Speaker Bios & Topics
September 13-14, 2024
Topic 1: “Learning through the Majesty of His Creation” by Bryn and Sam St Clair
Topic 2: "Pickleball playbook for couples: strategies for on and off the court.” by Amy and Jason Hoagland
Dr. Bryn St. Clair bio
My love for plants and the environment has led me to explore the intersection of science and education. I am captivated by the beauty and diversity of plant life, as well as their vital role in sustaining ecosystems and human well-being. Through hands-on experiences and scientific inquiry, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation for nature and inspire others to explore the intricate connections between plants, cognition, and learning. I like to read and think and solve problems. Often those solutions involve interesting patterns of experiential learning.
I came to a PhD in education psychology research after an undergraduate degree in Botany and having 5 kids. I love watching my own children and my BYU students learn and develop. I currently work with Professors on BYU campus to increase student-centered learning in their classrooms.
I also like to start greens for my garden in the Spring. Lately, I’ve been crocheting tiny Japanese animals. I generally like to take on a good creative project.
Dr. Sam St. Clair bio
The summers of my childhood were spent in the wilderness areas across the US doing research with my father. We spent the summer of 1983 in the Uintas during an extremely rainy summer, finishing up his dissertation project. I slept in a wet sleeping bag and ate freeze-dried food for more than six weeks. Spending so much time in those beautiful places filled me with curiosity and a love of the natural world. At some point I realized my Dad was getting paid to do what most people do for vacation.
I completed my undergraduate and MS degrees at Brigham Young University studying botany. My Ph.D work was conducted in forests of Pennsylvania. I studied the grasslands of northern California as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford then UC Berkeley. Since coming back to Utah I study the biological patterns of forests and deserts of Utah. So many times I’ve sat under a sugar maple, aspen or Joshua tree forest, eating my lunch, unable to believe I get paid to do this.
I love reading, family adventures to wild places and I have a serious passion for mountain biking and skiing.
Jason and Amy Hoagland live in Kaysville, Utah where Jason is a pediatrician at Tanner Clinic. They are the parents of five children — one girl, followed by four boys! Amy received her BS in Elementary Education from BYU and her Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate from Georgetown University. Amy is also a certified fitness instructor, yoga teacher and LDS Seminary Substitute Teacher. Jason attended Medical School at the University of Utah, followed by residency at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He serves on the Utah Medical Association Board and Davis Hospital Board. He has volunteered extensively with the Boy Scouts of America and currently serves in the LDS Missionary Medical department reviewing incoming missionary health profiles.
Amy likes to sing and quote lines from movies. She loves Edna Mode’s pep talk in Incredibles, “Go! Confront the problem, fight, WIN!” She enjoys every outdoor adventure, pickleball, paddle boarding, popcorn and people! Jason loves snow-skiing, boating, pickleball, movies, and reading. One of his favorite books is How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen.