Theme: The Human Condition

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).

The event would start on a microcosmic scale, talking about the innate human through physiological/spiritual/psychological/social means. We will them expand by moving into a discussion about our roles in society. Finally, the event will discuss how although humans are just a small part of the universe, together we are what make it up.

1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario, N6A 3K7
Canada

Brian Branfireun

Dr. Brian Branfireun is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at Western University. He takes a hands-on approach to the investigation of the impact that nature and humans have on the environment. His success in his research has led Dr. Branfireun to be a Canada Research Chair in Environment and Sustainability. He is also the director of the Biotron Centre for Experimental Climate Change Research Lab. Beyond the university, Dr. Branfireun serves as the President for theCanadian Geophysical Union – Hydrology Section, is the Canadian National Correspondent for Water Quality with the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.

Casie Stewart

Casie has made a name her herself as a leader and innovator in the digital space, capturing the attention of The Wall Street Journal, Marketing Magazine, and BNN. She brings an exuberant, contagious and positive energy to the world through her work both online and off. She’s worked as an influencer, spokesperson and consultant for some of the worlds leading brands including Canon, Converse, Puma, Pepsi, Ted Baker, Virgin America and more. Documenting her life since 2005 via her blog ‘This is my Life,’ Casie’s been at the forefront of lifestyle blogging. It’s growth in popularity has inspired brands to connect and partner with her to offer new creative content for their audiences. Casie’s crafted a highly respected and authentic online voice alongside her personal brand.

Gordon Osinski

Gordon “Oz” Osinski is a distinguished expert in planetary geology, astrobiology and economic geology. After completing his PhD in geology from the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Osinski was awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Academic Excellence in Graduate Studies. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences and is NSERC/ MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd/Canada Space Agency Industrial Research Chair in Planetary Geology.

Kim Katrin Milan

Kim Katrin Milan is a multi-award winning and internationally recognized writer, multidisciplinary artist and educator. Kim’s work has been featured in many news stations such as CBC, The Toronto Star and The Huffington Post. She is also responsible for creating workshop series regarding social change, anti-oppression, intersectionality, race, gender and young women empowerment. Milan is the current executive director of The People Project. This incredible movement of LGBTTQQ2SIA youth of colour commit themselves to individual and community empowerment through innovative art and leadership opportunities.

Matthew Thomas

Matthew Thomas is a successful entrepreneur and Canadian business leader. He is the co-founder and managing director of the firm Prospect Madison. The company focuses on developing the collaboration between the business, government and non-profit sectors in an attempt to solve important issues in our society. He also co-founded the Presidio Institute Cross Sector Leadership Fellows program that develops 24 high potential leaders in the USA each year. Tomas is also an author for the Harvard Business Review and Global-is-Asian magazine. He has led and participated in discussions to audiences in the White House, Maytree Foundation and Corporate Executive Board and led a Canadian youth delegation to the 2013 G20 Summit.

Michael Rouse

Michael Rouse is an associate professor of strategy and organization and the Ivey Business School. He also works as an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Schulich School of Medicine. People spend upwards of 33% of their weekday at work. Although it is it important to be successful in our careers, our health and wellbeing begins to be compromised. Dr. Rouse is at the forefront of this research and is currently investigating the importance of wellbeing at work in order to improve productivity, creativity and innovation.

Michele Mosca

Michele Mosca is the co-founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing, and a founding member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Michele received his B. Math degree from Waterloo in 1995. He then went on to study in Oxford University where he completed his M. Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science as well as his D. Phil on Quantum Computing. Michele has been a University Research Chair since 2012 and previously held a 10-year Canada Research Chair in Quantum Computation. Dr. Michele Mosca’s work is widely published in academic journals. In addition, he has won multiple awards highlighting his accomplishments in the field of quantum computing.

Nigmendra Narain

Nigmendra Narain is a Lecturer in the Political Science department at Western University, and is currently the course coordinator for the first-year course Politics 1020E. On top of his research interests in international relations theory and gender politics, Mr. Narain has also been described as an “engaging, electrifying, innovative” professor, and was awarded the Angela Armitt Award for Excellence in Teaching. This proud Western alum’s past experience has also involved coaching Model NATO teams at the school.

Shane Neilson

Shane Neilson is a Canadian physician and poet. Neilson studied biochemistry at the University of New Brunswick for three years. At the age of nineteen, Neilson was granted acceptance into Dalhousie Medical School and in 2000 began his medical residency. Dr. Neilson’s success in the medical field is paralleled to his success as an author. In 2006, Shane published, Call me Doctor, an autobiographical account of his medical experience. Shane has also published multiple books of poetry, which have been widely received. In 2010, he was awarded the Arc Poetry Magazine’s 15th Annual Poem of the Year award.

Steven Laviolette

Steven Laviolette is an associate professor and N.A.R.S.A.D Young Investigator at Western University. Dr. Laviolette received his B.Sc. and PhD from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the neurobiological methods the brain uses to controls information and how perturbations to these systems can cause mental disorders. His research interests also include using single neurons and brain circuits in order to explore the underlining neuronal mechanisms of emotional associative learning. As a researcher, he has 42 publications that investigate several mental health domains such as addiction, schizophrenia and PTSD.