Theme: Do You Realize?

TEDxUofM took place on April 10th, 2010. The conference theme was "Do You Realize?".

The event was held in the state-of-the-art Biomedical Science Research Building at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 600 over-qualified applicants applied, and 350 were invited to attend. The afterparty was held at Vinology, a wine bar on Main Street.

There were 22 featured performers/speakers. A student who built a satellite, set to launch into space from Alaska in November, 2010. An architect detailing her experiences of building a monument in Romania, commerating the twenty years since the communist party was overthrown. The founder and CEO of an Ann Arbor-based international electronic label, detailing the growth and tribulations of the label's journey. A design professor discussing the art and real world implications of paper folding. A Michigan Wolverine kicker telling about the moment when everything in his life changed.

The event was organized by 40 passionate University of Michigan students who believe firmly in the free exchange of ideas across campus and beyond.

Biomedical Science Research Building
Ann Arbor
United States

Daniel Ferris

Daniel Ferris is an Associate Dean for Research, Associate Professor in Movement Science and Biomedical Engineering and an Adjunct Associate Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan.

Matt Shlian

Matt Shlian teaches Two Dimensional Foundations and Paper Engineering at the University of Michigan and works as a visiting research scholar at the University's Material Science Department. He is currently working with researches to utilize paper engineering as a way to understand the flexible nature of nano-structures.

Sam Valenti IV

Sam Valenti IV is the founder of Ghostly International, home to two of America's finest independent record labels, Ghostly and Spectral Sound. The Michigan based company has carefully built a reputation for artistic quality and innovation since its inception in 1999.

Kiko Dontchev

Kiko Dontchev is a 2nd year masters student in Space Systems Engineering at the University of Michigan. Following graduation, he will be joining the team at SpaceX as an Avionics engineer.

Moses Lee

Moses Lee is an Academic Program Manager and Lecturer at the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan (UM), where he manages the Social Entrepreneurship Initiative. He teaches two courses: Social Venture Creation and Intro to Social Entrepreneurship (several of his students join him in his talk). In addition, Moses supports the curriculum and teaching responsibilities in UM's Multidisciplinary Design Minor Global Health Design Specialization. Moses is currently working on UM's Safe Male Circumcision Project, which received a Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Explorations grant. He is developing the feasibility plan for low-cost, mass production distribution of the medical devices. Previously, Moses was a Manager at the William Davidson Institute and the Managing Editor of NextBillion.net, the premier online resource for information on social enterprises in the developing world.

Nick Tobier

In his current research and teaching, Tobier focuses on the integration of art and society, and actively challenges artists to expand their self-definitions and scope. These efforts have included partnerships with artists and farmers; critical and celebratory involvements between artists, art students and broad communities; lectures as performances and vice-versa; and a growing commitment to lasting partnerships working with creative individuals and communities from Detroit to Copenhagen. He is currently running the Social Venture Creation course in collaboration with Moses Lee.

John Holland

John Holland is an American scientist and Professor of Psychology and Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan where he researches and teaches on the study of cognitive processes and complex adaptive systems in general, using mathematical models and computer simulation.

Udae Sandhu

Udae is a freshman LS&A undecided major with a passion for entrepreneurship, yet his still set revolves around the humanities. Sandhu believes the lucky few that take their unique skill set and directly apply it to their passions in life will find happiness abound.

Thomas Pavone

Tommaso Pavone is a James B. Angell Scholar at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. His current work involves the study of Western European politics and comparative political theory. Recent projects have included an analysis of how corruption is contributing to Italian immigrants.

Jim Burnstein

Jim Burnstein is one of the few working Hollywood screenwriters living in Michigan. His works include Renaissance Man and D3: The Mighty Ducks. Burnstein heads the Screenwriting Program at the University of Michigan, his alma mater, in the Department of Screen Arts & Culture.

Steve Rush

Stephen Rush is a Professor of Dance and Performing Technology at the University of Michigan where he has been teaching classes in music composition, music theory, and jazz for over 23 years.

Anca Trandafirescu

Anca Trandafirescu is an Assistant Professor in Architecture at the University of Michigan where she teaches in design theory and representation. In 2003, she established area.architecture with Glenn Wilcox. The practice explores the breadth of design issues through competitions, commissioned projects, furniture, and design/build work.

John Hart

John Hart is an MIT alum who teaches courses in design and manufacturing. His research involves carbon nanotube structures that are found, among other places, on the edges of samurai swords. His Mechanical Engineering has stood him in good stead, preparing him for the interdisciplinarity of nanotech research.

Vic Strecher

Dr. Victor J. Strecher graduated in 1983 with an M.P.H. and Ph.D. in Health Behavior & Health Education from the University of Michigan. In 1998, Dr. Strecher founded HealthMedia, Inc.-- a company designed to create interactive health communications solutions for medical care, employer, pharmaceutical, and government settings. The intention of HealthMedia, Inc. is to bring the highest quality science, operational capabilities and creativity to the marketplace. The company now has over 35 employees and has secured a significant client base.

Jacob Mendel

Jacob is a senior in the film department at the University of Michigan.

Oran Hesterman

Dr. Hesterman is the inaugural president and chief executive officer of the Fair Food Network. A national leader in sustainable agriculture and food systems, Dr. Hesterman has published more than 400 reports and articles. He played an essential role in the establishment of the Michigan Food Policy Council. Dr. Hesterman has also made significant contributions to the funding of healthy food and farming via his leadership of the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders group. As a former farmer and an avid potter, Dr. Hesterman's eclectic and innovative experiences contribute grounded guidance and leadership.

Subaram Raman

Subaram Raman is a first year masters student at the University of Michigan, currently studying under Michael Daugherty. He formerly studied under Paul Chihara and Roger Bourland at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Philip Brabbs

former University of Michigan field goal kicker. Known for the most memorable field goal kick in University of Michigan history. He

Ralph Williams

Ralph is a legend at the University of Michigan.

Alex Wand

Alex Wand is a composer and wholesome guy.

Mason Proper

Mason Proper is a band based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.