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).

Lakeside Hope House
10 Cork St E
Guelph, Ontario, N1H 2W8
Canada

Jehoshua Sharma

Jehoshua Sharma is in his fifth year of Microbiology Co-op, with minors in Molecular Biology & Genetics as well as Philosophy at the University of Guelph. He is currently a research assistant within the lab of Dr Rebecca Shapiro. There, he uses CRISPR to study the genetics of the drug-resistant pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida auris. He is also one of the founders of iGEM Guelph, a student lead research group on campus that uses synthetic biology to solve real-world problems. In iGEM Guelph, he gives students access to the tools that they need to conduct research independently and communicate their research on a wider scale to the public. Drug resistance is a global issue, predicted to kill over 10 million people per year by 2050 and Jehoshua’s lab experience has revolved around this looming threat. His current research focus is on the discovery of compounds that can either enhance the activity of known drugs or that can disarm the pathogen of the mechanisms that make them harmful to the human host. Through talks and outreach events, Jehoshua has made it clear that a significant aspect of his work is scientific communication. He believes the idea that if the public can understand us, we can advance faster. In his talk, he aims to do this by making cutting-edge scientific research publicly accessible and show us that there are emerging solutions for our current antibiotic resistant crisis.

Michelle Oblack

Dr. Michelle Oblack is a veterinary surgical oncologist and assistant professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. Her passion for veterinary medicine started early and throughout her career she is constantly seeking to find ways to push the boundaries of medicine. She is an active researcher with a focus on translational research and has several collaborations considering dogs as a naturally occurring disease model for cancer in humans. With a patient-centred approach, Michelle works to always consider how to best treat patients that come into her care, often looking for alternatives to what is readily available. Her interest in 3D printing started a couple of years ago when she was faced with a difficult surgical procedure. She realized that if a replica model of the patient and tumour could be available, it could help with planning the surgical approach and also for training of the students, interns and residents involved with the case.

Rocco Cozza

Rocco Cozza has had a passion for entrepreneurship and helping others since he was a child. Rocco started his first business selling baseball cards to neighborhood kids during grade school, which evolved into helping them sell theirs. Rocco went on to obtain a B.A. in Psychology, an MBA, and a JD. He began practicing law over 15 years ago and started his own firm, the Law Office of Rocco E. Cozza, in 2013 to help entrepreneurs and business owners the way in which he wanted. Since then, he has co-founded multiple businesses, from real estate to his business coaching and talent management company, The Cozza Company, where he advises former professional athletes, entertainers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Recently, he published a book called “The A.L.P.H.A. Way: 5 Keys to Unlocking Your Greatness and Living Your Best Life.”

Saba Safdar

Saba Safdar is a professor and cross-cultural psychologist working at the University of Guelph since 2002. Safdar, who is an immigrant from Iran, studies the adaptation of newcomers in their country of settlement and examines multiculturalism and cultural exchange ranging from clothing to values and beliefs. Her work addresses social issues and involves both local and global communities. Safdar is the author and co-author of more than 50 publications in the field of psychology and presented and co-presented more than 150 scientific papers. In addition to Canada, she has held academic appointments in the U.S., U.K., France, Spain, Russia, India, and Kazakhstan. In her spare time, Safdar plays drums and takes her dog for a run.

Tami Martino

From the stars above to the molecular biology that lies at the centre of all living things, Circadian Medicine will help us understand and control our basic physical connection with the Universe and change forever the way we manage human health.

Tyler Mcgregor

Tyler McGregor is a Canadian sledge hockey player from Forest, Ontario. Tyler has always been athletic, dating back to elementary school where he held many track and field records. In 2009, as an AAA level able-bodied ice hockey player, 16-year-old McGregor broke his ankle and both bones in his leg, requiring a rod and six pins in his leg. As his leg healed and he returned to playing ice hockey, when a soft tissue cancer developed at the site of his previous injury. McGregor underwent months of chemotherapy and the amputation of his left leg. McGregor realized quickly that he wanted to get back into hockey and started playing again with a standing amputee team. However he switched to para ice hockey in 2011 and his determination has led him to the national team. Currently, Tyler McGregor is an alternate captain and has won the silver medal with Canada's Para ice hockey team at the Paralympic Games in 2018. Additionally, McGregor has won a gold medal with Canada at the 2017 International Para Hockey Tournament in Turin, Italy, a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, and a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Goyang, Korea.