2023 TEDxSHSU

TEDxSHSU – 2023

  • Theme

    TEDxSHSU 2023 Theme: Tapestries

    Humans are hard-wired to share knowledge, stories, and perspectives. From the beginning of recorded history, we have shared ideas through cave art, song, epic poetry, painting, sculpture, drums, music, the written word, symbols, and computer codes; by land, sea, air, outer space, and vast global digital networks; and in person-to-person relationships, families, and communities.

    Our theme for TEDxSHSU 2023 is Tapestries. Throughout time, tapestries have played a pivotal role in conveying stories, recording history, sharing knowledge, sparking wonder, and spreading ideas.

    We can think of tapestries both physically and metaphorically.

    Physically, a tapestry is a complex woven piece of textile, often made from wool, linen, silk, thread, or other materials. Tapestries have appeared in almost every global context – in ancient civilizations and across continents, populations, and cultures. You might be familiar with famous tapestries – such as the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman Conquest, or tapestries from the Qing Dynasty in what is now called China. Modern cooperative bodies, such as the United Nations, continue to weave tapestries to share global visions of cooperation and peace.

    Tapestries take many shapes. You might envision giant wall tapestries - and this is often the form they took traditionally – but tapestries can also be small, covering a table or piece of furniture; they can even function as bed coverings, pillows, or fashion accessories. In modern times, production of tapestries has become more commercialized, but their function remains the same: to use images and design to share big ideas.

    And indeed, tapestries have been used to spread all kinds of ideas. Throughout history, tapestries have conveyed information for hunting, planting, and agriculture; to document military conquest and warfare; to inspire social movements and societal change; for spiritual exploration and sharing religious ideas; as a means of documenting landscapes and important people; and for capturing ideas about ceremony, art, music, drama, and the human form. In other words – we have always used tapestries to share big ideas.

    Metaphorically, tapestries can symbolize people, ideas, perspectives, questions, answers, and cultures woven together into great beauty, insight, and knowledge. This ancient art form tells us something about the importance of spreading ideas across space and time.

    TED and TEDx events bring together people from every background to contemplate, interrogate, dialogue about, and put ideas into action. Each of the talks at TEDxSHSU 2023 is part of a large tapestry of ideas – what TED calls “Ideas worth spreading.” Think of each idea and conversation as a thread in a global tapestry. We all have something to contribute.

    Each speaker is a thread. This year’s speakers challenge us to consider a range of important ideas: addressing societal public health concerns and gaps in human relational empathy; thinking about life’s big “what-if” questions; overcoming tragedy and disappointment while finding joy and meaning; rethinking how personal loss can change the course of an entire realm of scientific study; envisioning educational environments where neurodivergence is celebrated; introducing us to lessons from the world’s greatest superpredator; managing our biggest fears and building resilience; and imagining how we use emerging digital technologies to share our purpose and push the limits of neuroscientific discovery. Our TEDxSHSU speakers each add beautiful, strong, unique ideas and perspectives to our collective idea tapestry.

    Each audience member is a thread. Like all TEDx events, TEDxSHSU harnesses the power of dialogue, introspection, connection, and wonder of every attendee and partner. We come together each year at TEDxSHSU to build a space where divergent threads of people, perspectives, and cultures are woven together into a tapestry of care, concern, compassion, and curiosity.

    Together we are a beautiful tapestry. Together we build. Together we strive. Together we share. Together we envision a different and better world. Together, at TEDxSHSU 2023, we weave the future.

  • 2023 TEDxSHSU Talks

    Deji Akingbade
    The Empathy Equation:E=P²

    Deji Akingbade is an experienced business leader and philosopher from Dallas, Texas. He is a mentor and loves to share his business and philosophical insights with others via his LinkedIn newsletter. When not working, Deji likes to spend his time being active or watching old 80's action movies.

