Theme: The State of the Mind

All about the brain, mental health and emotional wellbeing

Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
303 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, Indiana, 47408
United States

Christopher Hernandez

Christopher J. Hernandez is a scientist and engineering professor. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, Chris leads a team of students from diverse backgrounds who use mechanical engineering to make discoveries in medicine and biology. His laboratory has found secrets of spongy bone that might lead to better aircraft, how the gut microbiome can contribute to osteoporosis and how bacteria respond when they are hugged.

Georgia Vanderville

Georgia Vanderville is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, keynote speaker and known for her international work with youth as well as our LGBTQ community. Voted as the Most Influential Women of the Sierra Nevada, Georgia Vanderville has used her influence to help aid our youth in Mental Health and Drug Awareness across the world. Georgia’s years of traveling the United States and Europe hiking, backpacking and listening to stories around the world led to starting her Leading Candle Manufacturing Company, Shortie’s Candle Company, in 2002 with a Just Cause to "Inspire healthier mental health by connecting people to happiness." Armed with her Listening approach to business she has built a world renowned team and in her downtime loves to go snowboarding and hiking with her family.

Joel Wong

Dr. Joel Wong is a Professor of Counseling Psychology in the School of Education at Indiana University. Joel obtained his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Joel’s research interests are in gratitude, encouragement, Asian American mental health, and men and masculinities. He is the author of more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters as well as the co-editor of two books. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and of the Asian American Psychological Association. He has won several awards for his research, including the Shane J. Lopez Award for Professional Contributions in Positive Psychology. Joel’s research in the science of gratitude interventions was motivated, in part, by the transforming power of gratitude in his personal life. Joel has developed a 6-week group program to help people cultivate gratitude in their lives.

Vishakh Iyer

Dr. Vishakh Iyer is a neuroscientist by training and a professional medical/scientific communications consultant for pharmaceutical companies. Born and raised in India, Vishakh moved to the United States in 2012 and earned an MS in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience and a PhD in Neuroscience and Psychology. He has spent his research career studying the neuroscientific aspects of opioid addiction, cannabinoids, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, alcohol addiction etc. His primary research focus is directed towards developing novel endocannabinoid-based approaches towards overcoming unwanted side-effects such as addiction, withdrawal, and respiratory depression caused by the use and misuse of commonly prescribed opioids like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. He currently works as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry and helps to drive, support and execute medical communications strategies and tactical plans through the development of high-quality, scientifically accurate and patient/health care provider driven deliverables.

Zach Peterson

Stand up Comedian Zach Peterson examines his life and struggles with mental illness through the lens of being raised on a farm in Rural Iowa. As far back as any one can remember his family has had a troubled past regarding their mental health. Zach explains how his family broke the cycle of destruction that has plagued his family for generations and why it is important for other rural families to do so themselves.