Step inside the TED Fellows community

Biotech entrepreneurship, biochemistry, protein design, protein engineering, structural biology, synthetic biology

2019

United States

Harvard Medical School; Vestaron Corporation; Boston Children's Hospital; AI Proteins; University of Maine; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Institute for Protein Innovation; OncoPep, Inc.; TED Conferences

AI Proteins is a company focused on re-imagining protein-based medicines through the design and development of miniproteins with ideal therapeutic characteristics. Their proprietary platform leverages synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to rapidly create specific, durable, and cost-effective miniprotein medicines. The company's de novo design capabilities allow for the creation of patentable miniproteins with desirable characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. AI Proteins has identified novel candidates for various therapeutic targets and is advancing their pipeline in oncology while exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas. Their innovative approach involves engineering miniproteins for preclinical development in a short timeframe, utilizing technologies like yeast display, phage display, and deep saturation mutagenesis. The company's focus on creating miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity positions them as an ideal therapeutic modality with potential applications in various medical fields. // Division of Hematology/Oncology // Harvard Medical School; Vestaron Corporation; Boston Children's Hospital; AI Proteins; University of Maine; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Institute for Protein Innovation; OncoPep, Inc.; TED Conferences // Proteins are nano-robots that are amazingly capable tools to make the world better, and the ability to create new functional proteins is being dramatically accelerated by the use of artificial intelligence. We can create groundbreaking therapies that are safer, more effective, and more accessible through protein design. I founded and am currently the President, and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins. This is a Boston based biotech company working to create safer, more effective, more accessible medicines to treat a wide array of illnesses, from cancer to inflammatory disease to obesity. I am also working to spread knowledge and access to expertise in computational protein design. The computational tools from my field have the power to make molecules that change the world, and we need to make sure that everyone is armed with the ability and understanding to use them. I founded and organize the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club http://bpdmc.org/ and I also co-founded and co-organized The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Protein Design https://www.ai4pd.org/ // Chris Bahl is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins, a Boston-based biotech company at the forefront of re-imagining protein-based medicines through innovative design and development of miniproteins. Leveraging synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, AI Proteins creates patentable miniproteins with specific therapeutic characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. Chris's work focuses on advancing the company's pipeline in oncology and exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas by engineering miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, he is dedicated to spreading knowledge in computational protein design through initiatives like the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club and The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Protein Design. // Protein designer // Molecular engineer using computational design to develop new protein drugs that combat infectious disease. // Chris is the co-founder and CSO of AI Proteins, a biotechnology company focused on designing new protein-based medicines, as well as the creation of novel technologies that accelerate drug discovery. // Some common life-saving medicines, such as insulin, are made of proteins so large and fragile that they need to be injected instead of ingested as pills. But a new generation of medicine -- made from smaller, more durable proteins known as peptides -- is on its way. In a quick, informative talk, molecular engineer and TED Fellow Christopher Bahl explains how he's using computational design to create powerful peptides that could one day neutralize the flu, protect against botulism poisoning and even stop cancer cells from growing. // Chris Bahl is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins, a Boston-based biotech company at the forefront of re-imagining protein-based medicines through innovative design and development of miniproteins. Leveraging synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, AI Proteins creates patentable miniproteins with specific therapeutic characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. Chris's work focuses on advancing the company's pipeline in oncology and exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas by engineering miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, he is dedicated to spreading knowledge in computational protein design through initiatives like the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club and The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Protein Design. // Protein designer // technology, oncology, automation, inflammation, protein engineering, biochemistry, infectious disease, design, viruses, protein design, robotics, biotech, protein structure, ai, synthetic biology, structural biology, artificial intelligence, therapeutics, disease // Boston|Massachusetts|United States|USA

Boston|Massachusetts|United States|USA

Futuring, Visualization, fabrication, robotics

2011

United States

Interaction designer // A German-American interaction designer whose installations create novel relationships between humans and animals // MA Interaction Design, RCA, London / Ted Fellow Chris Woebken uses futuring practices to create props, narratives and visualizations investigating the impacts as well as the aesthetic and social potentials of technologies. He runs workshops and often collaborates with scientists, organizations, artists and engineers to invent and build prototypes of future services and products. He has worked with Natalie Jeremijenko, exhibited at New York City's Museum of Modern Art and has been a frequent guest critic and lecturer at Columbia University, the Rhode Island School of Design and New York City's School of Visual Arts. // MA Interaction Design, RCA, London / Ted Fellow Chris Woebken uses futuring practices to create props, narratives and visualizations investigating the impacts as well as the aesthetic and social potentials of technologies. He runs workshops and often collaborates with scientists, organizations, artists and engineers to invent and build prototypes of future services and products. He has worked with Natalie Jeremijenko, exhibited at New York City's Museum of Modern Art and has been a frequent guest critic and lecturer at Columbia University, the Rhode Island School of Design and New York City's School of Visual Arts. // Interaction designer // technology, futuring, design, robotics, fabrication, visualization, island // New York|United States|Brooklyn|USA

New York|United States|Brooklyn|USA

Ancient DNA, Ancient Proteins, Archaeology, Data & Research, Food Systems & Nutrition, LGBT History, Metagenomics, Molecular anthropology, Paleoproteomics

