Theme: Horizons

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).

Rudder Complex
401 Joe Routt Blvd
College Station, Texas, 77843
United States

Adam Key

Adam Key is a Ph.D. student in the Texas A&M Department of Communication and the Speech Instructor and Debate Coach at Lee College - Huntsville Center, the oldest and largest prison college program in Texas. Since 2011, he was been teaching speech classes to inmates at six different prisons throughout east Texas as they work to earn their Associate's degrees while incarcerated. His research has been featured at state, regional, national, and international conferences. Key is also a career debate coach, having coached students to national and international rankings at both the college and high school level over the past nine years. Key is a 4-time national champion debater and in 2012 became the youngest recipient of the International Public Debate Association's Coach of the Year award. In 2016, he began a debate program at the historic Walls Unit in Huntsville, TX that defeated Texas A&M's speech and debate team at an exhibition in October.

Amanda Messer

Amanda Messer is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at because I said I would, a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. At a young age Amanda learned the affect that promises broken have on relationships. Her father struggled with addiction and was not good with keeping his commitments to his little girl. Amanda was drawn to helping start because I said I would knowing that there are other children whose lives are deeply affected by broken promises. As the youngest of five children, Amanda grew up in Lorain, OH. Prior to co-founding because I said I would, she worked at Hyland Software - one of Fortune magazine's top 100 places to work in the United States. Amanda has also served as the Vice President for the Cleveland User Experience Professionals Association. She currently resides in Lakewood, OH with her son, Trent, and her dog, Miska (pronounced Meesh-ka).

Andrew Fisher

Mr. Andrew D. Fisher is a medical student at Texas A&M College of Medicine and married to Ms. Danielle L. Chrysler. Prior to matriculating, he served in the U.S. Army as a physician assistant, assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment for nine years. He has deployed eight times to Afghanistan and Iraq and participated in over 500 special operations missions and cared for over 100 casualties at the point of injury. He is a 2016 Tillman Scholar and a recipient of the Clarence Sasser Scholarship. Andrew’s interest in medicine include bystander hemorrhage control, low titer group O whole blood for damage control resuscitation, and ketamine for pain management. His awards include four Bronze Star Medals, one with Valor Device, Purple Heart, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations, Combat Medical Badge, Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Flight Surgeon Badge.

Andrew Roblyer

Andrew Roblyer graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Theatre Arts, despite being told for most of his life that it wasn’t practical to pursue theatre as a career. During and since his college years, he has helped to found three theatre companies, including the first and only professional theatre company in Bryan/College Station, This Is Water Theatre, where he currently serves at the Artistic Director and Chair of the Brazos Valley Theatre Collective. A firm believer that theatre can be used to change the world, he has brought his expertise to bear on the healthcare field, working as the Clinical Learning Resource Center Training Coordinator for all five campuses of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. There, he works to help standardized patients develop the communication skills of healthcare students through simulation and feedback. In his free time, Andrew loves to cook and eat, try to motivate himself to work out, and spend as much time as possible with his amazing husband, Joe.

Andrew Tarvin

Andrew Tarvin is the world’s first Humor Engineer teaching people how to get better results while having more fun. He has worked with thousands of people at 200+ organizations, including P&G, GE, and Microsoft. Combining his background as a project manager at Procter & Gamble with his experience as an international comedian, Andrew’s program are engaging, entertaining, and most important, effective. He is a best-selling author, has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and TEDx, and has delivered programs in 50 states, 18 countries, and 3 continents. He loves the color orange and is obsessed with chocolate.

Andy Ellwood

Andy Ellwood was born with the gift of gab and raised with an overdeveloped sense of self esteem. Known for his caffeine fueled hustle, he's seen more than his fair share of ups and downs as an entrepreneur. Andy is currently Cofounder and President of Basket, a community of shoppers committed to never over paying for groceries again. A graduate of Texas A&M, Andy quickly learned what life on the front lines of sales looks like, first selling life insurance and then selling private jets for Warren Buffett. He leveraged those lessons and an addiction to innovation into roles leading business development globally for Gowalla through its acquisition by Facebook in 2011 and and then again for Waze through to its acquisition by Google in 2013. Andy is also a cofounder of Bond which was acquired in 2016 by Newell Rubbermaid. These experiences have made Andy a sought after advisor, angel investor, and entrepreneurship advocate for his reputation as an operator that brings real world first hand experience to the companies and teams he works with. Andy is a part of the founding team of Exosphere, an global problem solving community headquarter in Florianopolis, Brazil. Focused on preparing people for the creative economy and giving isolated geniuses a place to achieve their potential, Exosphere's programs have been attended by more than 1500 students from 45 different countries since its founding in 2013. Andy's unique point of view on the world has been seen in publications like CBS, New York Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, and as a contributor to Forbes since 2012. He is a sought after speaker on the topics of sales, new business development, and our place in the digital world we're creating. Andy has consulted companies such as Absolut, BMW, American Airlines, and HBO's Silicon Valley on the mindset and philosophies of start-up culture, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.. Andy lives in New York City where he is active in the tech and startup communities. He serves as President of the New York Texas A&M Club, the largest alumni club outside of Texas. He is also the founder of the Aggie Venture Community, bringing together Aggies in technology and venture backed companies to strengthen the global Aggie Network of innovators. Andy doesn't slow down much, but can always be convinced to tap the breaks if tacos are involved.

