2017 Symposium Speakers

Howard Bloom                            

^{American Author and Activist}

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As a young talented writer and publicist, Howard Bloom was known for his success in building a momentum of music and culture in the 1960's. Bloom has authored several books, such as "The Lucifer Principle" and "The God Problem." At times controversial, Bloom's intriguing theories and publications in the areas of psychology, philosophy, physics, and evolutionary biology have stirred talk of a new Scientific Paradigm. From "starting the sixties" to preparing his Grand Unified Theory, the 2017 ESE Symposium is proud to host Howard Bloom as the opening keynote speaker on the trajectories of scientific thought and innovation.

Panelists

Dr. Kipling D. Willams                

^{Department of Psychology, Purdue University}

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Williams earned his PhD in social psychology from The Ohio State University in 1981. His primary research focus is on ostracism—the effects of being ignored and excluded - but more generally, his research career has dealt with many aspects of social influence, including persuasion and dissuasion, compliance, and intragroup influence. He is the editor of the journal, Social Influence, and co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Social Influence (2017).

Brad Pushkar                            

^{Editor in Chief, Purdue Exponent}

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Brad Pushkar is an undergraduate in the College of Liberal Arts studying mass communications. He spent the last year working both in print media and TV, as a reporter for and now editor-in-chief of The Purdue Exponent, and a stringer for WLFI. He worked on an investigative piece about the purchase of Kaplan by Purdue University over the summer, where he utilized public records from Purdue University. He and the Exponent will also be hosting a public forum on public information on Oct. 5. 

Dr. Joshua M. Scacco                

^{Assistant Professor, Brian Lamb School of Communication,
Courtesy Appt. in Department of Political Science}

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Joshua M. Scacco (PhD, The University of Texas at Austin, 2014) is an Assistant Professor of Media Theory & Politics in the Brian Lamb School of Communication and courtesy faculty in the Department of Political Science. He also serves as a Faculty Research Associate with the award-winning Engaging News Project. Josh teaches courses on political communication, media, and research method-related topics. Josh’s research is focused on how emerging communication technologies influence established agents in American political life, including news organizations and the presidency. Before coming to Purdue, Josh worked for a lobbying and public relations firm located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  He also served as a member of legislative leadership in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a U.S. Senator.

Moderator

Quentin Hardy                           

^{Head Editor at Google}