2012

United States

The University of Bonn; University of Oklahoma; University of Zurich; The University of Kansas; Harvard University; Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Christina Warinner's work focuses on studying the intricate relationship between humans, their food, and their microbes. By analyzing food cultures, microbiomes, and biomolecular traces from prehistoric remains, including dental calculus and pottery residues, her research delves into the archaeology of the invisible. Through combining this data with paleogenomic studies, insights into prehistoric migrations, human genetic adaptations, and the complex history of human diets and microbes are uncovered. The goal is to understand how microbes have influenced human evolution and continue to impact health through the microbiome, food systems, and disease. // Christina Warinner is a prominent figure in the field of biomolecular archaeology, specializing in reconstructing the prehistory of human foods and the evolution of the microbiome. Her pioneering work in ancient DNA and proteins research has provided significant insights into prehistoric human health, the ancestral human microbiome, and past human population history. She has published extensively on topics such as the ancient human oral microbiome, milk proteins in ancient dental calculus, and the origins of dairying. Warinner leads multidisciplinary projects combining archaeology, microbiology, and ethnography to understand the origins of dairying and human adaptations to novel foods. She is actively engaged in scientific outreach and has received recognition for her contributions to the field. // Specialties: Molecular (DNA and protein) investigation of ancient human skeletal and mummified remains, with a specialty in ancient oral microbiome research. // I research the bacteria that live in and on the human body, both today and in the remote past. I'm interested in how human behavior influences commensal bacterial communities and how these communities in turn affect human health. // I researched functional allele frequency changes in Medieval Europeans, conducted research on biomolecule preservation in mummified tissues, and started the Ancient Dental Calculus Biomolecular Reservoir Project. // The University of Bonn; University of Oklahoma; University of Zurich; The University of Kansas; Harvard University; Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology // Christina Warinner is a specialist in molecular investigation of ancient human skeletal and mummified remains, focusing on DNA and protein analysis. With expertise in ancient oral microbiome research, she delves into the bacterial communities residing in and on the human body, exploring their evolution over time. Christina's research extends to understanding the impact of human behavior on commensal bacterial populations and their reciprocal influence on human health. Her work encompasses studying functional allele frequency changes in historical populations, investigating biomolecule preservation in mummified tissues, and initiating projects like the Ancient Dental Calculus Biomolecular Reservoir Project. // I am working to build and expand the field of paleogenomics. My aim is to mainstream ancient DNA research by developing it into a core area of study within biology and anthropology departments around the world as we rewrite the story of human history. This requires demonstrating the power of ancient DNA through high profile reserach articles, serving on the board of academic societies to support and recognize excellent scholars and scholarship in the field, driving the development of new software and resources to catalyze new research, and creating teaching and training opportunities for the next generation by developing online courses and workshops. I am committed to driving each of these activities, in partnership with a network of amazing colleagues around the world. // Christina Warinner is a leading expert in biomolecular archaeology, specializing in the study of ancient human foods and the evolution of the microbiome. Her research integrates analyses of food cultures, microbiomes, and biomolecular traces from prehistoric remains to uncover insights into prehistoric migrations, human genetic adaptations, and the complex history of human diets and microbes. Through her pioneering work in ancient DNA and proteins research, Warinner has made significant contributions to understanding prehistoric human health, the ancestral human microbiome, and past human population history. She leads multidisciplinary projects that combine archaeology, microbiology, and ethnography to investigate the origins of dairying and human adaptations to novel foods, with a focus on the impact of microbes on human evolution and health. Additionally, Warinner is actively engaged in scientific outreach and plays a key role in advancing the field of paleogenomics by promoting ancient DNA research and supporting scholarly endeavors in biology and anthropology departments worldwide. // Archaeological geneticist // With a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Harvard University, Christina Warinner is a biomolecular archaeologist who uses tissue samples from ancient skeletons and mummies to research how humans have evolved to adapt to changing diets, diseases, and environments over the last 10,000 years. She is currently Presidential Research Professor and Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma and a Research Affiliate at the Centre for Evolutionary Medicine at the University of Zurich where she applies advanced genomics and proteomics methods to the direct investigation of archaeological human remains. She is currently managing a number of projects around the world, dividing her time between laboratory research in Oklahoma and Zurich and fieldwork in the high Himalayas. // Christina (Tina) Warinner is a Sally Starling Seaver Assistant Professor at the Radcliffe Institute and an assistant professor of anthropology in the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She is also a group leader in the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History and professor of biological sciences at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany. Warinner specializes in biomolecular archaeology, with an emphasis on reconstructing the prehistory of human foods and the evolution of the microbiome. She is known for her pioneering work in ancient DNA and proteins research, which has contributed significant insights into prehistoric human health, ancestral human oral and gut microbiota, the origins of dairying, and past human migrations. She is a 2014 US National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow and a 2012 TED Fellow, and her TED Talks on ancient dental calculus and the evolution of the human diet have been viewed more than 2 million times. In addition to her research, she is actively engaged in public outreach and created the Adventures in Archaeological Science coloring book, now available in eighteen languages, including many indigenous and underrepresented languages. Warinner received her MA and PhD at Harvard University and completed her postdoctoral training at the Centre for Evolutionary Medicine at the University of Zürich, Switzerland and the University of Oklahoma. She was previously a presidential research professor and assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma and visiting associate professor at the Technical University of Denmark. // Imagine what we could learn about diseases by studying the history of human disease, from ancient hominids to the present. But how? TED Fellow Christina Warinner is an achaeological geneticist, and she's found a spectacular new tool -- the microbial DNA in fossilized dental plaque. // Christina Warinner is a leading expert in biomolecular archaeology, specializing in the study of ancient human foods and the evolution of the microbiome. Her research integrates analyses of food cultures, microbiomes, and biomolecular traces from prehistoric remains to uncover insights into prehistoric migrations, human genetic adaptations, and the complex history of human diets and microbes. Through her pioneering work in ancient DNA and proteins research, Warinner has made significant contributions to understanding prehistoric human health, the ancestral human microbiome, and past human population history. She leads multidisciplinary projects that combine archaeology, microbiology, and ethnography to investigate the origins of dairying and human adaptations to novel foods, with a focus on the impact of microbes on human evolution and health. Additionally, Warinner is actively engaged in scientific outreach and plays a key role in advancing the field of paleogenomics by promoting ancient DNA research and supporting scholarly endeavors in biology and anthropology departments worldwide. // Archaeological geneticist // paleofeces, lgbt history, data, job skills training, research, microbes, molecular anthropology, archaeology, metagenomics, dental calculus, food system, microbiome, human population, ancient dna, science, food, underrepresented, indigenous, software, microbiology, ancient proteins, paleoproteomics, milk, disease // Cambridge|USA|Germany|United States|Massachusetts|Boston

Cambridge|USA|Germany|United States|Massachusetts|Boston

Creating live performance of lo-fi spectacle

2012

United States

Shadow artist // American artist specializing in creating, directing, choreographing and performing large scale cinematic shadow theater with 3D stereoscopic effects. I was raised in a small town in NewYork state. I spent a lot of time playing in the large woods behind our home. As a teen my family moved to Los Angeles and I experienced culture shock. I am a mix of nature girl and valley girl. I need both the city and the deep forest. Yet I am most comfortable in the dark, dark theaters and studios where I make my work with shadows. more to come... // Christine Marie is a creator of installations, performances and experiences. She seamlessly integrates performers, objects and special effects to elicit connections with concepts, phenomenology and history in emotional and visually stimulating experiences. Christine Marie strives to break new ground within her form while being intrinsically tied to ancient art forms and the metaphysical exploration of light. She is pioneering the use of large-scale 3D shadows by reinventing the stereoscope and casting up to 4’ shadows into cubic space. Her work has appeared at the REDCAT, the Geffen Playhouse, Southcoast Repertory, Z Space, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, McEvoy Foundation for the Arts, the Exploratorium, Pop-Up Magazine, Sundance New Frontier and others and has received support from the Jim Henson Foundation, MAP fund, the Zellerbach family foundation, the Paul Dresher Residency, Intersection for the Arts, Cal Arts Center for New Performance and others. Christine Marie received an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts in Integrated Media, Puppetry and Theater. Christine Marie is a TED Fellow. Engaging The Unknown, TED talk. Marie has taught shadow animation at Pixar and DreamWorks studios. She studied Wayang Kulit traditional shadow puppetry in Bali and is a former 15-year member of ShadowLight theater, the company has twice won the UNIMA Citation for Excellence award, international puppetry's highest honor. She lectures and conducts workshops at universities, schools and at juvenile hall. She has worked with shadows for decades and has a life-long commitment to continuing working with light. She is currently creating a series of light toys. Her latest work, (antiquated) Augmented Reality was the first-ever non-digital, non-film official selection at the Sundance Film festival in 2019 at the Egyptian Theater. // Christine Marie is a creator of installations, performances and experiences. She seamlessly integrates performers, objects and special effects to elicit connections with concepts, phenomenology and history in emotional and visually stimulating experiences. Christine Marie strives to break new ground within her form while being intrinsically tied to ancient art forms and the metaphysical exploration of light. She is pioneering the use of large-scale 3D shadows by reinventing the stereoscope and casting up to 4’ shadows into cubic space. Her work has appeared at the REDCAT, the Geffen Playhouse, Southcoast Repertory, Z Space, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, McEvoy Foundation for the Arts, the Exploratorium, Pop-Up Magazine, Sundance New Frontier and others and has received support from the Jim Henson Foundation, MAP fund, the Zellerbach family foundation, the Paul Dresher Residency, Intersection for the Arts, Cal Arts Center for New Performance and others. Christine Marie received an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts in Integrated Media, Puppetry and Theater. Christine Marie is a TED Fellow. Engaging The Unknown, TED talk. Marie has taught shadow animation at Pixar and DreamWorks studios. She studied Wayang Kulit traditional shadow puppetry in Bali and is a former 15-year member of ShadowLight theater, the company has twice won the UNIMA Citation for Excellence award, international puppetry's highest honor. She lectures and conducts workshops at universities, schools and at juvenile hall. She has worked with shadows for decades and has a life-long commitment to continuing working with light. She is currently creating a series of light toys. Her latest work, (antiquated) Augmented Reality was the first-ever non-digital, non-film official selection at the Sundance Film festival in 2019 at the Egyptian Theater. // Shadow artist // nature, augmented reality, creating live performance of lo-fi spectacle, forest, teen // California|Los Angeles|United States

