Theme: Pursuit of Truth

Sometimes, the greatest finds aren't discovering new treasures. Rather, it's unearthing the very core of pre-existing ideas. In conjunction with SLU's mission statement, TEDxSLU Pursuit of Truth aims to provide a unifying environment that encourages free, active, and original intellectual inquiry in any discipline We'll be challenging students and community members to not only experience what it means to pursue truth but to conduct veracious and evocative conversations throughout their everyday lives.

Center for Global Citizenship - Saint Louis University
3694 W Pine Blvd
St. Louis, Missouri, 63108
United States

Brian Boutwell

Convinced that many of the prevailing ideas about why individuals commit crime are wrong, criminologist Brian Boutwell has been working to advance a new type of crime science known as biosocial criminology. His work, and that of his biosocial colleagues, has helped to reveal how the guiding assumption of most criminologists—that crime has its origins in purely environmental forces—has reached the point of intellectual bankruptcy. Biosocial criminology has helped to push the study of crime toward the goal of becoming a truly interdisciplinary field. In particular, a field that leans less heavily on the edicts of sociology, and one which looks to evolutionary psychology, biology, and quantitative genetics for the invaluable insights into human nature that they provide.

Ghazala Hayat

Dr. Hayat is a professor of Neurology & Psychiatry at St. Louis University. She is also a board member of Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls and Chair-person of Public relations committee of Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. Additionally, Dr. Hayat has served on board of YWCA and has received the distinguished St. Louis Women of Achievement award.

Hannah Vestal

Hannah graduated from St. Louis University with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is the founder of Billikens For Clean Water, an organization whose goal is to educate others about the worldwide water crisis. Hannah has travelled both domestically and internationally to address water issues, including Belize and Flint, Michigan. She also advocated on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for a bill that would help more people have access to clean water. She has inspired hundreds of people to carry jerry cans to spread awareness of the water crisis. Her future plans include doing a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest and pursing her Doctorate in Psychology.

Matt Whiat

Matt Whiat wakes up each day to put people in the driver’s seat so that passion and opportunity meet. As a co-founder of the Barry-Wehmiller Leadership Institute, Matt draws on over 20 years of leadership experience as a former military officer, helping organizations create cultures that put people and business in harmony. One of Matt’s missions was to escort Simon Sinek into Afghanistan. Matt became a believer in Simon’s work and Simon walked away with an idea, which later became his book, “Leaders Eat Last.” Simon and Matt later collaborated in the Department of Defense’s first TEDx event, showcasing “those who serve others.” One of the speakers was Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller. When Matt heard Bob’s story he decided he wanted to join him to build a world where everyone matters. Matt served in the United Nations to bring peace to Liberia, worked with NATO partners for operations in Afghanistan, commanded a basic training squadron and was on The Joint Staff at the Pentagon.

Stephen Sanders

Dr Sanders is a board certified Internal Medicine physician for 21 years. He is in the practice of primary care and on the teaching staff in Mercy Clinic, St Louis Missouri. He is very dedicated to prevention and early detection of cancers and cardiovascular disease. He also treats patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes. Dr Sanders sees great value to the team approach to care, including the patient as captain.