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).

Asbury Hall
341 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, New York, 14202
United States

Caitlin Dewey

Caitlin Dewey argues that everyday Facebook users and news consumers have the power to slow disinformation in their social networks. From 2014 to 2017, Caitlin served as the digital culture critic at the Washington Post, where she wrote a weekly column debunking viral hoaxes, faux-news articles and other digital deceptions. She continues to report on a wide range of topics, both online and off it.

Dr. Balaguru Ravi

Dr. Balaguru Ravi discusses a new evidence based treatment approach using subthreshold aerobic exercise for patients and athletes who suffer from concussions at TEDx Buffalo 2019. Dr. Ravi attended the University at Buffalo for his primary care sports medicine fellowship and worked closely with UB's concussion clinic where aerobic exercise has been implemented at the high school, collegiate and professional level. He is an Internal Medicine/Sports Medicine Physician who is passionate about treating patients with the latest scientific evidence available, especially regarding concussions and nonsurgical musculoskeletal injuries.

Dr. Phil Stokes

Cockroaches are feared, hated, sprayed, and stomped. But, we can’t seem to get rid of them. Cockroaches have survived multiple global disasters and even outlasted the dinosaurs, but can all of their fancy adaptations save them from the current extinction crisis? Philip J. Stokes is Executive Director of Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve in Hamburg, NY. Working for Big Fossil has its perks: long walks through abandoned quarries at sunset, examining existential questions about life and death, and the thrill of hunting for trilobites and other extinct creatures. He has degrees in Geosciences and Teaching, and the student loans to prove it. In his spare time he plays guitar and ukulele, travels, and brings a telescope to music festivals for late night stargazing.

Jill Spisiak Jedlicka

Jill Jedlicka talks about how the community can act as a leader to proactively make a difference for Great Lakes restoration and waterfront revitalization at TEDxBuffalo 2019. Jill Jedlicka is the Executive Director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, a non-profit organization that educates and empowers local citizens to give water a voice, advocate for environmental protection, and take action to restore local waterways. Learn the history of what it took to restore one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the country, and how citizen activism can continue to lead environmental change in Western New York and around the world.

John Panepinto, Ph.D.

Dr. John Panepinto discusses our current understanding of the relationship between human health and the human microbiome. Dr. Panepinto is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. As a STEAM mentor and science communicator, Dr. Panepinto has a keen interest in the interaction of microbes and humans. His research focuses on environmental fungi that cause human disease.

Michael Cyr

Michael Cyr is a waste industry expert based in New York City on the front lines of the zero waste movement. In his talk, he explains the incredible journey that our recyclables go through and why this isn't a sustainable solution to our single use plastic addiction. Reduce, reuse, and rethink. He is now an operational consultant and co-founder of Cup Zero - a reusable cup service for events and festivals.