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).

Rochester Museum and Science Center
657 East Avenue
Rochester, New York, 14607
United States

Ahmed Ghazi

Dr. Ahmed Ghazi speaks about his experiences utilizing a new technology that could change the face of surgery forever yet is still underutilized. What is this new tool and why has it not reached the mainstream? Dr. Ghazi answers these questions and more in his insightful talk. Ahmed Ghazi, MD, MSc, received his medical degree from Cairo University, Egypt in 2000. Since then, he has completed a series of worldwide fellowships in state-of-the-art minimally invasive Urological surgery. He has been an Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Rochester since 2012 and has been the Director of Simulation Training there since 2015. He is dedicated to the personalized, modern, and efficient care of his patients.

Avi Pryntz-Nadworny

A native of Rochester, New York, Avi Pryntz-Nadworny has professional training as an acrobat, with special interest in the Cyr Wheel and juggling. He has performed all over America, Europe, and Asia, both as a soloist and with companies like Airplay Juggling, Cirq’ulation Locale, PUSH Physical Theater, and Cirque du Soleil. Avi also performed for, and was a finalist on, TruTV’s hit show Fake Off.

Christopher Albrecht

Christopher Albrecht is a Rochester, New York native who is currently a fourth-grade teacher of language arts, sciences, and technology. Throughout his life and career, Christopher has been a catalyst for children to find joy and confidence in their learning experiences. He is a New York State Teacher of the Year.

Dan Watson

Dan Watson, PhD, is an experimental and observational astrophysicist whose research has spanned numerous topics within his field. He currently does analysis and ground-based follow-up surveys with the ESA Herschel Space Observatory, specifically the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey. He has also done work with the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. He became a member of the University of Rochester faculty in 1988, becoming Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in July 2013.

Dave Fuehrer

Dave Fuehrer is a two-time cancer survivor, patient-experience researcher and digital health innovator. He is a co-founder of GRYT Health, a tech start-up with a focus on connecting individuals with similar experiences. They launched The Stupid Cancer App on October 1st, 2017. The app connects cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers across fifty states and more than fifty other countries, introducing individuals with similar experiences to each other and offering information on how to manage their health on their terms.

Eliza VanCort

Eliza VanCort is the CEO and Founder of VanCort Consulting, where she helps others refine the communication skills needed to navigate the modern world. She travels the country teaching these skills and helping her clients reach their professional goals. Through her work, Eliza artfully combines her communication expertise, academic interests, and love of people into a rewarding and thriving career. She never tires of going to work.

Jennyrae Brongo

Jennyrae Brongo is a Rochester, New York native and the owner of Brongo Contracting & Supply. She is also the founder of Homesteads for Hope, a nonprofit organization founded in May of 2013. Homesteads for Hope is dedicated to the support of young adults with autism and their families, offering a welcoming community environment. In 2016, Homesteads for Hope purchased a fifty-five-acre historic farm in Ogden, New York, which has since transformed into the community’s permanent home. Jennyrae continues to support and improve this venture, positively impacting the lives of countless young adults with autism and their families.

John Roberts

John Roberts is the Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of the Rochester, New York based creative company Truth Collective. Truth Collective was founded five years ago to use the power of truth in an advertising industry often tempted otherwise. John is devoted to finding genuine human insight that will mold companies for the better.

Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman

Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman is an urban anthropologist. She works on analyzing public urban spaces to positively impact the lives of those using said spaces. She is the founder of THINK.urban, a Philadelphia-based research and consultation company dedicated to bringing humanist philosophy into city planning and design. She is passionate about improving cities for the betterment of humankind, both mentally and physically.

Kevin Graham

Kevin Graham is originally from Georgetown, Guyana, having immigrated to the United States at a young age. He currently serves as the Assistant Director for Undocumented/DACA Student Support at Cornell University. He is also a PhD candidate in the Higher Education program at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development. Kevin’s passion lies in mentorship, working with undergraduates and shaping institutional change.

Lauren Jimerson

Lauren Jimerson is an art therapist and fine artist. Originally from the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, south of Buffalo, New York, Lauren has spent the last twenty years raising her children and living on her ancestral lands. She is dedicated to the understanding of historical trauma, resiliency and their immense effects on human development.

Noah Ullmann

Noah Ullmann is a User Experience Designer a Xerox Corp, where his job involves crafting impactful video narratives to garner support for innovative solutions. Recently, he launched a project called Audio Preserves, where he uses guided interviews to capture the stories of significant people and events, eventually using it to craft deeply personal audio documentaries. He is committed to improving the world through design and storytelling.

Shaq Payne

Shaq Payne is an award-winning slam poet, host of Snap Ya Fingers, and co-host of the Now is the Time talk radio show. When he is not creating art, Shaq works at Vertus High School, an all-male charter school in Rochester, New York. Shaq Payne uses his art to foster positive impact and change.

Yunjung Lee

Yunjung Lee is a violinist from South Korea who began studying violin at five years old. She is currently studying to be a Doctor of Musical Arts at Eastman School of Music. She is also the artist-in-residence at Valley Manor, a senior living facility. She has performed in orchestras the world over, showcasing her talent with the Seoul Philharmonic, Greece Symphony Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, and many more.