Theme: Spectrum

In the spirit of Ideas Worth Spreading, TEDxUofT is designed to gather the brightest minds in the University of Toronto community to spark conversation and connection. We aim to continually grow a platform of free knowledge and entertainment. With some of the world’s most inspired thinkers and a community of curious souls, join us in our 8th year as we continue to engage with ideas and with each other.

'Spectrum', reflects on the idea that our existence is riddled with complexities, with very few things falling into an easily definable category. Dealing with a spectrum means navigating the often-overlooked grey areas and grappling with the ambiguity that lies in between extremes.

St. Lawrence Theatre
27 Front Street E.
Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4
Canada

Anna Lomanowska

Psychology Professor

Anna Lomanowska, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga where she directs the Digital Well-Being Lab. Using a biopsychological framework, current studies in her lab examine nonverbal communication in digital and virtual social contexts.

Anthony Niblett

Professor and Entrpreneur

Anthony Niblett is an associate professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and the Canada Research Chair in Law, Economics, and Innovation. Dr Niblett's talk will look at how technology and big data can help improve the law. The predictive power of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence will help us understand what the law is as well as transform the law into what it should be.

Fanny Chevalier

Computer Science Professor; Researcher of Human-Computer Interaction and Information Visualization

Fanny Chevalier, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Statistics at U of T, is dedicated to increase our understanding of how to better support people in their analytics and creative endeavours through interactive visualization and visualization education.

Julia Espinosa

Psychology Doctoral Student

Prior to her PhD studies, Julia obtained an MSc in Animal Biosciences from the University of Guelph and has worked as veterinary assistant and dog trainer. Julia’s background in neuroscience, animal welfare, and dog behaviour have given her a unique position from which to investigate questions about animal cognition. Initially motivated to study animal minds in preparation for a career in veterinary medicine, she transitioned to psychology to focus on understanding the evolutionary origins of cognitive processes and emotions, particularly in man’s best friend.

Matthias McIntire

Matthias McIntire is a composer, violinist, violist, electronic musician, improviser, and music educator active across a broad spectrum of contexts. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Music Arts at the Faculty of Music. Equally comfortable in his roles as composer and performer, in classical, new music, and improvised music settings, Matthias is establishing a varied career that keeps him on his toes.

Max & Eyeda -

Max & Eyeda are a sister-brother duo from Toronto. Their music and art reflect their advocacy by challenging the norm and relating their experience of living in the margins. They speak on themes of belonging, love and family and friends. Poetry and glitter help tell their story. They have performed around Toronto at NXNE, the ROM, the AGO, and at other various venues. Their work with the POC/LGBTQ+ arts community helps to uplift people and their influence in an alternative generation of creatives.

Michael Garton

Biomedical Engineering Professor

Michael Garton is professor in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME). His talk draws on his life experiences as a former solo climber (before being paralyzed by an accident) and a researcher to delve into the human impulse to leave the security of familiar environments and venture into the unknown.

Mohan Matthen

Professor of Philosophy

Mohan Matthen is Canada Research Chair in the Philosophy of Perception at the University of Toronto Mississauga and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2012. His work aims to integrate scientific and philosophical viewpoints on the senses to understand how the senses serve as the basis of all knowledge.

Nicole Mideo

Professor of Evolutionary Biology

Nicole Mideo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at U of T. Her research uses mathematical models to try to understand why parasite traits are the way that they are (especially those that influence disease) and to predict how their traits may change in response to changing environments and our efforts to control disease*.

Riley Yesno

Writer and Advocate

Riley Yesno is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, a former member of the Prime Minister's Youth Council and an Indigenous Rights advocate. Her talk will reflect on dominant perceptions of Canadian identity, and question if they are truly as accurate as we may think they are.

RRB Dance Company -

RRB Dance Company is an Indian Bollywood Dance studio that integrates culture and community with dance. The group is led by Vivek Parikh, the Toronto studio director, choreographer, and instructor at RRB. Founded by the Winner of Dance India Dance NA, RRB Dance Company's training is based on a curriculum meant for students of all ages and all levels. RRB Dance Company has been featured on NBC, ZeeTV, TV Asia, and more.

RRB Dance Company RRB Dance Company

RRB Dance Company is an Indian Bollywood Dance studio that integrates culture and community with dance. The group is led by Vivek Parikh, the Toronto studio director, choreographer, and instructor at RRB. Founded by the Winner of Dance India Dance NA, RRB Dance Company's training is based on a curriculum meant for students of all ages and all levels. RRB Dance Company has been featured on NBC, ZeeTV, TV Asia, and more.

Salma Hindy

Stand Up Comedian

Salma takes a comedic stance on topics ranging from politics to her experiences growing up with immigrant parents and she explores people pleasing in everyday life. Salma Hindy is a notable and award-winning Toronto-based engineer-turned-stand-up comedian featured on the CBC, Globe and Mail, CityNews and in various magazines and podcasts. Salma speaks on her own experiences with people pleasing and how she got around it as an artist with numerous expectations from family, friends, and audience members.

Stacy Costa

Enigmatologist

Stacy Costa is a Doctoral student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) within the University of Toronto, studying curriculum, teaching, and learning and in the collaborative program of engineering education. Stacy's talk will explore puzzles, and why they are so innate to humans. She will look at how puzzles are more than just a form of entertainment and can be used as a tool to improve one's lifestyle.

Tiffany Jefkins

CPR Instructor

Tiffany Jefkins is a graduate student at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in Health Services Research. Her background as a Respiratory Therapist and CPR Instructor have given her valuable insight to conduct research around the bystander experience in an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Her research hopes to explore the thoughts, feelings and motivations of bystanders to better understand their experience.

Yupin Li

Architect

Yupin Li holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University. Her interests have been primarily focused on the urban fabric and the complexities of high-density living. She is currently working on commercial high-rise architecture and hopes to create meaningful change in the city of Toronto.