Theme: Connect!

TEDxChandlerPublicLibrary presents Connect. In our technology driven, ever-evolving world, we crave connection more than ever before. We look to connect in many different ways and forms to have a sense of belonging, purpose and satisfaction. Hear talks from local speakers who are making connections through research, objects, laughter and presence. What they see in the world may just change your perspective too.

Chandler Public Library - Downtown
22 South Delaware Street
Chandler, Arizona, 85225
United States

Candace Lewis

Neuroscientist

Dr. Lewis aims to revolutionize mental health care by exploring dynamic environmental and genetic influences on brain-behavior relationships. A native of Alaska, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Next, she earned a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience at Arizona State University on a Harry S. Truman Scholarship while investigating the effects of early life stress on addiction behavior and neurobiology. After graduation she received a Fulbright Fellowship to learn advanced neuroimaging and psychedelic research methods at the University Hospital of Zurich. She was also awarded the Science Foundation Arizona Bisgrove Fellowship to investigate the interplay between early experiences, epigenetics, physiology, and behavior. Taken together, her research centers around the age-old question of nature versus nurture with a modern twist. Dr. Lewis seeks to unravel how genetics and experiences continuously interact to shape neurobiology and behavior.

Dave Engelthaler

Director/Associate Professor TGen North

Dr. David Engelthaler is an Associate Professor and the Director of TGen North, the infectious disease arm of the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute. He oversees a number of research groups working on the development analytical tools to detect and characterize infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, valley fever, MRSA, and others. He has published over 90 scientific papers on epidemiology, disease ecology, genetics, and microbiology and he has a dozen patented inventions. Dave received his Masters in Microbiology from Colorado State University and his PhD in Biology at Northern Arizona University. Dave was previously the Arizona State Epidemiologist and a biologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dave has worked in federal, state and local government, has started for-profit and non-profit businesses. Dave sits on a number of local and national Boards and recently he has led the establishment of Flagstaff as “America’s First STEM City”.

Jen Rooney

Professional Development and Organizational Culture Consultant

Jen is the founder and owner of C2 - Creative Consulting. She develops, designs and delivers customized educational program content for all levels of employees, equipping them with life skills and strategies to be effective leaders. Jen works with teams, businesses and community organizations to strengthen and sustain healthy workplace cultures and to lead impactful, organizational change. Jen received her Master's Degree in Innovative Leadership from Western International University. She enjoys practicing yoga, visiting New York City, and pumpkin-flavored coffee.

Jody Crago

Museum Administrator

Jody grew up in the small Northwest Pennsyvania town of Meadville, PA best known for the zipper, Channellocks, and Sharon Stone. He is the Museum Administrator for the City of Chandler. During his 25 year career in museums, he has had the pleasure of working in Pennsylvanbia, Delaware, Maryland, Indiana, Illinios and Arizona focused on small museums and their connection to their community. He has sperheaded two new museum construction prpjects that increased the size of both organizations by three times. His "Museum Without Walls" focus fundamentally changed he way his institution engaged with its community. He co-created the online resource ChandlerpediA which has quickly become a digital humanities resource for Chandler and the surrounding East Valley of Phoenix. He is a co-founder of the East Valley Cultural Heritage Coalition in Phoenix, AZ, which seeks to change the business model for heritage organizations. He is a former President of the Museum Association of Phoenix.

Lydia Chew

Human

For as long as she can remember, Lydia has been surrounded by humans. She has lived with them, befriended them, and popular opinion even considers her one of them. While her extensive interactions with humankind have brought her no closer to understanding the stuff of the soul, her journey has provided her with a few insights she’d like to share. As a student of political science at Arizona State University, Lydia was inspired to serve her community and provide a voice for the student body as a senator for her college. A strong proponent of political activism, she is also passionate about social justice and civic education. She dreams of public service in her future and personally thrives on literature, art, and musical theater.

Ricky Olson

Author/Speaker

Ricky is more than just a pretty face. He’s a man of substance with a heart of gold. His background in direct sales, IT management, and government bureaucracy nearly cost him the one thing he valued most, his mind. He gained the confidence he needed to try stand up comedy while working at AIG. If they were too big to fail, so was he. Although he was told all his life he was funny, no one was laughing when he gave stand-up comedy a shot. Being “naturally funny” failed him, so he was forced to figure it out or quit. After four years of intense study and after finding an amazing coach, he finally “figured it out” and shares with everyone who will listen what he learned in the process. Ricky is a speaker and author of the recently released Hook 'em with Humor: The Public Speaker's Guide to Having Fun and Using Humor to Mesmerize, Fascinate, and Engage.

Tisha Pelletier

Startup Business Mentor/Entrepreneur

Tisha Marie Pelletier is the president and CEO of Tisha Marie Enterprises, which empowers entrepreneurs in the startup phase to make their business happen through mentoring, marketing and special events. She is the founder of the Gals' Inspiration Hub, a live and virtual mastermind for women in business, an author, inspirational speaker, venture mentor with Arizona State University, and has facilitated well over 200 meetings and events. One of her greatest passions is helping entrepreneurs succeed. She personally funds an annual Startup Business Grant to provide a cash contribution and resources to entrepreneurs starting their journey. Tisha has made multiple appearances on local and national news outlets and podcasts inspiring others with her story. Her next book titled What Are the Odds is due out in Spring 2018. When she's not helping others achieve take massive action on their passion, Tisha spends quality time with her husband Sean, son Caleb, daughter Ellie and boxer Sparky.