California|Los Angeles|United States

2013

Germany

Sound artist + composer // Christine Sun Kim is an artist based in New York and Berlin. She uses the medium of sound through technology, performance, and drawing to investigate and rationalize her relationship with sound and spoken languages. // Christine Sun Kim is an artist based in New York and Berlin. She uses the medium of sound through technology, performance, and drawing to investigate and rationalize her relationship with sound and spoken languages. // Artist and TED Fellow Christine Sun Kim was born deaf, and she was taught to believe that sound wasn't a part of her life, that it was a hearing person's thing. Through her art, she discovered similarities between American Sign Language and music, and she realized that sound doesn't have to be known solely through the ears -- it can be felt, seen and experienced as an idea. In this endearing talk, she invites us to open our eyes and ears and participate in the rich treasure of visual language. // Christine Sun Kim is an artist based in New York and Berlin. She uses the medium of sound through technology, performance, and drawing to investigate and rationalize her relationship with sound and spoken languages. // Sound artist + composer // technology // Berlin|Germany

Berlin|Germany

Fundraising, Impact investing, Leadership, Mechancial Engineering, Non Profits, Public Speaking, Social Entrepreneurship, Startups, UCOT, UCOT WORLD FORUM, UCOTTribe, beatUCOT, helloucot

2017

United States

Healthcare entrepreneur // Chris is an award-winning serial-entrepreneur, engineer, and a futurist. He is the founder/ CEO at UCOT Inc. [www.helloucot.com], an innovation studio exclusively for startups solving unintended consequences of technology. UCOT supports entrepreneurs to create and launch new companies solving problems at the intersection of technology and humanity. Chris also founded UCOT FORUM a conference whose main objective is to have authentic discussions around exponential technology development and usage, that may not be serving humanity's best interests. Before that, he founded Hourglass ventures a fund that supports visionary entrepreneurs from the African continent who come from the underprivileged background- and need a Friends and Family round of financing to get their ideas off the ground. He also founded the Health Access Corps, a social enterprise that works to establish sustainable health care systems on the African continent. Chris has been invited to speak at some of the world’s most prestigious platforms such as TED, Clinton Global Initiative and United Nations. He has won many international awards for his work, most recently 2016 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader; TEDFellow; Forbes Magazine 30Under30, Ashoka fellow and Echoing Green fellow. Chris' work has been featured in many major media publications both locally and Internationally such as BBC, Forbes, and NPR. Chris holds a Bachelor’s of Science, and Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He also completed an intensive executive program on Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century, at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. // Talent is universal, but opportunity isn't, says TED Fellow Christopher Ategeka. In this charming, hopeful talk, Ategeka tells his story of being orphaned at a young age -- and how being adopted gave him the chance to experience a new culture, acquire an education and live up to his full potential. "We may not be able to solve the bigotry and the racism of this world today," Ategeka says, "But certainly we can raise children to create a positive, inclusive, connected world full of empathy, love and compassion." // Chris is an award-winning serial-entrepreneur, engineer, and a futurist. He is the founder/ CEO at UCOT Inc. [www.helloucot.com], an innovation studio exclusively for startups solving unintended consequences of technology. UCOT supports entrepreneurs to create and launch new companies solving problems at the intersection of technology and humanity. Chris also founded UCOT FORUM a conference whose main objective is to have authentic discussions around exponential technology development and usage, that may not be serving humanity's best interests. Before that, he founded Hourglass ventures a fund that supports visionary entrepreneurs from the African continent who come from the underprivileged background- and need a Friends and Family round of financing to get their ideas off the ground. He also founded the Health Access Corps, a social enterprise that works to establish sustainable health care systems on the African continent. Chris has been invited to speak at some of the world’s most prestigious platforms such as TED, Clinton Global Initiative and United Nations. He has won many international awards for his work, most recently 2016 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader; TEDFellow; Forbes Magazine 30Under30, Ashoka fellow and Echoing Green fellow. Chris' work has been featured in many major media publications both locally and Internationally such as BBC, Forbes, and NPR. Chris holds a Bachelor’s of Science, and Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He also completed an intensive executive program on Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century, at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. // Healthcare entrepreneur // technology, ucottribe, entrepreneurship, education, beatucot, ucot, ucot world forum, finance, social entrepreneurship, inclusion, helloucot, leadership, policy, fundraising, unintended consequences, public policy, impact investing, racism, non profits, public speaking, children, startups, science, government, mechancial engineering // California|Oakland|United States|USA

California|Oakland|United States|USA

Computer Science, Security, privacy & surveillance, civil liberties

2012

United States

Privacy researcher + activist // American privacy researcher and activist who focuses on online privacy, including both consumer issues and government surveillance. // Dubbed the “Ralph Nader for the Internet Age” by Wired and “the most prominent of a new breed of activist technology researchers” by the Economist, Christopher Soghoian works at the intersection of technology, law, and policy. A leading expert on privacy, surveillance, and information security, Soghoian is currently a TechCongress Fellow, working for Senator Ron Wyden. Prior to that, he was the Principal Technologist at the American Civil Liberties Union. A TED Senior Fellow, Soghoian has been named a top innovator under 35 by the MIT Technology Review, and was an Open Society Foundations Fellow. Soghoian completed his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 2012, which focused on the role that Internet and telephone companies play in enabling government surveillance of their customers. // The smartphone you use reflects more than just personal taste ... it could determine how closely you can be tracked, too. Privacy expert and TED Fellow Christopher Soghoian details a glaring difference between the encryption used on Apple and Android devices and urges us to pay attention to a growing digital security divide. "If the only people who can protect themselves from the gaze of the government are the rich and powerful, that's a problem," he says. "It's not just a cybersecurity problem -- it's a civil rights problem." // Who is listening in on your phone calls? On a landline, it could be anyone, says privacy activist Christopher Soghoian, because surveillance backdoors are built into the phone system by default, to allow governments to listen in. But then again, so could a foreign intelligence service ... or a criminal. Which is why, says Soghoian, some tech companies are resisting governments' call to build the same backdoors into mobile phones and new messaging systems. From this TED Fellow, learn how some tech companies are working to keep your calls and messages private. // Privacy researcher Christopher Soghoian sees the landscape of government surveillance shifting beneath our feet, as an industry grows to support monitoring programs. Through private companies, he says, governments are buying technology with the capacity to break into computers, steal documents and monitor activity — without detection. This TED Fellow gives an unsettling look at what's to come. // Dubbed the “Ralph Nader for the Internet Age” by Wired and “the most prominent of a new breed of activist technology researchers” by the Economist, Christopher Soghoian works at the intersection of technology, law, and policy. A leading expert on privacy, surveillance, and information security, Soghoian is currently a TechCongress Fellow, working for Senator Ron Wyden. Prior to that, he was the Principal Technologist at the American Civil Liberties Union. A TED Senior Fellow, Soghoian has been named a top innovator under 35 by the MIT Technology Review, and was an Open Society Foundations Fellow. Soghoian completed his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 2012, which focused on the role that Internet and telephone companies play in enabling government surveillance of their customers. // Privacy researcher + activist // technology, mobile phones, activism, cybersecurity, privacy & surveillance, civil liberties, science, rights, computer science, law, policy, security, monitoring, government, civil rights // Washington|United States|District of Columbia

