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).

Student Center
2423 Blinn Blvd.
Bryan, Texas, 77805
United States

Bahar Badiee

Persian-American-British architectural historian with a special interest in environmental aspects of vernacular architecture and design.

Bahar Badiee is a Persian-American-British architectural historian with a special interest in environmental aspects of vernacular architecture and design. Growing up in an art loving family, surrounded by rich and colorful Persian rugs, textiles, paintings and tiles, Bahar decided to become an artist and architect at an early age. Trained as an interior architect, Bahar graduated from the Academy of Art University of San Francisco before moving to London in 2011. Following completion of her MA at Chelsea College of Arts (University of the arts London) in 2013, she began her 4-year PhD studies, researching the historic and environmental aspects of Safavid-Persian colored glass lattice panels and Orsi windows. She graduated in 2018.

Benjamin White

Benjamin White is a professor of psychology.

Benjamin is a professor of psychology, an avid motorcyclist, and is always looking for connections that show us how to live happier lives and to be more present in our lives. Before the summer of 2017, Benjamin had never ridden a motorcycle but it had, for a long time, been on his bucket list. As a challenge, he took a riding course, got his license and now is a motorcycle rider, but he never expected that learning to ride a motorcycle would give him a different outlook on how he approaches dealing with anxiety

Diane Lovell

Professor of History

Professor of History. Former Associate Professor of European History at Houston Baptist University. Former Dean of Arts and Humanities at Houston Baptist University. Former District wide Dean of Arts and Humanities at Blinn College. I speak frequently each year in England at conferences and history societie. About ten years ago, I stumbled upon a stash of love letters in a rural English cottage. Over two hundred years old, these letters reveal an epic story between a lowly vicar, Rev. George Bisset and Lady Catherine Howard, the daughter of an Earl. I have spent many months of my life going through dusty manuscripts in ten major British archives researching these letters. My most exciting and important finds, however, have not come from books or institutional archives, the traditional mainstay of the historian’s craft. Instead, talking to the locals has proven the most profitable path.

Doug Thompson

Technology Strategist for the Education team at Microsoft

Doug Thompson is a Technology Strategist for the Education team at Microsoft. He has also worked with some of the biggest tech companies on the planet and now continues to leverage his unique ability to creatively use technology to empower teachers and students of today create the world of tomorrow. Doug is an experienced keynote speaker, facilitator, and MC infusing his polymathic and improv skills to make his events relevant, engaging, and fun. Doug is a recovering triathlete, a 2-time Ironman Triathlon finisher, former Boys and Girls Club Board Member, and husband to wife Cindy, for 37 years

George Saltsman

an Associate Research Professor in Education Leadership and Director of the Center for Educational Innovation and Digital Learning at Lamar University

Dr. George Saltsman is an Associate Research Professor in Education Leadership and Director of the Center for Educational Innovation and Digital Learning at Lamar University. In his efforts to improve education, Dr. Saltsman has served as a mobile learning policy advisor to UNESCO and other educational organizations and entities around the world. As an advocate for educational transformation, Dr. Saltsman has delivered over 250 presentations in more than 30 countries, authored multiple works, and is the recipient of various awards including the Campus Technology Innovator of the Year, Blackboard Catalyst, and The New Media Consortium’s Center of Excellence award.

LaStassia Williams

Registered Nurse for Plano Independent School District

Dr. LaStassia Williams is a Registered Nurse for Plano Independent School District. She is also an adjunct professor for Grand Canyon University where she teaches Concepts in Community and Public Health. She received an A.A.S in Nursing from Kilgore College, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington, a M.A. in Human Services with a Business Management concentration from Liberty University, and a PhD in Human Services with a Public Health concentration from Capella University. The research she conducted is entitled The Influence of Religiosity on Risky Sexual Behavior in African American Women ages 18-25. She had the opportunity to do a poster presentation of her study at the 2015 National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta, GA for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to her education, LaStassia is a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner.

Mileigh Barrera

Mileigh Barrera is an 11 year old aspiring actress and professional dancer

Mileigh Barrera is an 11 year old aspiring actress and professional dancer. She has been dancing since the age of 2 and currently attends classes in hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, tap, ballet and jazz. She recently signed with an acting agency in 2017 and has been cast in local and national commercials, short films, tv shows and has three upcoming film projects. Mileigh loves to perform because she loves to leave lasting impressions whether it be through dance or acting.

Patricia Westergaard

Dean of Humanities at Blinn College

Dean of Humanities at Blinn College Teaching and learning are my life. People are incredibly important to me. I spend my time supporting faculty and working for student success.