Archive for November, 2014

Maurizio Porfiri – Fish’n'Robots — not a take-out food – TEDxSMU 2014

Engineers often draw inspiration from nature. For example, several recently developed robots accurately imitate various aspects of animal systems. Yet, the relationship between engineering and nature has largely been one-directional: engineers borrow ideas from nature to build more efficient and better performing devices for use in human-centered applications. In this talk, we explore “the other [...]

Read more

Janeil Engelstad – Individual expression to community transformation: evolution of public art – TEDxSMU 2014

Around the world artists are collaborating with professionals from various disciplines, NGOs and other organizations to create public art that transforms the social, political and ecological environment. These projects often include community members in the production of the work, creating a sense of belonging and new spaces for gathering and engagement. Reflecting on over 20 [...]

Read more

Cindy Dyer – Addressing violence against women globally – TEDxSMU 2014

Violence against women plagues every country in the world. Fortunately, the problem and the solutions are similar. This talk discusses the four concrete steps that are necessary to combat this epidemic. Cindy Dyer serves as the Vice President of Human Rights at Vital Voices Global Partnership where she leads the organization’s efforts to address all [...]

Read more

Ben McAllister – The allure of scientism – TEDxSMU 2014

We live in a culture that worships data. In domains ranging from public policy to product design, data and research are seen as the path to a more certain, scientific future. For designers, this means an increasing pressure to justify every decision with research. But what if instead of opening our eyes, research is closing [...]

Read more

Greg Harris – Our Soundtrack – TEDxSMU 2014

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum engages, teaches, and inspires through the power of rock and roll music. CEO, Greg Harris will share the inside story of the songs and artifacts that shape and define us. Rooted in his personal experience as the owner of a Philadelphia record store that specialized in [...]

Read more

Inside View of TEDxSMU

By Erin Suddleson on October 28, 2014 Most people’s first experience with TED is simply watching a talk online.  I am thrilled to say that mine was as a teen host at TEDxKids@SMU 2012. Before this, I had heard of TEDTalks, but I had no idea that there was a TEDx community just a few [...]

Read more