Experts available to speak
The Bridgewater College Speakers Bureau is a free service provided to the local community. Faculty and staff are available to give talks on topics ranging from parenting to politics. If you would like to have one of our speakers address your organization, school, church or other group, please contact Bridgewater College’s Office of Marketing and Communications at mediarelations@bridgewater.edu.
Our speakers provide their time and expertise for free. However, if the speaker will be required to travel or if the event includes a meal, reimbursement for travel or a complimentary meal would be appreciated.
Speakers Bureau Directory
Dr. Stephen F. Baron
Topics
- Biofuels: Solving the Energy Crunch: A 60-minute presentation on biologically-produced fuels and energy alternatives including methane, ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, microbial fuel cells and biodegradable plastics. The presentation includes how these fuels and energy alternatives are produced as well as their commercial feasibility. Participants will be able to construct their own microbial fuel cells. If a pond is available on-site, a live demonstration of biological methane production will follow the presentation.
- DNA: The Amazing Molecule: This 45-minute, hands-on workshop is suitable for elementary and homeschooled students. The presentation begins with a demonstration of DNA spooling and an introduction to the structure and function of DNA. Students will then isolate DNA from their own cheek cells in a visible form, which they can take home as a souvenir.
Skip Burzumato
Topics
- The Current State of Marriage and Family in America: Explore the latest research and trends in America as it pertains to marriage, divorce, cohabitation, family formation, courtship and dating, and the intersection of religion and family.
Dr. Christine E. Carrillo
Topics
- Music: Carrillo is available for a discussion on music broadly, or can tailor a presentation to your group's music-related interests.
- BC Jazz Ensemble: The Bridgewater College Jazz Ensemble performs a variety of music ranging from big band to contemporary jazz. A smaller combo could also be requested if space is limited. The Jazz Ensemble schedules its own concerts well in advance; a request for an appearance before your group should be directed to Dr. Christine Carrillo, director, by phone at (540) 828-5301 or via email at ccarrill@bridgewater.edu.
Dr. Stanley A. Galloway
Topics
- Edgar Rice Burroughs and Tarzan: A discussion of Edgar Rice Burroughs’s life and how it contributed to the development of his most famous literary character, Tarzan.
Dr. Bobbi G. Gentry
Topics
- Elections : This presentation provides an explanation of election laws, requirements and differences between states. Specializing in youth voting, Gentry can comment on recent trends in youth voting and predictions for future elections. She has been interviewed by the New York Times about this issue, as well as by state and local media.
- Preparing for the AP United States Government and Politics Exam : As a grader for the Advance Placement (AP) exam for many years, Gentry provides training and information on how to better prepare for the essay section of the exam.
- Teaching Government : How can I better teach American government in my classroom?
- Youth Voting Behavior: Why do some young people vote and others do not?
Dr. Chase Hale
Topics
- Examination of Orthopedic Injuries: An overview of orthopedic injuries. Often these injuries relating to the muscles, bones and joints are a result of overuse or trauma to the body during both sport and non-sport related activities.
- Emergency Care of Athletic Injuries: A presentation on emergency preparedness and management for acute sport-related injuries and illnesses.
- Prevention and Management of Environmental Injuries & Illnesses: A discussion on how to prevent and manage environmental injuries and illnesses during outdoor recreational and sport activities.
Dr. Donna H. Hoskins
Topics
- Early Childhood Development: Learn about the physical and socio-emotional development of children.
- Parenting 101: Learn the parenting skills that can influence a child’s behavior.
- Parenting Styles and Child Outcomes: Examine your parenting style and learn how it is associated with child outcomes.
- Teenage Pregnancy: This talk looks at the predictors of teenage pregnancy. Learn what communities and families can do to target this issue.
Dr. Ryan E. Keebaugh
Topics
- BC Concert Choir and Chorale: The Bridgewater College Concert Choir and Chorale specializes in madrigals, jazz and modern and contemporary concert literature, both secular and sacred. If interested in requesting a concert for your organization, all inquiries should be directed to Dr. Ryan Keebaugh, director, by phone at (540) 828-5305 or via email at rkeebaugh2@bridgewater.edu.
Dr. Jenny M. Martin
Topics
- Learning and Adolescent Development: How can we best help adolescents learn? What does the research help us understand about teenagers, social interaction and learning in context?
- New Literacies in Teaching and Learning: What are the technologies being harnessed in today’s classrooms? How might some of the tools be useful to you?
Dr. Ian J. McNeil
Topics
- Making Solar Cells Out of White-Out and Raspberry Juice: This is a ca. 40-minute hands-on presentation covering the basic chemistry involved in solar energy production. Participants will make and test their own dye-sensitized solar cell. This session would be appropriate for middle and high school students.
- Chemistry of Artificial Photosynthesis: This ca. 40-minute presentation will introduce the chemistry of artificial photosynthesis, the challenges in trying to achieve it and potential solutions that are being implemented to overcome these challenges. This talk would be appropriate for college students and adults.

