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).

Plemmons Student Union
263 Locust Street
Boone, North Carolina, 28608
United States

Chloe Dorin

Chloe Dorin is an undergraduate honors student here at Appalachian majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and environmental biology. Last spring, she spent 7 weeks backpacking the Appalachian Trail. Now she is here to share the story of her time on trail and some of the questions it provoked for her.

James Wilkes

James T. Wilkes, PhD, is a beekeeper, professor, farmer, and entrepreneur. He is Professor of Computer Science at Appalachian State University teaching computer science and working on honey bee projects including the Bee Informed Partnership. He owns Faith Mountain Farm, a family farm that includes a sideliner beekeeping operation. James is founder and CEO of Hive Tracks, serving the technology needs of beekeepers worldwide.

Joeseph Bathanti

Joseph Bathanti is former Poet Laureate of North Carolina (2012-14) and recipient of the 2016 North Carolina Award for Literature, and the author of seventeen books. He served as the 2016 Charles George VA Medical Center Writer-in-Residence in Asheville, NC. Bathantiis the McFarlane Family Distinguished Professor in Interdisciplinary Education & Writer-in-Residence of Appalachian State University’s Watauga Residential College.

Kat Dolan

Kat Dolan is a performance poet, inspirational speaker and founder of the non-profit organization, Out of Your Mind, a creative approach to mental health whose mission is to combat social isolation through creative peer support and reframes mental illness as a mental opportunity. Originally from New Jersey, Kat fell in love with the Appalachian Mountains on a road trip in 2014 and has lived here ever since. Kat has been performing original poetry for eight years and has graced countless stages across the United States and New Zealand. Having endured a lifetime struggle with depression, anxiety, panic attacks and eating disorders, Kat feels incredibly grateful to be alive and here today to share how her mental illness became her greatest opportunity.