Washington|United States|District of Columbia

Animal Health, Coastal & Marine Fisheries, Conservation Medicine, Marine Mammal Medicine, Oceans & Marine Research, Veterinary medicine and surgery

2018

Spain

Sea Change Health; National Marine Mammal Foundation; University of St. Andrews; Self Employed; SeaWorld San Diego; University of Maryland College Park; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; The Marine Mammal Center

Claire Simeone is a conservation leader and marine mammal veterinarian dedicated to healing animals and ecosystems. She specializes in marine mammal health, emphasizing the interconnectedness between animal health, ocean health, and human health. Claire's work focuses on developing innovative therapies, researching marine mammal health trends, and advocating for conservation. Through Sea Change Health, she aims to shift the definition of health to prioritize healthy animals, ecosystems, and humans. Claire offers workshops tailored for students and healthcare providers to enhance knowledge and leadership skills. Her research includes treatments for epilepsy in sea lions, harmful algal blooms, eye infections in dolphins, and the impact of oil spills on marine mammal health. Claire's work underscores the importance of listening to the natural world for solutions to our pressing challenges. // The mission of Sea Change Health is to massively shift our understanding and cultivation of health, for all those who rely on the sea. We achieve this mission through three areas of focus: -Marine mammal health: innovating marine mammal veterinary care, and support of the aquatics practitioner; -Human health: safeguarding the health of those that dedicate their lives to healing others; -Conservation health: maximizing the health of conservation work by prioritizing the health of the whole. // On assignment with NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, provided veterinary and logistical support to rapid response teams to support UME response, oil spill, or mass stranding events; assisted on-site coordinators and epidemiologists with data compilation and report completion post UME to enhance the ability to monitor and predict marine mammal health trends nationally; developed standard definitions for common diseases of marine mammals and fact sheets for both public and technical documents; and worked with representatives ofthe Integrated Ocean Observing System to incorporate marine mammal health into the observing system. // Marine Mammal Specialty InternshipResponsibilities included caring for the Navy Marine Mammal Program's resident dolphins and sea lions, in both preventative medicine and emergency care. // Marine mammal specialty internshipResponsibilities included primary care for the both the collection animals (marine mammals, birds, reptiles, fish), as well as stranded wild marine mammals as part of the rehabilitation program. // The mission of Sea Change Health is to massively shift our understanding and cultivation of health, for all those who rely on the sea. We achieve this mission through three areas of focus:-Marine mammal health: innovating marine mammal veterinary care, and support of the aquatics practitioner;-Human health: safeguarding the health of those that dedicate their lives to healing others;-Conservation health: maximizing the health of conservation work by prioritizing the health of the whole. // Ke Kai Ola is The Marine Mammal Center's hospital and education center on Hawai'i Island, responsible for caring for endangered Hawaiian monk seals. In addition to a rehabilitation program, Ke Kai Ola coordinates the response network for the entire island, and brings marine science programs and educational outreach to the community. // Live from the Bay Area Science Festival! Dr. Claire Simeone works at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA. She's the first scientist to study painkillers for dolphins and she helps comedians Myq Kaplan, Anna Drezen, and Nato Green learn all about her research on seals, whales, and other marine mammals. Hosted by Chris Duffy. // The Marine Mammal Center International Veterinary In-Residence Training provides marine mammal veterinarians across the globe an opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal medicine and rehabilitation. This program is part of a larger capacity-building program that provides training materials and assistance to rehabilitation facilities in a variety of countries. It is expected that successful applicants will return to their pre-existing programs prepared to implement training programs of their own.Veterinarians spend 3 months in Sausalito, California at The Marine Mammal Center, developing skills in all aspects of marine mammal care, including rescue, animal care, veterinary medicine, necropsy, and research. // The goal of this project ("Marine Mammal Health Map") is to develop a national marine mammal health tracking program that is web-based and readily accessible to scientists, managers and the general public. This will allow detection of spatial and temporal changes in marine mammal health that will enable early prioritization of management and conservation efforts to mitigate mortality and identify potential public health risks. In addition, this project will potentially contribute to the detection of climate change impacts on marine mammal health. // Sea Change Health; National Marine Mammal Foundation; University of St. Andrews; Self Employed; SeaWorld San Diego; University of Maryland College Park; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; The Marine Mammal Center // Dr. Claire Simeone is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on marine mammal health, human health, and conservation health. With a background in marine mammal veterinary care, she has provided crucial support to rapid response teams during various marine mammal events. Dr. Simeone's expertise extends to developing standard definitions for common diseases of marine mammals and enhancing data compilation for monitoring health trends. She has also been involved in innovative projects such as the Marine Mammal Health Map, aimed at tracking marine mammal health nationally. Through her work at Sea Change Health and The Marine Mammal Center, Dr. Simeone is actively contributing to shifting our understanding and cultivation of health for those connected to the sea. // I want to improve the health of those that rely on the sea. In practice, I do that by contributing to improving the health of marine mammals, and of the humans that work with them and care about them. // Dr. Claire Simeone is a marine mammal veterinarian and conservation leader who is dedicated to promoting the health of marine ecosystems, animals, and humans. Her work emphasizes the interconnectedness between animal health, ocean health, and human well-being. Dr. Simeone's expertise lies in developing innovative therapies, researching marine mammal health trends, and advocating for conservation efforts. Through her initiatives at Sea Change Health, she aims to redefine health to encompass the well-being of animals, ecosystems, and humans. Dr. Simeone's research spans various critical areas such as treatments for epilepsy in sea lions, harmful algal blooms, eye infections in dolphins, and the impacts of oil spills on marine mammal health. Her work underscores the importance of holistic approaches to address pressing challenges facing our oceans and marine life. // Marine mammal veterinarian // Dr. Claire Simeone is a conservation leader, working fearlessly to heal the animals and ecosystems of our planet. A veterinarian by training, Claire specializes in working with marine mammals, studying the connections between animal health, ocean health, and our own health. Claire believes that the largest challenges of our lifetime will be solved with a returning to listening what the natural world has to share. Claire founded Sea Change Health to safeguard ocean health, and all who rely on it. Prior to founding Sea Change Health, Claire directed the Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Program at The Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, and has worked with NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Marine Mammal Foundation. Claire is a 2018 TED Fellow. Please reach out and say hello! // Dr. Claire Simeone is a marine mammal veterinarian and conservation leader who is dedicated to promoting the health of marine ecosystems, animals, and humans. Her work emphasizes the interconnectedness between animal health, ocean health, and human well-being. Dr. Simeone's expertise lies in developing innovative therapies, researching marine mammal health trends, and advocating for conservation efforts. Through her initiatives at Sea Change Health, she aims to redefine health to encompass the well-being of animals, ecosystems, and humans. Dr. Simeone's research spans various critical areas such as treatments for epilepsy in sea lions, harmful algal blooms, eye infections in dolphins, and the impacts of oil spills on marine mammal health. Her work underscores the importance of holistic approaches to address pressing challenges facing our oceans and marine life. // Marine mammal veterinarian // coastal fisheries, veterinary medicine and surgery, education, nutrition, fish, public health, marine mammal medicine, coastal, data, job skills training, research, animal husbandry, animal health, climate, resource conservation, veterinary medicine, monitoring, marine animals, marine mammals, offshore oil spill, oceans, marine research, education and outreach, island, conservation, one health, conservation medicine, birds, science, environmental conservation, ecosystem, disease, fishing // Abruzzo|San Francisco|USA|Italy|Sausalito|Valencia|California|Hawai'i Island|Valencian Community|Spain

