Theme: Letters to the Future

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).

TEDxRIT
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York, 14623
United States

Ahmad Kirmani

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, School of Chemistry & Materials Science (SCMS), College of Science (COS), RIT

I am an Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Materials Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), US, where I lead the INterface and Structure in Printed Inorganic ElectRONics (INSPIRON) research laboratory. I earned my PhD in 2017 from the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), and later carried out postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). I have explored and advanced next-generation electronics based on semiconductor inks including colloidal nanocrystals, metal-halide perovskites, and metal oxides. My research has resulted in over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and highlighted the importance of interfaces and microstructure in the lab-to-fab transition of printed electronics. My most recent research effort focuses on understanding radiation-matter interactions in perovskite semiconductors and exploring their space applications.

Alexander-Joseph Silva

Sofware Developer

Alexander-Joseph is a Software Developer at Google and a graduate of RIT with a degree in Computer Science. Although gender is more than binary, Alex discovered his code compiled him as male. In other words, Alex is a transgender man. While at RIT, he founded Queer n' Color and was involved within the community. Alex is originally from Elizabeth, NJ - the same hometown as LGBTQ+ icon Marsha P. Johnson. Similar to Marsha, Alex's journey of self-discovery led him to building inclusive spaces for LGBTQ individuals.

Dr. Nicolas LaLone

Assistant Professor in the School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM) RIT

Nick is a first-generation college student from northern Ohio. Over his 45 years on Earth, he has been a farmer, forklift operator, pizza man, homeless man, reporter, pharmacy technician, advertising executive, student, and now, subject matter expert on technology and disaster. When he isn’t trying to help emergency managers better prepare for a populace that no longer uses the phone, he spends his time looking at how we play. How we play tells us how we react to rules, limits, and normal life. In understanding this, we can more easily prepare for an uncertain world.

Ernest Fokoue

Professor, RIT School of Mathematics and Statistics

Ernest Fokoue, born and raised in Cameroon, has had a lifelong passion for philosophy and mathematics, later incorporating metaphysics and a quest for the divine into his life. With a doctoral degree in Statistics, a Master of Science degree in Neural Computation, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, he has a strong background in mathematical sciences. Ernest is passionate about Statistical Science, especially Statistical Machine Learning and Data Science, and aims to unite scholars of all varieties. He enjoys the beauty and power of mathematics for problem-solving. As a professor, his mission is to share his knowledge and expertise generously, joyfully, and rigorously to empower his students in statistical science, envisioning them as world-class experts and pioneers.

Izzy Moyer and Leah Humenuck

Museum Studies Major & PhD Candidate in Color Science

Izzy Moyer is an undergraduate in Museum Studies at the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Izzy’s research interests include cultural heritage imaging, digital curation, and digital indoor navigation. Leah Humenuck is a PhD candidate in Color Science at the Munsell Color Science Laboratory at Rochester Institute of Technology. Leah's research interests are in imaging, reproduction, and lighting for cultural heritage. She is also a book and paper conservator which informs her color science research of archival items. Leah holds a BS in Chemistry from Sweet Briar College and an MA with honors in Conservation from West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.Together Izzy and Leah are ambassadors of cultural heritage imaging nationally and internationally. From setting up a multispectral system at the State Archives of Dubrovnik in Croatia to presenting at the American Institute of Conservation in Salt Lake City, Utah (Spring 2024).

Kayley Judd

Mechanical Engineering Technology BS/MS Student

Kayley Judd is a 4th-year BS/MS MET student, She transferred to RIT from a community college in Washington in the fall of 2022. During her time here, she has been involved on campus. She founded N.E.R.D. Girls in STEM club, a first-of-its-kind cross-registered club focused on creating space and supporting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing women in STEM across the campus. She has also started and ran as a chairperson of a first-ever student-led Deaf in STEM Conference with a mission of developing soft skills, creating networking opportunities, and connections to Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing professionals in the STEM fields for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students here on campus. She is also on the cross-registered student advisory board (X-SAB) as a representative for College Engineering Technology cross-registered students. Some cool things about Kayley: she is learning how to play hockey for the first time this past semester. Kayley also loves to cook, bake, hike, camp with friends, and enjoy coffee.

Samuel Malachowsky

Principal Lecturer, RIT Software Engineering

Samuel Malachowsky, a Principal Lecturer at RIT's Software Engineering Department, brings over a decade of teaching experience and a background as a Technical Project Manager to his role. His book, "Project Team Leadership and Communication," reflects his expertise in effective team management, garnering recognition in both academia and industry circles. With a passion for understanding business processes and their practical applications, Samuel is dedicated to bridging theory and practice. He cultivates an innovative learning environment, fostering student success and shaping the future of software engineering education.