Charles Dyer

Charles E. Dyer, IV DDS MS PC is a native of Beaumont, Texas, where his father practices Pediatric dentistry. After graduating with honors from Texas A&M University, he received his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. During his tenure at the dental branch, he served as President of his class, Vice President of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Secretary of the American Student Dental Association, Treasurer of the Texas A&M University Club and was an active member of Christian Dental Fellowship, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a dental honor society. He then attended the University of Kentucky for training in periodontal surgery an implantology where he served as chief resident. His education spanned from traditional periodontal therapies, to cutting edge surgical techniques. He graduated with a Master of Science in Dentistry and certification in the specialty of Periodontics. Dr. Dyer is an active participant and member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Greater Houston Society of Periodontists, Greater Houston Dental Society, and the Texas A&M Association of Former Students. Dr. Dyer is a contributing author to several publications, including the International Journal of Dental Research, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, and the Greater Houston Dental Society Journal. He has had the opportunity to speak in Hawaii, Maryland, and Houston concerning implantology, and continues to speak on several periodontal related topics throughout the year. He was featured on ABC’s television series “American Health Front,” addressing the role of implants in dentistry. He stays abreast of current therapies through continuing education, literature review, peer review, study clubs, and self study. His passion for animal husbandry, friendship with Dr. Mark Peckham DVM, and dental acumen led to his first veterinary dental experience at the Houston downtown aquarium, working on Nero, a white tiger. Left wanting more, Dr. Dyer began mission work with PEIVDF and has attended every teaching mission since his first application. He continues to be in awe of the people within the foundation, and the tireless work they provide to animals in need.

Chris Field

Chris Field is the Founder and Executive Director of Mercy Project. He traveled to Ghana for the first time in August 2009 and has since been on a mission to bring new life to children in slavery as well as empower those around him to make the world a better place. Chris began school at Texas A&M and graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Christian Ministry in 2006. He completed his Masters in Christian Ministry in the spring of 2013.Chris and his wife Stacey have been married since 2005. They have four children Famous, Micah, Beckett, and Lincoln. Chris is a gifted speaker, avid runner, and inspirational world-changer. . He is also an expert social media strategist.

Darryl J de Ruiter

Darryl de Ruiter is a paleoanthropologist in the Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Originally from Canada, Dr. de Ruiter received his Masters degree in Anthropology at the University of Manitoba in 1995. The following year he moved to South Africa to continue his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, receiving his PhD from the Department of Anatomical Sciences in 2001. He was employed as a Research Officer in the Bernard Price Institute of the University of the Witwatersrand from 2001 until 2003, when he moved to his current position in Texas. In 2009 Dr. de Ruiter was promoted to Associate Professor, and was selected as a ‘Ray A. Rothrock 77’ Fellow in the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M. In 2013 Dr. de Ruiter was promoted to the rank of Professor, and in 2014 he was appointed as a Cornerstone Faculty Fellow in Liberal Arts. In 2016 Dr. de Ruiter was presented the Distinguished Achievement Award for Research by the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University. Dr. de Ruiter also holds an honorary appointment as a Reader in the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, and serves as the principal investigator in charge of craniodental remains at the hominin fossil sites of Malapa and Rising Star in South Africa.

Glynn Lunney

After a long tenure at Tulane University School of Law, where he held the Joseph Merrick Jones Chair, Glynn Lunney joined the new Texas A&M School of Law in June 2015. He holds an engineering degree from Texas A&M, a law degree from Stanford and a Ph.D. in economics from Tulane. Professor Lunney teaches and writes in the fields of contract, property, and intellectual property, with a focus on the economic analysis of legal issues. He is an internationally recognized scholar, has testified before Congress on copyright issues, has published a casebook, TRADEMARKS AND UNFAIR COMPETITION (WEST 2D ED. 2015), and has also published numerous articles in leading law reviews, including reviews at Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Emory, and Tulane.