Abruzzo|San Francisco|USA|Italy|Sausalito|Valencia|California|Hawai'i Island|Valencian Community|Spain

Criminal justice, Data analytics and transparency, Data science, Policy & Criminal Justice Reform, Tech

2022

United States

Y Combinator; Stanford University; Recidiviz

Recidiviz is a data-driven organization that collaborates with criminal justice leaders to provide real-time insights and tools for decision-making. They focus on improving outcomes for justice-impacted individuals by stitching together data from fragmented systems to help decision-makers track the impact of policy and practice changes over time. Recidiviz works with various states to provide dashboards and data analytics, aiming to reduce incarceration rates and promote public safety. Their approach involves using data to enhance collaboration and information sharing between different departments and agencies within the criminal justice system. Through partnerships and initiatives like Justice Counts, Recidiviz aims to make criminal justice data more transparent, accessible, and impactful for policymakers, practitioners, and the public // Recidiviz - building the technical foundation for a self-aware, self-correcting criminal… // Building the technical foundation for a self-aware, self-correcting criminal justice system // Y Combinator; Stanford University; Recidiviz // Clementine Jacoby is a skilled professional dedicated to building the technical foundation for a self-aware, self-correcting criminal justice system. With a focus on leveraging technology to drive systemic improvements, Clementine has a proven track record of developing innovative solutions in this critical domain. Through her work at Recidiviz, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system and a commitment to driving positive change through data-driven approaches. Clementine's expertise lies in creating impactful solutions that address the challenges faced by the justice system, ultimately contributing to more effective and equitable outcomes. // Recidiviz is revolutionizing the landscape of criminal justice reform through data-driven systemic changes. By integrating fragmented criminal justice data into a unified platform, they enable informed decisions that reduce prison admissions and enhance re-entry success. Since 2019, their impact has reached 16 states, covering about 40% of the U.S. incarcerated population, facilitating the release of over 117,600 individuals. Their tools implement laws already on the books, improving accountability and transparency within agencies. Recidiviz's goal is to foster a smaller, fairer, and more rehabilitative justice system through continuous data-driven improvements, ultimately paving the way for a world where justice is equitable, rehabilitation is prioritized, and communities thrive. // Clementine Jacoby is a dedicated professional at Recidiviz, specializing in leveraging technology to drive systemic improvements in the criminal justice system. With a deep understanding of the complexities within the justice system, Clementine focuses on creating innovative solutions that address challenges and promote positive change through data-driven approaches. Her expertise lies in building the technical foundation for a self-aware and self-correcting criminal justice system, ultimately contributing to more effective and equitable outcomes. Through her work, Clementine plays a crucial role in revolutionizing criminal justice reform by integrating fragmented data, enabling informed decision-making, and facilitating the release of justice-impacted individuals. // Criminal justice technology entrepreneur // Clementine Jacoby is the CEO of Recidiviz — a nonprofit engineering team working to help criminal justice agencies reduce incarceration in ways that are safe and equitable. Previously, Clementine was a Product Manager at Google, where she worked on Google Maps and Android. She has been named in Forbes 30 Under 30, Fast Company’s Most Creative People, and TIME’s Next 100 Most Influential People, and is OYW’s Entrepreneur of the Year. She holds a B.S. in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University. Most importantly, though (!), Clem is a 2022 TED Fellow. // Right now, hundreds of thousands of people are "stuck" in the US criminal justice system. They've completed all of their requirements for release, but nobody knows it because the system is run on old databases that don't talk to each other. TED Fellow Clementine Jacoby describes how we can fix it -- bringing thousands of people home, reducing costs and improving public safety along the way. // Clementine Jacoby is a dedicated professional at Recidiviz, specializing in leveraging technology to drive systemic improvements in the criminal justice system. With a deep understanding of the complexities within the justice system, Clementine focuses on creating innovative solutions that address challenges and promote positive change through data-driven approaches. Her expertise lies in building the technical foundation for a self-aware and self-correcting criminal justice system, ultimately contributing to more effective and equitable outcomes. Through her work, Clementine plays a crucial role in revolutionizing criminal justice reform by integrating fragmented data, enabling informed decision-making, and facilitating the release of justice-impacted individuals. // Criminal justice technology entrepreneur // technology, tech for good, policymakers, tech, data, equity, design, data and analytics, policy, criminal justice reform, data analysis, data-driven, data science, criminal justice, ai for good, transparency, science, software, accountability, artificial intelligence, justice // Utah|San Francisco|USA|Provo|New York|California|United States

Utah|San Francisco|USA|Provo|New York|California|United States

Coral restoration, Metal forming, relating to others, sculpture, snail cuisine

2010, 2009

United States

Socio-ecological artist // Through visual, performing, and biological arts, Colleen investigates contemporary issues of species endangerment and ecosystem regeneration, specifically coral reefs. Her work encompasses Living Sea Sculptures, conversation-catalyzing alter egos, participatory multimedia exhibitions, and more. Her background in making ball-and-socket armatures for stop-motion animation puppets, including the first 3D stop-motion animated feature film, "Coraline," dovetails with her current desire to design and construct life-supporting skeletal sculptures to be grown over by ocean minerals and marine life. Flanigan is the first visual artist to be certified by the Global Coral Reef Alliance in Biorock® mineral accretion, a technology for coral reef restoration that (surprisingly) shares many metallurgical, electrical and chemical principles with her early sculpture utilizing electroforming (electroplating thick layers of metal onto a matrix). She and her international, interdisciplinary team have created a DNA-inspired sculpture to become an artistic coral refuge, scientific study, and unique attraction in the Museo Subaquático de Arte (MUSA) in the National Marine Park of Cancun, Mexico. Scientists, filmmakers, environmentalists, artists, divers, and others are involved with bringing this new angle to the young underwater art/science institution. In 2015, webcams and data sensors will be added to the Cancun project to give the work a continuous online presence. Fine artist; stop-motion armaturist; coral reef restoration expert // Colleen Flanigan is a socio-ecological artist. Through visual, performing, and biological arts, she investigates contemporary issues of species endangerment and ecosystem regeneration, specifically coral reefs. Her work encompasses Living Sea Sculptures to restore devastated coral reefs, conversation-catalyzing alter egos, participatory multimedia exhibitions, VR, and more. She is a recipient of a TED fellowship for 2009, and SR TED Fellowship 2010. // Colleen Flanigan is a socio-ecological artist. Through visual, performing, and biological arts, she investigates contemporary issues of species endangerment and ecosystem regeneration, specifically coral reefs. Her work encompasses Living Sea Sculptures to restore devastated coral reefs, conversation-catalyzing alter egos, participatory multimedia exhibitions, VR, and more. She is a recipient of a TED fellowship for 2009, and SR TED Fellowship 2010. // Socio-ecological artist // technology, data, marine life, reef restoration, coral reef, sculpture, participatory, design, coral reefs, species, coral, oceans, regenerative, sensor, mineral, snail cuisine, metal forming, reef, restoration, relating to others, metals, coral restoration // California|United States|Santa Cruz|USA