    Lisa Connor
    Loss to Legacy Through Research: A Mother's Story

    Lisa Connor is a Research & Instruction Librarian supporting the College of Health Sciences at Sam Houston State University. She has a BS in Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University, and an MS in Library & Information Science from Drexel University. She also completed a grant-funded novel 22-credit course of study from Simmons University to earn an Advanced Inter-professional Informationist Certificate as one of seven in the United States to advance the skills of health sciences librarians. In her role she supports faculty and students by education and consultation of evidence-based information resources. She is an Assistant Professor with research interests supported by National Institutes of Health funding for engagement with the All of Us Research Program which motivates her passion for the promise of data to advance and accelerate personalized medicine and rare disease treatments.

    Kelbi Delaune
    The Super Predator You Know Nothing About

    Dr. Kelbi Delaune is a multifaceted academic driven by a passion for nature and thirst for knowledge. With a diverse background, she has excelled in various fields, combining her skills in communication with her love for nature. She earned her BFA in Theatre before embarking on a career in the sciences where she went on to receive her PhD in aquatic ecology. Throughout her journey, she has developed a deep appreciation for the value of strong mentors and believes in the transformational power of education. Kelbi has worked with learners of all ages in teaching formally as well as STEM outreach and engagement, encouraging all to become lifelong learners. With a track record of over 40 research presentations and invited speaking engagements, she seeks to bridge the gap between academia and society, making science accessible and exciting.

    Joseph S. Galati
    Shifting Your Food Mindset

    Dr. Joe Galati is a liver disease expert, researcher, educator, and author, with over 32 years of experience. A native of Long Island, NY, he was raised in a family where good nutrition and family were ways of life. Today, his practice, Liver Specialists of Texas, is devoted to the care of patients with all facets of liver diseases. Dr. Galati is the Medical Director of the Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease & Transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital. A graduate of Syracuse University, his postgraduate training in internal medicine, gastroenterology, hepatology, and transplant medicine took place in New York City, and University of Nebraska.

    Since 2003, Dr. Galati has created consumer-oriented radio programming on health and wellness, hosting "Your Health First," heard each weekend on the iHeart Radio network. He recently published an Amazon best-selling book, Eating Yourself Sick, sharing with readers strategies to avoid chronic disease.

    Charise Lincoln
    Education is a Privilege: Perserverance in College

    Charise Lincoln is a first-generation SHSU student with a Psychology major and Astronomy minor. Aside from pursuing psychological research in trauma and nature therapy using astronomy, she is a part of TRIO SSS, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and a previous member of the Freshman Leadership Program.

    Angela McCants
    Seasoned Conversations on the What-Ifs: A Realtor's Perspective

    Angela McCants is a luxury broker associate in Dallas, Texas. A native to the vibrant heart of Dallas, Angela has cultivated a deep understanding of the local real estate landscape, making her a trusted advisor in one of the nation's most dynamic housing markets for over two decades. Angela also holds dual certification as a Senior Advisor and Senior Housing Professional, which speaks to her dedication and expertise. This unique combination of qualifications brings an unmatched level of market knowledge and negotiation skills, ensuring that her clients receive the highest level of service and knowledge, especially in their golden years.

    Angela has been married for 29 years and is the proud mother of four children. Her passion for fostering connections and providing support led her to found and moderate "Seasoned Conversations," a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating meaningful discussions and providing resources for seniors and their families.

    Andy Noble
    Science Worth Dancing About

    Andy Noble is Co-Artistic Director of NobleMotion Dance and a Professor at Sam Houston State University. Andy's body of work includes 21 evening-length productions and over 150 dances. His focus on innovation and interdisciplinary work has led to collaborations with neuroscientists, A.I. designers, industrial designers, light artists, composers, poets, musicians, and photographers. Most notably, he worked with Academy Award winner John Ridley to create original choreography featured on the Emmy Award Winning and Golden Globe Nominated ABC TV show American Crime. His work has been performed internationally and presented at The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center, and Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts. Additionally, his choreography has been presented by Repertory Dance Theatre, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Bruce Wood Dance to name a few. Andy is an educator, performer, and choreographer, and his work directing NobleMotion has led to the organization being awarded Houston's Best Dance Company.

