscience Showcase Research competition. She is passionate about promoting girls in STEM.