Theme: Green

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).

Texas State University - Performing Arts Center
405 Moon Street
San Marcos, Texas, 78666
United States

David Yeomans

Chief Meteorologist

David Yeomans is a Three-time Emmy Award-winning Meteorologist. David has been fascinated with weather for as long as he can remember. David was a published undergraduate researcher under world-renowned climate change expert, Dr. Brian Soden, studying the relationship between water vapor in the high levels of the atmosphere and global warming. David researched hurricane formation for his Master’s thesis and was a guest scientist aboard an NOAA Hurricane Hunter flight. He is now a Chief Meteorologist at KXAN Austin.

Ian McKenna

Student

Ian McKenna, 17 years old, is from Austin, TX. Ian is a youth hunger advocate who has grown and donated over 20,000 lbs of organic produce to help reduce food insecurity in his community. In addition to developing Ian’s Giving Garden, he works with No Kid Hungry as a youth ambassador and Katie’s Krops where he serves on their Board of Directors. He is also a Travis County Master Gardener. Most recently, he was named as a Top 5 Finalist for Time’s Kid of the Year. Ian is currently a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering.

Jayairus Bryant

Free-Spirited 2nd Grader

Jayairus Bryant is a free-spirited 2nd grader at Cooper Elementary in Houston who possesses a unique combination of grit and wit. He enjoys reading, playing video games, and learning about space. He will be discussing mistakes that adults have made regarding environmental issues and how those mistakes have impacted children. Hold onto your seat! He may just prove to you that when it comes to preserving the Earth; you may not be smarter than a Second Grader!"

Jaz Burgess

Founder + Executive Director

Jaz Burgess is the Founder and Executive Director of Hustle Meets Grace, an online Wellness Consulting Company specializing in integrating yoga, meditation and mindfulness-based practices. After attaining her professional counseling license, Jaz is looking forward to expanding the offerings at Hustle Meets Grace to include a counseling private practice and yoga studio to help clients find healing through mindful movement and relaxation. In addition, Jaz is a life coach for first generation college students UTSA, where she facilitates leadership experiences focusing on personal development, financial literacy and emotional intelligence.

Larry Fulton

Professor

Larry Fulton holds a Ph.D. in Management Science & Information Systems (University of Texas), a Master of Science in Statistics (University of Texas), and four other graduate degrees. Dr. Fulton is a professor and consultant who applies analytical techniques including simulation, optimization, decision science, statistics, and machine learning to address problems in the areas of sustainability, healthcare, and finance. Information about Dr. Fulton’s academic work is available on Google Scholar, RPubs, and GitHub.

Wren Vogel

Graduate Student + Researcher

Wren Vogel is pursuing a graduate degree in Sustainability Studies and has developed vast knowledge on invasive aquatic biota, sanitation and gender, womxn’s mobility, and the human-environment relationship. Through connections with likeminded organizations, Wren has aided in the removal of over 500lbs of invasive aquatic species from Texas rivers. With a passion for gender equity, sanitation security, and ecological stability, Wren is developing recommendations to fabricate a compostable menstrual pad and superabsorbent polymers using the prolific invasive species, the water hyacinth. Wren has been featured on Texas State’s Sustainability Spotlight and are recognized within the community for the work they do to promote river health and equality.