Podium to Pub is a dynamic event series that brings research and collaborations to life through engaging presentations and lively discussions. Hosted once per quarter (Fall, Winter & Spring) by the Institute for Applied Sustainability, these talks and panels highlight innovative sustainability research. After the presentations, we take the conversation downtown for an informal networking gathering over drinks, fostering deeper connections between researchers, students, and the community.
This event is free and open to the public and includes snacks and non-alcholic drinks at the podium and a no-host bar at the pub.
While registration is not required, we kindly ask you to RSVP in advance to help us prevent food waste.
Spring 2025
“Living with fire in the Rogue Valley: Building fire-resilient communities”
Co-sponsored by the SOU Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
Chris Adlam, OSU Extension
Forest restoration and Implementation of mitigation strategies
Kelly Burns, City of Ashland
Emergency management
Cass Cornwell, Firebrand Resiliency Collective
Community resilience
Manuel Machado, OSU Extension
Workforce development
Wildfire is a persistent and deeply felt reality in the Rogue Valley. This panel brings together emergency management professionals, community organizers, extension specialists, and workforce coordinators to strengthen ties with Southern Oregon University and explore actionable strategies for wildfire preparedness and resilience. Participants will delve into how academic partnerships, research, and local knowledge can come together to create inclusive, science-driven approaches tailored to the region’s unique landscape and community needs.
When: May 8 from 4-6pm
Podium Location: Southern Oregon University Hannon Library
Address: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
Room: Meese Room #305 (Third Floor)
Pub Location: At the podium this time!
Address: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
Room: Meese Room #305 (Third Floor)
Winter 2025
“Living with fire in the Rogue Valley: Building fire-resilient communities”
Co-sponsored by the SOU Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Chhaya Werner, SOU
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, & Sustainability
Join us to learn how wildflowers, trees, and grasses re-establish after the Klamath dam removal, and other watershed-scale restoration projects.
See the full event flyer here.
When: February 27 from 4-6pm
Podium Location: Southern Oregon University Stevenson Union
Address: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
Room: Gallery Room #323 (Third Floor)
Pub Location: Growler Guys
Address: 345 Lithia Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Fall 2024
“Living with fire in the Rogue Valley: Building fire-resilient communities”
Co-sponsored by the SOU Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Karen Mager, SOU
Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, & Sustainability, and Biology
Wildlife is all around us, living in the shadows of our human infrastructure and urban lives. Yet, too many of our encounters with these animals are in wildlife-vehicle collisions that injure wild animals and threaten motorists. Join us to learn about the consequences of having heavily- travelled I-5 cut through our incredibly biodiverse local landscape, and to explore new possibilities for more sustainable coexistence with wildlife. See images from motion-triggered camera traps that highlight how animals use the I-5 corridor, and learn how this scientific research by SOU faculty and students is helping a coalition of local partners advocate for the construction of wildlife overpasses over the highway.
See the full event flyer here
When: February 27 from 4-6pm
Podium Location: Southern Oregon University Stevenson Union
Address: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
Room: Gallery Room #323 (Third Floor)
Pub Location: Growler Guys
Address: 345 Lithia Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Contact the IAS Team
Vincent Smith: smithv3@sou.edu
Becs Walker: walkerr6@sou.edu
Kira Welch: welchk1@sou.edu
