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Raft Debate 2024
{{youtube:large:left|6Y1rf7Qxil4, Livestream of W&M's 2024 Raft Debate}}
Meet the 2024 Raft Debaters
Humanities: Jessica Paga
Associate Professor of Classical Studies
Professor Paga specializes in Greek archaeology and history, particularly of the Archaic and Classical periods. Her research is primarily focused on ancient architecture, political history, and religion. Professor Paga is also an active field archaeologist and has worked all over Greece and Italy. When she isn’t digging in the dirt and hugging rocks, Prof. Paga likes to hike, bake, read fantasy novels, and binge-watch The Office.
Sciences: Josh Erlich
Professor of Physics
Professor Erlich specializes in elementary particle theory and cosmology. His research topics include quantum gravity, particle physics interpretations of cosmological data, and the interplay between gauge theory and string theory. In his spare time, he tries to be entertaining as a cast member of the Magic à la Carte dinner show and other local magic events.
Social Sciences: Jennifer Stevens
Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences
Professor Stevens specializes in the cognitive neuroscience of representation in perception and action, the effect of surrounding space on cognition, and neuro-aesthetics, with particular emphasis on the influence of art and architecture on brain and behavior. While never formally a member of any debate team, her confidence in prevailing as this year's winner is grounded in rigorous athletic training from her youth, most notably baton twirling, tree climbing, and tennis playing. She is also able to read and chew gum at the same time.
Devil's Advocate: Joshua Gert
Leslie and Naomi Legum Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
Professor Gert has published a pair of books on rationality and reasons, and can now explain in great detail the various ways in which his own behavior is irrational. He has also published a book and numerous papers on color, defending the philosophically controversial views that grass is green and blood red. His current work in philosophy of language attempts to dispel philosophical mysteries by focusing on the language in which the mysterious claims are made.
Judge/Emcee: Trey Mayo
Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
Assistant Dean Trey Mayo (Ed.D. ’22) oversees graduate studies support and operations in the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, managing admissions, academic progress, and all things paperwork. He previously served in a similar capacity in the College of Arts & Sciences at W&M.
While his lifelong dream of being a TV game show host didn't pan out, he found a perfect consolation prize: serving as The Judge of the Raft Debate, moderating four academics who fight for survival after a hypothetical shipwreck. When the spreadsheets are filed away and the robe is hung up, Mayo enjoys nature walks, spending time with his mother and his feline fur-daughter, Chewie, and finding the perfect YouTube clip or meme for the occasion.