    Kendra "Birdie" Rodriguez
    Doodle Away Your Fears and Worries

    Kendra "Birdie" Rodrigue is an undergraduate honors student at Sam Houston State University. She was born in Sugar Land, then moved to Katy when she was 12, where she later graduated from Cinco Ranch High School. She is studying environmental science and hopes to do field work in the future. She is a nature lover and avid birdwatcher, but also enjoys video games and calls with friends. She has been treated for anxiety for over four years, and wants to share her journey towards her happiest self.

    Sarah Swift
    What Do You Want (To Be) When You Grow Up

    Sarah Swift is a senior honors student at Sam Houston State University, pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre. She is the current Miss Houston titleholder as part of the Miss America Scholarship Organization and has spoken to hundreds of children in her community about the importance of personal health and spending time outdoors. She also had the opportunity to share her platform on live television this past summer on the Miss Texas stage. She has a podcast, Lemonade Lifestyle, where she explores finding the good in life and taking opportunities as they are thrown in your path. She enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and playing board games in her free time. Sarah plans to graduate Spring of 2024 and continue spreading her passions for health and positivity, both on the stage and in everyday life in her community.

    Pavi Theva
    Elevating Your Mission Through Social Media

    Pavi Theva is a Life and Career Success Coach, Mindfulness Teacher, Podcast Host, and Speaker in the realm of self-growth. She is passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential. With a focus on college students, graduates, corporate professionals, and entrepreneurs, she guides individuals in creating fulfilling careers in alignment with their 'Dharma'—the true essence of who they are. Pavi assists her clients in connecting with their career goals, achieving peak performance, up-leveling their mindset in both life and work, building confidence, and ultimately creating lives and careers they can be proud of.

    Pavi earned her Masters in Information Systems from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Her extensive experience includes leading business and product strategies for Silicon Valley startups, Big 4 consulting firms, and high-tech companies such as Amazon.

    Anthony Timmons
    Reclaiming Joy After Tragedy

    Anthony Timmons is a senior at Sam Houston State University, majoring in kinesiology and pursuing physical therapy. Anthony has a deep passion for health science and fitness and for promoting student health and wellness. He serves as a member on the Student Health and Wellness Advisory Board and the College of Health Sciences Dean's Advisory Committee. In addition, Anthony is a group fitness instructor with the SHSURec Center, teaching yoga and different fitness classes. Anthony has also worked extensively with the kinesiology department and regularly volunteers with the College of Health Sciences. Anthony is a big advocate for promoting mental health awareness and teaches mindfulness and meditation. In his free time, he loves to read, garden, and make wine.

    Francisco "Paco" Usero Gonzalez
    Unlocking Potential: Bilingual Learners, Dyslexia, and the Path to Inclusive Education

    Dr. Francisco (Paco) Usero González, an Assistant Professor in Sam Houston State University's Bilingual Education Program, boasts 15 years of diverse K-12 educational experience across Spain, the UK, France, and the USA. Holding multiple BA and MEd degrees in Education, along with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, he exemplifies academic commitment. Dr. Usero González, or Professor Paco as he prefers to be called by his students, has garnered recognition and awards for his outstanding contributions to education, with a research focus on neurobiological specific learning disabilities and the needs of Spanish-speaking emergent bilingual students. His passion for multilingual and multicultural education is evident through innovative instructional technology exploration, family engagement, and the implementation of the Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) to empower Hispanic bilingual students. Driven by a dedication to advancing the field, he shares insights through publications in esteemed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

  • Sponsors and Partners

    Sponsor

    TEDxSHSU is sponsored by the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College. Thank you for your generous support!

    2019HonorsMark-BlueText

    For more information about the Honors College, visit https://www.shsu.edu/academics/honors/.

    Partners

    TEDxSHSU is also grateful to the many partners who have helped to make this event possible.

    Division of Academic Affairs
     College of Arts & Media
      Department of Mass Communication
      Department of Theatre & Musical Theatre
     Office of the Provost
      Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
      SHSU Online
    Division of Strategic Enrollment Innovation
      Strategic Innovations
    Division of Student Affairs
     Lowman Student Center
    Division of University Advancement
     Integrated Marketing Communications

  • 2023 TEDxSHSU Team

    TEDxSHSU Faculty Organizing Team