Jen Hoffman

Jennifer Hoffman has worked as a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Prevention Specialist for Pittsburgh Mercy Behavioral Health Systems. She has spent the last eight years as a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was a personal trainer for six years and prevention specialist for three. As a trainer, she created LOCO fitness, a venture that was designed to create an environment conducive to physical and spiritual growth. During her time at Pittsburgh Mercy, Jennifer created Trail-A-Day in 2015. This wellness program takes persons served and staff from Pittsburgh Mercy and provides the opportunity for trail walking on the city trails as a tool for harm reduction and tobacco cessation. Jennifer also created a biking group in 2016 that is similar to Trail-A-Day with the use of bicycles. The creation of these groups offered her the opportunity to be a panel speaker for the Live Well Allegheny learning collaboration in January 2017. Jennifer's passion and desire to grow as a person has also translated into the relationships she has built with the children and adults she has worked with on a daily basis. She has recently relocated to California, where she will be starting a new position as a Family Service Coordinator and Youth Program Leader in Palo Alto. She looks forward to the opportunity to continue working in a community atmosphere driven by love, so that she is able continue to help others achieve their own authentic truths.

Margaret Bosenbark

Margaret Bosenbark is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Margaret was raised in Bryan / College Station and after graduating high school attended Texas A&M University and subsequently earned her first bachelor’s degree in applied exercise physiology in 2005. After college graduation, she went on the earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and practiced as a cardiac care nurse. Margaret began her journey in graduate education in 2014 where she set out to earn her Masters of Science in Nursing Education which she earned along with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award in 2016 also from Texas A&M University. Margaret now teaches in the BSN program at Texas A&M and is currently earning her PhD in Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she is researching infant predictors of adult health. Additionally, she is a proud member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, Sigma Theta Tau International, and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. Overall, her highest honor however, is her husband and children who serve as her foundation and solid rock which make possible all her academic endeavors.

Marjorie Ferrone

Marjorie graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League University in the heart of Philadelphia. During her time there, she worked for both the student and university newspapers, practicing communications and public relations skills. Before her attendance at UPenn, Marjorie spent two years at the United States Naval Academy, where she was noted for her integrity, her exception leadership abilities, and her dedication to those she lead. Ultimately, Marjorie decided to voluntarily resign from the Naval Academy in search of a more flexible learning environment. However, Marjorie left with an amazing operation understanding. When Marjorie isn't planning our next event, she enjoys spending time with family and being out.

Nick Madincea

Nick was the Leader of Boy Scout Troop 772, one of the largest troops in Texas with over 250 members. His impact was lauded by senior scout leaders, who credited him with advancing scouts at an unprecedented rate. Nick enjoys everything aeronautical. This includes his passion for drone flying, racing, and fixing, as well as his pursuit of his private pilot's license. In his free time, Nick enjoys attending space exploration-related activities in Houston, and watching Formula One racing. Mr. Madincea has been influenced by his mentors, who include lawyers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in sports entertainment; all of whom continue to shape Nick to become an outstanding leader, role model, and industry bellwether.

Suresh Pillai

Suresh Pillai is a microbiologist at Texas A&M University. As Professor of Microbiology and Director of the National Center for Electron Beam Research at Texas A&M University, his research focuses on microbes in all sorts of locations. His research spans all the way from septic tanks, salads, sandwiches, and the international space station and beyond. His attempts at using high-energy electron beam technology to inactivate microbial pathogens have humbled him. Humbled by the measly microbes that are so small and yet so robust and versatile. He spends his days teaching and advocating the fact that unless we understand microbes all our attempts to use hand sprays and cleaners may be futile. He feels that modern society is wasting money trying to “spray and pray” while the microbes are probably laughing at how naïve humans are. He feels that society may take a long time to acknowledge that microbes are not just annoying microscopic life forms. Microbes probably influence us more than we want to accept. His analogy to his hypothesis is similar to what Copernicus faced when he proposed that the sun was the center of the solar system.

Svitlana Ramer

Dr. Ramer has received her MS in Recreation and Leisure Studies from East Carolina University, and continued on to pursuing her PhD in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from The Pennsylvania State University. She has focused her research on issues of travel and cross-cultural interaction, especially in cases of migration and transnationalism. She studies acculturation of migrants to their new home and how it affects their psychological well-being and relationship to their homeland.

Todd Nesloney

Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner of Webb Elementary in Navasota, TX. He is the 2015 BAMMY Award Recipient for Elementary Principal and the 2014 BAMMY Award Winner for Classroom Teacher of the Year, the TCEA Teacher of the Year for 2014, a White House Champion of Change, a National School Board Association “20 to Watch”, and Center for Digital Education “Top 40 Innovators in Education”. Todd is also the author of children’s book “Spruce & Lucy” and the co-author of the Award Winning Book, “Flipping 2.0” and most recently “Kids Deserve It!”. Todd serves on both the Scholastic Principal Advisory Board and the Remind Advisory Board. He is also the co-host of the popular education podcast series “Kids Deserve It”.