In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

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Fort Myers, Florida, 33965
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Tyler Whitman

Tyler Whitman is senior studying business management. Tyler’s passions in life are learning new things in innovative ways, and helping others grow closer to technology, which has led him to work for several Fortune 500 companies, such as Luxxotica Retail and Apple, Inc. Tyler believes there is a disconnect between the way we teach and the way students learn, and he is excited to share his idea on finding a wayt o bring intelligence and knowledge to each person.

Vanessa Fernandez & Talissa Soto

Vanessa is a senior working toward a dual degree in Communication and Philosophy and Talissa is majoring in Sociology and Political Science. Together, Vanessa and Talissa have spearheaded the launch of the student organization, No Race No Hate, which seeks to unify the FGCU community by promoting cultural competency and appreciation.

Dr. Serge Thomas

Dr. Serge Thomas is an assistant professor and program leader for environmental studies within the department of marine and ecological sciences at FGCU. Dr. Thomas specializes in the ecological study of manmade and natural shallow tropical aquatic ecosystems in southwest Florida. In his talk, “Ponds of Southwest Florida: Ticking Time Bombs,” he hopes to address the dangerous way in which we treat our ponds and what we can do to ensure natural, clean water cycles.

Alex Van Aken

Alex Van Aken, a student from Gainesville, Florida studying psychology. Alex is a strong advocate for organic, non-GMO foods, and through a variety of other health changes, Alex is currently going through a physical, spiritual, and conscious transformation, which he is excited to share with you today.

Conan Griffin

Conan Griffin is an English instructor in the Department of Language and Literature at FGCU. When not teaching or thinking about teaching, he is planning some wild adventure with his wife and son. Past adventures have shown him the diverse nature of the world and has cultivated the desire to seek out new places and people. With his talk, “Do it while you can: Cultivating an adventurous spirit,” Conan will engage and encourage you to find your inner adventurer and start exploring today.

Dr. Derek Buzasi

Dr. Derek Buzasi is the Whitaker Eminent Scholar for Science at FGCU had has studied the sun and stars inside and out, for nearly three decades. He led the rescue effort for NASA’s WIRE spacecraft and served as a participating scientist on NASA’s Kepler mission. His current work skirts the boundary between the science of stars and planets in order to ultimately learn about the formation and evolution of the solar systems.

Dr. Martha Rosenthal

Dr. Martha Rosenthal is our next TEDxFGCU speaker, who has been a professor in the biology department since the opening of FGCU. Martha began her educational journey studying drugs, and currently studies sex and suspects rock ‘n roll will be next. Throughout her career, she has received the Teacher of the Year Award from FGCU and University of Florida and has authored a variety of textbooks. In her talk, “Gender Agenda,” Martha explores the societal norms of gender and will challenge you to reconsider your perspective.

Megan Shindler

Megan Shindler is a FGCU theatre and political science major in the honors program. Megan has been on stage her whole life and her repertoire of theatrical experience includes musicals, dramas, operas, ballets, and Shakespeares. She discovered a love of political activism and advocacy through her participation in a series of experimental theatre pieces which contemplated social issues. In her talk, “The Artist Is:___,” she will engage you with her story and provide a glimpse of the power of art as a medium for advocacy.