California|United States|Santa Cruz|USA

2014, 2019

Sailor + artist // A Chilean-American artist who creates large-scale, community-driven art projects that focus on water, urban waterfronts, and land rights. Her projects work to create new spaces for cultures on the margins by moving them onto the water. // Constance Hockaday is a queer Chilean American who grew up on the Southern tip of Texas. She is a powerhouse in organizational transformation. With her unique background in socially engaged art and conflict resolution strategies, she uses participatory design tools to align growing companies around their mission, vision, and organizational culture. She will surprise, challenge, and shake up the place in ways that disrupt entrenched cultural patterns getting in the way of organizational effectiveness and business results. In another dimension, Hockaday works as an artist creating immersive art pieces that confront issues surrounding public space, political voice, and belonging. Currently she is creating Disaster Furniture Showroom, a project that responds to our most intimate ideas about disaster and the future. The project questions how safety, preparedness, and disaster capitalism manifest in the social consciousness. Are we heroes in our fantasies about the future? What motivates people to prepare for the future? How does this fear contribute or impede our ability to take action against climate change and structural violence. // What does inclusive leadership look like? Artist and TED Fellow Constance Hockaday shares how the captain of a trans-Atlantic community raft taught her how to voice her hopes and desires, inspiring a vision of possibility for the future. Hockaday calls for mentors everywhere to step up and invites aspiring leaders to answer one crucial question in order to unlock their agency and power. // Constance Hockaday is a queer Chilean American who grew up on the Southern tip of Texas. She is a powerhouse in organizational transformation. With her unique background in socially engaged art and conflict resolution strategies, she uses participatory design tools to align growing companies around their mission, vision, and organizational culture. She will surprise, challenge, and shake up the place in ways that disrupt entrenched cultural patterns getting in the way of organizational effectiveness and business results. In another dimension, Hockaday works as an artist creating immersive art pieces that confront issues surrounding public space, political voice, and belonging. Currently she is creating Disaster Furniture Showroom, a project that responds to our most intimate ideas about disaster and the future. The project questions how safety, preparedness, and disaster capitalism manifest in the social consciousness. Are we heroes in our fantasies about the future? What motivates people to prepare for the future? How does this fear contribute or impede our ability to take action against climate change and structural violence. // Sailor + artist // land rights, inclusion, violence, water, participatory, climate, design, rights, land, community engagement, conflict resolution, urban

Anthropology of Religion, Archaeology, High Altitude Climbing

2009

Argentina

High-altitude archaeologist + anthropologist // Dr. Constanza Ceruti is the only female high-altitude archaeologist in the world. She has climbed over one hundred mountains above 16,000 feet to study mountaintop shrines of the Inca civilization, having co-discovered the best-preserved frozen mummies at 22,200 feet, on the summit of volcano Llullaillaco, the highest archaeological site on earth. With a PhD from the University of Cuyo, she is currently a Scientific Investigator of the National Council for the Scientific Research (CONICET) in Argentina, a Professor of Inca Archaeology at Catholic University of Salta, and in 2007 she was a distinguished lecturer in anthropology at the University of West Georgia. She is the author of six books and more than sixty academic publications, and she has lectured and traveled throughout the five continents. She has been awarded the Gold Medal of the University of Buenos Aires, the Gold Condor of the Argentine Army and a Courage Award from Wings Worldquest, in addition to being distinguished as an Emerging Explorer of the National Geographic Society. // Constanza Ceruti was born in Buenos Aires in 1973 (January, 11th). She lives in the city of Salta, in Northwest Argentina. After her graduation as an Anthropologist at University of Buenos Aires in 1996, she earned her Ph.D. at University of Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) in 2001. She has become a specialist in the field of high altitude archaeology, studying Inca ceremonial centers on the summits of Andean mountains. She is Scientific Investigator of the National Council for the Scientific Research (CONICET) in Argentina, a Professor of Inca Archaeology at Catholic University of Salta and the Director of the Institute of High Mountain Research at the same University. She is the only female Andean high-altitude archaeologist in the world. Dr. Ceruti has climbed over 100 mountains above 16,500 feet, (5000 meters) within the context of systematic archaeological research. She has been twice on top of Aconcagua (6.962 m.) – the highest mountain in the western hemisphere- , and on the summit of Mt. Pissis (6.882 m.) – the highest volcano in the world-, as well as on several other peaks in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina. She is the author of more than seventy scientific publications, including six books. Dr. Ceruti participated as project co-director in four of Dr. Johan Reinhard´s archaeological expeditions in 1999 and 2000, funded by the National Geographic Society. On the summit of volcano. Llullaillaco (22,100 feet) - the site of the highest archaeological work ever undertaken – Reinhard and Ceruti discovered three of the best preserved mummies in the world, together with several gold and silver statues and sumptuary objects of typical Inca style. Her academic achievements have been recognized by the University of Buenos Aires with the Gold Medal. Her mountaineering achievements have been recognized with the Gold Condor (the most important award by the National Army of Argentina, for the first time given to a woman). In 2005 she became an Emerging Explorer of the National Geographic Society. In 2006 she was among the few honorees at the Prince of Asturias Award Ceremony, when the Communication and Humanities Award was given to the National Geographic Society. In 2007 she received the Courage Award from the Wings Worldquest and she was honored as a Distinguished Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of West Georgia. Her interest in sacred mountains and anthropology goes beyond the vast Andean mountain range: she has been to the Nepal Himalayas, India, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Greenland, Norway, England, Australia, Polinesia, United States, Italy, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. She has been invited to lecture at dozens of universities and museums in the Americas and Europe. She is a fellow of Wings Worldquest, the Explorer´s Club and TED2009. // Constanza Ceruti was born in Buenos Aires in 1973 (January, 11th). She lives in the city of Salta, in Northwest Argentina. After her graduation as an Anthropologist at University of Buenos Aires in 1996, she earned her Ph.D. at University of Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) in 2001. She has become a specialist in the field of high altitude archaeology, studying Inca ceremonial centers on the summits of Andean mountains. She is Scientific Investigator of the National Council for the Scientific Research (CONICET) in Argentina, a Professor of Inca Archaeology at Catholic University of Salta and the Director of the Institute of High Mountain Research at the same University. She is the only female Andean high-altitude archaeologist in the world. Dr. Ceruti has climbed over 100 mountains above 16,500 feet, (5000 meters) within the context of systematic archaeological research. She has been twice on top of Aconcagua (6.962 m.) – the highest mountain in the western hemisphere- , and on the summit of Mt. Pissis (6.882 m.) – the highest volcano in the world-, as well as on several other peaks in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina. She is the author of more than seventy scientific publications, including six books. Dr. Ceruti participated as project co-director in four of Dr. Johan Reinhard´s archaeological expeditions in 1999 and 2000, funded by the National Geographic Society. On the summit of volcano. Llullaillaco (22,100 feet) - the site of the highest archaeological work ever undertaken – Reinhard and Ceruti discovered three of the best preserved mummies in the world, together with several gold and silver statues and sumptuary objects of typical Inca style. Her academic achievements have been recognized by the University of Buenos Aires with the Gold Medal. Her mountaineering achievements have been recognized with the Gold Condor (the most important award by the National Army of Argentina, for the first time given to a woman). In 2005 she became an Emerging Explorer of the National Geographic Society. In 2006 she was among the few honorees at the Prince of Asturias Award Ceremony, when the Communication and Humanities Award was given to the National Geographic Society. In 2007 she received the Courage Award from the Wings Worldquest and she was honored as a Distinguished Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of West Georgia. Her interest in sacred mountains and anthropology goes beyond the vast Andean mountain range: she has been to the Nepal Himalayas, India, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Greenland, Norway, England, Australia, Polinesia, United States, Italy, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. She has been invited to lecture at dozens of universities and museums in the Americas and Europe. She is a fellow of Wings Worldquest, the Explorer´s Club and TED2009. // High-altitude archaeologist + anthropologist // research, mountain science, high altitude climbing, anthropology of religion, science, communication, archaeology, women, mountains // Salta Province|Salta|Argentina

Salta Province|Salta|Argentina

Aviation, EVs, Electric Aircraft, Investment, Renewable Energy, Sustainability

2021

United States

Sandia National Laboratories; Sias International University; Beijing Open University; GAE; Chaparral High School Temecula; Stanford University; Molding International & Engrg; Temeku Holdings; Ampaire; Beijing Language and Culture University; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Fuller School of Intercultural Studies

