Monday, July 14
Gather at 5:30 p.m.
Discussion at 6 p.m.
Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave
Free admission

Scientific Link: Connecting OHSU and OMSI

The proposed bridge for MAX light rail between Portland and Milwaukie could be the first span over the Willamette River in a generation and the first light rail/pedestrian/bike-only bridge in the U.S. It will also link two of the city's most important science institutions: Oregon Health Science University and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. With both institutions master-planning new expansions on facing sides of the river, Portland could find itself with a unique fusion of urbanism and science education. On Monday, July 14, Bright Lights will host a presentation by OHSU Provost Lesley Hallick and OMSI President Nancy Stueber about the potential power of the link.

Both leaders have played pivotal roles in developing their institutions. Since joining OHSU faculty in 1977 as an assistant professor of molecular biology and immunology, Hallick rose through the university's ranks to eventually recruit five deans and lead the university's lobbying in Salem . Stueber arrived at OMSI in 1981 as manager of community events, and before becoming president in 2000, has overseen the development of more than 25 exhibits that have toured internationally.

Join Bright Lights as Hallick and Stueber offer an overview of their institutions' expansion plans and look at what kinds of synergies they are already developing and what could develop with a direct connection over the Willamette River .

A collaboration between Portland Spaces and City Club, Bright Lights is held on the second Monday of each month. The series serves to generate dialogue about the design and nature of cities — especially Portland — and creates a constituency for the design of the city’s future. Led by Portland Spaces editor-in-chief Randy Gragg, audiences engage with elected officials, CEOs, activists and creative energizers who play a leading role in shaping the city.