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).

UConn School of Medicine
263 Farmington Ave
Farmington, Connecticut, 06032
United States

Alexandra Goetjen

Allie Goetjen is an MD/PhD candidate at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Her research has received multiple honors and awards, including the F30 predoctoral fellowship by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. She is a first generation college student who has overcome every obstacle placed in her way to get where she is today. We are lucky enough to have her join us to discuss how her genes and her environment have influenced her success in pursuing a career in addiction medicine, and some of the lessons that she has learned along the way.

Dedrian R. Barrett

My name is Dedrian Barrett. I am a native of Miami, FL and I am of Jamaican descent. When I am not in school I enjoy playing basketball, making and listening to music, and reading books in wisdom, knowledge, and fiction. One of the most amazing people to me right now is Andre Iguodala. His book, "The Sixth Man: A Memoir" has changed my perspective on what it means to be a team player and how important the environment is.

Jacob Garrell

My name is Jake and I am a 4th year medical student at the University of Connecticut applying into Emergency Medicine residencies. I have lived in CT my whole life except for college and hope to stay in the Northeast for my residency training. At this point in time, my hobbies are incredibly vast and include fishing, hiking, hunting, golfing, backpacking, cycling, lifting weights and most importantly cooking and baking. My life growing up did not include this level of diverse hobbies, as many of them have grown and I have become more passionate about them through the COVID pandemic when my medical education got more challenging.

Sena Wazer

Sena Wazer is an 18 year old climate activist from Mansfield, CT. She is currently a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Environmental Studies, a 2021 Truman Scholar and Director of Sunrise CT. Sena organizes and speaks at large demonstrations, youth lobby days, and other climate action related events. She also chaired a subcommittee on the Governor’s Council on Climate Change. This year Sena and Sunrise CT are focusing on passing bolder climate legislation in the CT State Legislature and organizing an Earth Day Climate Strike at the State Capitol. After graduation, Sena plans to work full time on climate action through policy and government.

Sergio Acevedo Cortes

Sergio Acevedo is a dental student at the University of Connecticut. He grew up in Moca, Puerto Rico, and earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla.