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).

Virtual Event
NA
Fredericton, New Brunswick, NA
Canada

Brendan Finnerty

Brendan is a recent Electrical Engineering graduate from UNB. While at UNB, Brendan had a passion for environmental activism and student involvement in the environmentalist field. He started greenUNB and was an active member of UNBSU Food. Having interned and worked for renewable energy companies, Brendan has now been able to get a closer look at the environmental movement happening around the world. In his spare time, Brendan loves to read and bike.

Fareeha Quayyum

Fareeha Quayyum is a third year student majoring in biology. In her talk, she discusses the empathy gap: a cognitive bias that makes it difficult for people to empathize with others if they do not share the same cultural, genetic, or ideological traits.

Holly Ayles

Holly is a recent UNB grad who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources. During her time at UNB, she discovered a love of entrepreneurship, and today she works in the venture capital industry to support entrepreneurs across New Brunswick. In her spare time, she enjoys watching too much Netflix and taking photos of her bearded dragon wearing hats. She is very excited to continue to be a part of the broader UNB community by participating in TEDxUNB.

Peter Zhu

Peter Zhu is an 18-year-old machine learning and software developer. At age 14, inspired by a visit to the physiotherapist, he developed his first program—a software that tracks a computer user's usage data and recommends stretches accordingly to minimize the risk of ergonomic injuries. Since then, he has trekked on a journey of creating innovative solutions for problems in healthcare, working with institutions such as the University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University to apply machine learning and software in domains from electromyography to morphology. Last year, he was selected to present his work at international science fairs in China and the UAE, where he was awarded top honours.

Prevail Laurent

Prevail, who is known for her passion, enthusiasm and charismatic personality, is currently completing her final year of studies at UNB/NBCC. Outside the classroom, she leads an adventurous life filled with fun activities ranging from hiking, sightseeing, trying out new recipes and cuisines, to spending quality time with family and friends.

Rachel Bensler

Rachel Bensler is a UNB student from Calgary, Alberta, studying leadership and international development. She has diverse experience in environmental work including spearheading the fossil fuel divestment campaign at UNB, working in refugee resettlement and education, and intersectional sustainability work with Nature Trust New Brunswick. She has a drive for creating hope for a generation that is facing the consequences of globalization and climate change.