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).

650 W Easterday Avenue
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, 49783
United States

Gregory Zimmerman

Gregory Zimmerman is a Professor of Biology at Lake Superior State University where he teaches students ecology, plant ID, biostatistics, epidemiology and a class on sense of place. His research projects include strategies for addressing food insecurity and developing alternative fuels. When not at school, you'll find him working on their small farm just south of town or out enjoying our spectacular natural resources on the trails hiking or skiing.

Jennifer Hunter

Jenn Hunter is a director, teacher, actor and improviser from Portland, Oregon. She is currently teaching and directing at Lake Superior State University. She graduated with an MFA in Directing from University of Portland. Jenn has a degree in Fine Arts, a Masters in Education and has studied the Meisner Approach to Acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Her performance credits include ComedySportz, Curious Productions, Brody Theater, and Anonymous Theater, and she was a proud company member of Theater Vertigo before her move to Michigan.

Kerry Pierce

Kerry is a Sophomore at Lake Superior State University. She is originally from South Lyon, Michigan. Kerry and is majoring in Computer Engineering and minoring in Robotics & Automation. Kerry is also the Vice President of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Public Relations Chair of Sigma Lambda Sigma service sorority, and an active member in the Society of Women Engineers.

Livingston Garland

Livingston is a recent graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English and Math with a Secondary Education concentration. He takes great joy in running as he ran three years of collegiate track and field and one year of collegiate cross country. Livingston also enjoy playing music and has played drums and guitar for over seven years. He has been to France, India, and spent eighteen weeks student teaching in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Thomas Pleger

Thomas Pleger started as LSSU’s eighth president on July 1, 2014. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, with honors, from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and his M.A. in anthropology and a Ph.D. in anthropology/archaeology, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Pleger is a past council member of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters and a former University of Wisconsin System Teaching Fellow. Dr.Pleger has written on the importance of liberal education and public higher education and has been a regular guest on Wisconsin Public Radio concerning topics on archaeology and higher education. He has held previous positions at five University of Wisconsin System campuses and Lawrence University. Thomas and his wife Teresa enjoy many hobbies, including spending time outdoors with their dogs and horse.

Trace Hill

Trace Hill is a junior at LSSU with a major in Computer Engineering and minor in Mathematics. He works for the LSSU Engineering and Technology Department as an assistant in its Robotics Lab and is also a nationally-certified tutor of Mathematics at the LSSU Learning Center. In addition to work, Trace is an active member of the LSSU Honors Program, and is working on a senior thesis to develop an educational tool for visualizing and solving Physics equations. Aside from his studies, Trace is an avid musician, skier, and soccer player.