Ampaire is a pioneering company focused on advancing electric aviation technology. They are at the forefront of developing hybrid-electric aircraft to reduce emissions, noise, and operating costs in the aviation industry. Ampaire's innovative AmpDrive system has been successfully flown in multiple hybrid-electric aircraft, demonstrating significant fuel savings, maintenance reductions, and noise reduction. The company collaborates with notable institutions like NASA and ARPA-E to further develop and test their technology. Ampaire's vision includes revolutionizing air travel by providing cleaner, more affordable flights that are environmentally sustainable. // Sandia National Laboratories; Sias International University; Beijing Open University; GAE; Chaparral High School Temecula; Stanford University; Molding International & Engrg; Temeku Holdings; Ampaire; Beijing Language and Culture University; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Fuller School of Intercultural Studies // Electrifying aviation. Dramatically reducing the environmental impact of flying. // Cory Combs is a key figure at Ampaire, a leading company in the field of electric aviation technology. Ampaire is dedicated to advancing hybrid-electric aircraft to minimize emissions, noise pollution, and operational expenses within the aviation sector. Through the successful implementation of the innovative AmpDrive system in various hybrid-electric aircraft, significant improvements in fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and noise levels have been achieved. Collaborating with prestigious institutions such as NASA and ARPA-E, Ampaire is actively engaged in further refining and testing their cutting-edge technology. Cory Combs plays a crucial role in the company's mission to transform air travel by offering cleaner, more cost-effective flights that prioritize environmental sustainability. // Electric aviation entrepreneur // Cory is an electric aviation entrepreneur and investor passionate about sustainable, practical innovation. He is Co-founder and Executive Tech Fellow at Ampaire, a startup that is leading the charge in electrifying aviation. Ampaire is the convergence of Cory's work designing X-planes, EVs, and clean technology. Cory was named a 2019 Emerson Collective Dial Fellow, 2021 ICAS Aerospace Innovation Prize Awardee, and has received global recognition for his pioneering work in electric aircraft. // If you're a frequent flier, you're also a major polluter. What if there was a way to travel the world with less impact on the environment? In this quick, exciting talk, aviation entrepreneur and TED Fellow Cory Combs lays out how electric aircraft could make flying cleaner, quieter and more affordable -- and shares his work on Electric EEL, the largest hybrid-electric plane ever to fly. // Cory Combs is a key figure at Ampaire, a leading company in the field of electric aviation technology. Ampaire is dedicated to advancing hybrid-electric aircraft to minimize emissions, noise pollution, and operational expenses within the aviation sector. Through the successful implementation of the innovative AmpDrive system in various hybrid-electric aircraft, significant improvements in fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and noise levels have been achieved. Collaborating with prestigious institutions such as NASA and ARPA-E, Ampaire is actively engaged in further refining and testing their cutting-edge technology. Cory Combs plays a crucial role in the company's mission to transform air travel by offering cleaner, more cost-effective flights that prioritize environmental sustainability. // Electric aviation entrepreneur // technology, renewable, sustainability, propulsion, flight, cleantech, electric, design, emissions, electric aircraft, investment, energy, pollution, affordable, hybrid propulsion, green flight, environmental impact, air travel, evs, aviation, renewable energy, sustainable aviation, aviation industry, aircraft // California|Los Angeles|United States|USA

California|Los Angeles|United States|USA

burn-out, entrepreneurship, health-tech, physiotherapy, startups, video-games

2015

Romania

RAIQC; Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Babeș-Bolyai University; MIRA Rehab; Universitatea „Babeș-Bolyai” din Cluj-Napoca; Faculty of Economic Science and Business Affairs, Babeș-Bolyai University; TED Conferences; Microsoft Student Partners; Colegiul National "Emil Racovita" Cluj-Napoca; NHS Innovation Accelerator; "Emil Racoviță" High-School

Cosmin has a passion for technology and how it can be creatively used to improve day-to-day activities. He enjoys playing video-games, which some may say is a trivial hobby, but it taught him to think about how to use what is fun, engaging and addictive in new ways. He is also passionate about improving health and well-being. After co-founding and leading a health-tech company for over 7 years, Cosmin now works with start-ups to help determine strategies and operations, especially in the healthcare industry. // RAIQC is a web-based clinical simulation platform designed to upskill medical image interpretation, leading to improved patient flow and outcomes. www.raiqc.com Primary activities: • Work with CEO and company management to set and follow the company's strategy and business plan • Liaise with clients, staff and suppliers to deliver all commercial and R&D projects according to plan and budget • Handle day to day business operations // Joined RAIQC to help with its R&D projects management and reporting, while researching opportunities for company growth. // The TED Fellows program handpicks world-changing innovators from around the globe and brings them to the TED stage -- literally and figuratively -- to raise international awareness of their remarkable work.http://www.ted.com/fellows // The NHS Innovation Accelerator supports uptake and spread of proven, impactful innovations across England’s NHS, benefitting patients, populations and NHS staff.https://nhsaccelerator.com/ // RAIQC; Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Babeș-Bolyai University; MIRA Rehab; Universitatea „Babeș-Bolyai” din Cluj-Napoca; Faculty of Economic Science and Business Affairs, Babeș-Bolyai University; TED Conferences; Microsoft Student Partners; Colegiul National "Emil Racovita" Cluj-Napoca; NHS Innovation Accelerator; "Emil Racoviță" High-School // Cosmin Mihaiu is a technology enthusiast with a keen interest in leveraging innovative solutions to enhance daily experiences. With a background in co-founding and leading a health-tech company, he has a strong focus on utilizing technology to advance health and well-being. Currently, Cosmin collaborates with start-ups, particularly in the healthcare sector, to provide strategic insights and operational guidance. His expertise lies in developing strategies, managing projects, and fostering growth opportunities within the industry. Additionally, he has been involved in initiatives like RAIQC, a clinical simulation platform aimed at enhancing medical image interpretation skills for improved patient outcomes. // At first (and through my TED Fellowship and TED Talk), I was aiming to change the world by turning physiotherapy exercises into video-games. I, unfortunately, burn-out of my start-up idea, and after a few months of recovery, I joined another start-up focusing on radiology education. I've worked with and mentored multiple health-tech ideas/startups, leading me to realise that my mission is to change the world by improving healthcare delivery through technology. // Cosmin Mihaiu is a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur dedicated to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance healthcare experiences. With a background in co-founding a health-tech company and a focus on utilizing technology to advance health and well-being, he excels in providing strategic insights and operational guidance to start-ups, particularly in the healthcare sector. Cosmin's expertise lies in developing strategies, managing projects, and fostering growth opportunities within the industry. He has been actively involved in initiatives like RAIQC, a clinical simulation platform aimed at enhancing medical image interpretation skills for improved patient outcomes. Through his experiences and mentorship in the health-tech space, Cosmin is committed to revolutionizing healthcare delivery through technology. // Physical therapy entrepreneur // CEO and co-founder of MIRA Rehab, developing a software platform that engages patients in interactive and therapeutic games, making physical rehabilitation fun. Cosmin's primary focus is establishing collaborations with UK and US medical institutions, persuading them that playing video-games can support therapists when treating their patients. Cosmin broke his arm when he was 7 years old and it took him a long time to recover due to how boring and difficult he found the therapy exercises. When his mother developed frozen shoulder, she barely exercised as well. In order to recover completely, patients need to be actively engaged in their therapy, but they find physical therapy boring, cumbersome and lengthy. Cosmin started working on <a href="http://www.mirarehab.com/">MIRA</a> in 2011 alongside three University colleagues. In 2012, they founded the company MIRA Rehab in UK, being invited in the Healthbox Europe Accelerator in London. Coming from Romania to a place they barely knew, the team had a difficult time maturing their student project into a business. However, they soon realized perseverance is one key thing to grow a business. At the end of the 3 months Healthbox program, the company received the Innovation Award, "<i>the most innovative solution to an industry challenge</i>". Since then, MIRA Rehab has grown and established important collaborations with major institutions, all while receiving several honors and awards. <b><u>Achievements:</u></b> • <b>Imagine Cup by Microsoft, NYC, USA</b> – Top 6 countries in the World, (Jul. ‘11) • <b>Healthbox Europe Accelerator and Innovation Award</b>, London, UK (Oct. ’12 & Jan. ‘13) • <b>Kairos 50</b> - “<i>One of the top 50 most innovative student-run businesses in the World</i>”, NYC, USA • <b>Forbes, Romania Special Edition "30 under 30"</b> (Mar. ’13) • <b>Tech.eu</b> -”<i>One of the top 35 healthcare start-ups to watch in Europe</i>” (Jun. ’14) • <b>The Journal of mHealth</b> (Nov. ’14) - Digital Health 100 Award – MIRA Rehab as one of the top 100 Digital Health companies in the world • <b>Founders Grid</b> (Jan. '15) - MIRA Rehab in <i>50 London Startups You Absolutely Must Know About</i> // CEO and co-founder of MIRA Rehab, developing a software platform that engages patients in interactive and therapeutic games, making physical rehabilitation fun. Cosmin's primary focus is establishing collaborations with UK and US medical institutions, persuading them that playing video-games can support therapists when treating their patients. Cosmin broke his arm when he was 7 years old and it took him a long time to recover due to how boring and difficult he found the therapy exercises. When his mother developed frozen shoulder, she barely exercised as well. In order to recover completely, patients need to be actively engaged in their therapy, but they find physical therapy boring, cumbersome and lengthy. Cosmin started working on MIRA in 2011 alongside three University colleagues. In 2012, they founded the company MIRA Rehab in UK, being invited in the Healthbox Europe Accelerator in London. Coming from Romania to a place they barely knew, the team had a difficult time maturing their student project into a business. However, they soon realized perseverance is one key thing to grow a business. At the end of the 3 months Healthbox program, the company received the Innovation Award, "the most innovative solution to an industry challenge". Since then, MIRA Rehab has grown and established important collaborations with major institutions, all while receiving several honors and awards. Achievements: • Imagine Cup by Microsoft, NYC, USA – Top 6 countries in the World, (Jul. ‘11) • Healthbox Europe Accelerator and Innovation Award, London, UK (Oct. ’12 & Jan. ‘13) • Kairos 50 - “One of the top 50 most innovative student-run businesses in the World”, NYC, USA • Forbes, Romania Special Edition "30 under 30" (Mar. ’13) • Tech.eu -”One of the top 35 healthcare start-ups to watch in Europe” (Jun. ’14) • The Journal of mHealth (Nov. ’14) - Digital Health 100 Award – MIRA Rehab as one of the top 100 Digital Health companies in the world • Founders Grid (Jan. '15) - MIRA Rehab in 50 London Startups You Absolutely Must Know About While in University, Cosmin was also part of the Microsoft Student Partner Program. This is a worldwide educational program with 2,800 members that provides technical expertise, offers leadership roles, and encourages relationships with University faculty. In just one year from entering the MSP Program, Cosmin became Technical Lead of the Microsoft Student Partners program in his University. His duties involved organizing tech seminars for students every other weekend, presenting Microsoft's technologies to students and making sure he had a broad knowledge of all Microsoft's technologies. Education: - Master of Science in Software Engineering (September 2014) - "Babeș-Bolyai" University, Romania - Double-Major Bachelor of Science in Information Engineering (June 2012) - "Babeș-Bolyai" University, Romania - Double-Major Bachelor's Degree in International Business (Feb 2012) - "Babeș-Bolyai" University, Romania // You've just been injured, and you're on the way home from an hour of physical therapy. The last thing you want to do on your own is confusing exercises that take too long to show results. TED Fellow Cosmin Mihaiu demos a fun, cheap solution that turns boring physical therapy exercises into a video game with crystal-clear instructions. // Cosmin Mihaiu is a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur dedicated to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance healthcare experiences. With a background in co-founding a health-tech company and a focus on utilizing technology to advance health and well-being, he excels in providing strategic insights and operational guidance to start-ups, particularly in the healthcare sector. Cosmin's expertise lies in developing strategies, managing projects, and fostering growth opportunities within the industry. He has been actively involved in initiatives like RAIQC, a clinical simulation platform aimed at enhancing medical image interpretation skills for improved patient outcomes. Through his experiences and mentorship in the health-tech space, Cosmin is committed to revolutionizing healthcare delivery through technology. // Physical therapy entrepreneur // technology, therapy, design, radiology, entrepreneurship, education, science, startups, mobile applications, health-tech, software, software engineering, physiotherapy // Cluj Napoca|United Kingdom|Cluj-Napoca|London|Cluj County|Romania

Cluj Napoca|United Kingdom|Cluj-Napoca|London|Cluj County|Romania

Visual Arts - Collage and mixed media, Visual Arts - Design, Visual Arts - Drawing & Painting, Visual Arts - Sculpture

2013

Kenya

Found object artist // Kenyan self-taught painter and sculptor who primarily uses junk materials to make his works, including striking eyewear. // I am a visual artist currently practicing in Nairobi, Kenya. I am a self taught painter and sculptor. My paintings are often humorous portrayals of contemporary living within Kenya. I adopt the role of a flâneur, the observer, explorer, and lounger using my paintings as the output for my experiences. My sculptural work embodies my role as a “collector” of Nairobi cast offs. I fashion and refashion these waste, recycled, and found materials into various forms. Currently I is focusing on a series that depicts African nature using thousands of bottle caps sewn together. I am perhaps best known for my C-STUNNERS, an ongoing work which I create and wear artistic bifocals. The work sits itself between fashion, wearable art, performance, and one of a kind commodity objects. The C-STUNNERS have a certain energy and playfulness that really captures the sensibility and attitude of a youth generation in Nairobi. They portray the aspiration of popular culture bling; they reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people; the lenses provide a new filter giving a fresh perspective onto the world that we live in transforming the wearer not only in appearance but in mind frame as well. // I am a visual artist currently practicing in Nairobi, Kenya. I am a self taught painter and sculptor. My paintings are often humorous portrayals of contemporary living within Kenya. I adopt the role of a flâneur, the observer, explorer, and lounger using my paintings as the output for my experiences. My sculptural work embodies my role as a “collector” of Nairobi cast offs. I fashion and refashion these waste, recycled, and found materials into various forms. Currently I is focusing on a series that depicts African nature using thousands of bottle caps sewn together. I am perhaps best known for my C-STUNNERS, an ongoing work which I create and wear artistic bifocals. The work sits itself between fashion, wearable art, performance, and one of a kind commodity objects. The C-STUNNERS have a certain energy and playfulness that really captures the sensibility and attitude of a youth generation in Nairobi. They portray the aspiration of popular culture bling; they reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people; the lenses provide a new filter giving a fresh perspective onto the world that we live in transforming the wearer not only in appearance but in mind frame as well. // Found object artist // visual arts - collage and mixed media, nature, visual arts - sculpture, design, youth, visual arts - drawing & painting, recycling, visual arts - design // Nairobi County|Kenya|Nairobi

Nairobi County|Kenya|Nairobi