United States

Anti-surveillance advocate // Albert Fox Cahn is the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project’s ( S.T.O.P.’s) founder and executive director. He is also a Practitioner-in-Residence at N.Y.U Law School’s Information Law Institute and a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center For Human Rights Policy, Yale Law School’s Information Society Project, Ashoka, and New Profit’s Civic Lab. Albert started S.T.O.P. with the belief that local surveillance is an unprecedented threat to public safety, equity, and democracy. Albert is a frequent commentator, with more than 100 articles in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Guardian, WIRED, Slate, NBC Think, Newsweek, and other publications. He frequently lectures at leading universities and speaks at leading technology governance forums. Albert previously served as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where he advised Fortune 50 companies on technology policy, antitrust law, and consumer privacy. Albert also serves on the New York Immigration Coalition’s Immigrant Leaders Council, the New York Immigrant Freedom Fund’s Advisory Council, IEEE Standards Association P3119 AI Procurement Working Group, and is an editorial board member for the Anthem Ethics of Personal Data Collection. Albert received his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School (where he was an editor of the Harvard Law & Policy Review), and his B.A. in Politics and Philosophy from Brandeis University. // Mass surveillance is worse than you think, but the solutions are simpler than you realize, says lawyer, technologist and TED Fellow Albert Fox Cahn. Breaking down the crude tactics law enforcement uses to sweep up massive amounts of data collected about us by our everyday tech, he lays out how new legal firewalls can protect the public from geofence warrants and other surveillance abuses -- and how we might end the looming dystopia of mass surveillance. // Albert Fox Cahn is the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project’s ( S.T.O.P.’s) founder and executive director. He is also a Practitioner-in-Residence at N.Y.U Law School’s Information Law Institute and a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center For Human Rights Policy, Yale Law School’s Information Society Project, Ashoka, and New Profit’s Civic Lab. Albert started S.T.O.P. with the belief that local surveillance is an unprecedented threat to public safety, equity, and democracy. Albert is a frequent commentator, with more than 100 articles in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Guardian, WIRED, Slate, NBC Think, Newsweek, and other publications. He frequently lectures at leading universities and speaks at leading technology governance forums. Albert previously served as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where he advised Fortune 50 companies on technology policy, antitrust law, and consumer privacy. Albert also serves on the New York Immigration Coalition’s Immigrant Leaders Council, the New York Immigrant Freedom Fund’s Advisory Council, IEEE Standards Association P3119 AI Procurement Working Group, and is an editorial board member for the Anthem Ethics of Personal Data Collection. Albert received his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School (where he was an editor of the Harvard Law & Policy Review), and his B.A. in Politics and Philosophy from Brandeis University. // Anti-surveillance advocate // technology, standards, human rights, ethics, rights, immigration, procurement, governance, law, policy, accounting standards, data collection, politics, national security, technology & law, data, artificial intelligence // New York|United States|USA

New York|United States|USA

United States

Israel

Psychologist and entrepreneur // I am an entrepreneur, a researcher, and a practicing psychologist. I am the Founder and CEO of Alter -- a science-based platform helping people find the right and professional psychologist. My mission has three parts: to make mental health accessible to all, to make it as effective as possible, and to overcome the stigma around mental health care to enable people to thrive. Currently got my Master degree from UPenn. TED fellow, Forbes 30 under 30, Cartier Women’s Initiative finalist. // During the Soviet Union era, therapy was often used as a tool of political oppression. Since then, Russia has seen major reforms in mental health care -- but stigmas and distrust for the practice still live on. Psychologist and TED Fellow Olga Kitaina shares the current state of therapy in Russia (where tarot card readers and astrologers sometimes pass as psychoanalysts) and outlines her solution for getting people the professional help they need. // I am an entrepreneur, a researcher, and a practicing psychologist. I am the Founder and CEO of Alter -- a science-based platform helping people find the right and professional psychologist. My mission has three parts: to make mental health accessible to all, to make it as effective as possible, and to overcome the stigma around mental health care to enable people to thrive. Currently got my Master degree from UPenn. TED fellow, Forbes 30 under 30, Cartier Women’s Initiative finalist. // Psychologist and entrepreneur // mental health, impact, entrepreneurship, psychology, psychotherapy // Tel Aviv-Yafo|Tel Aviv|Israel|Tel Aviv District

Tel Aviv-Yafo|Tel Aviv|Israel|Tel Aviv District

Kenya

Percussionist // In this talk-performance hybrid, drummer, percussionist and TED Fellow Kasiva Mutua shares how she's breaking the taboo against female drummers in Kenya -- and her mission to teach the significance and importance of the drum to young boys, women and girls. "Women can be custodians of culture, too," Mutua says. // Percussionist // girls, women

United States

Dr. Paule Joseph is a Lasker Clinical Research Scholar and Chief of the Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Her research focuses on understanding chemosensation, particularly taste, smell, and chemesthesis, and how they influence ingestive behaviors. Dr. Joseph conducts preclinical, clinical, and translational studies to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and management of chemosensory disorders, with a particular emphasis on metabolic disorders like obesity and brain diseases such as alcohol and substance use disorders. Additionally, her lab is investigating the effects of COVID-19 // Paule Valery Joseph is an American nurse and researcher at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. She has a background in nursing, with a focus on sensory science and metabolism. Joseph's research has delved into topics such as taste perception in children, the impact of taste on dietary intake and long-term health conditions, and the relationship between diet and health outcomes. She has also explored the effects of ultra-processed foods on health, the benefits of plant-based diets, and the potential for personalized nutritional programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joseph shifted her focus to investigate the loss of taste and smell in COVID-19 patients, as well as the taste and smell experiences of individuals with Long COVID. Her work has earned her recognition as a 2022 National Academy of Medicine and American Academy of Nursing Fellow. // I am trying to have a smell test for everyone in clinical settings // Dr. Paule Joseph is a distinguished Lasker Clinical Research Scholar and Chief of the Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Her expertise lies in the realm of chemosensation, with a specific focus on taste, smell, and chemesthesis, and their impact on ingestive behaviors. Dr. Joseph's research spans preclinical, clinical, and translational studies aimed at enhancing the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and management of chemosensory disorders, particularly in relation to metabolic disorders like obesity and brain diseases such as alcohol and substance use disorders. Notably, her recent investigations have extended to exploring the effects of COVID-19 on sensory experiences, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in this critical area. // Olfaction nurse + researcher // Dr. Paule Joseph is a distinguished Lasker Clinical Research Scholar and Chief of the Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Her expertise lies in the realm of chemosensation, with a specific focus on taste, smell, and chemesthesis, and their impact on ingestive behaviors. Dr. Joseph's research spans preclinical, clinical, and translational studies aimed at enhancing the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and management of chemosensory disorders, particularly in relation to metabolic disorders like obesity and brain diseases such as alcohol and substance use disorders. Notably, her recent investigations have extended to exploring the effects of COVID-19 on sensory experiences, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in this critical area. // Olfaction nurse + researcher // research, children, metabolism, chemosensation, globalhealth, plant-based, science, food, plants, neuroscience, taste, smell, pandemic, covid, nursing research, disease // Bethesda|Maryland|USA

Bethesda|Maryland|USA

United Kingdom

Canada

North Carolina State University; Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics; Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge; Caltech; Astrophysics Group, School of Physics, University of Melbourne; Princeton University

Dr. Katherine (Katie) Mack is a theoretical astrophysicist specializing in cosmology, focusing on topics such as dark matter, the early universe, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos. She holds the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Dr. Mack is known for her research on dark matter and the early universe, as well as her efforts to make physics more accessible to the public. She has authored the book "The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)" and contributed to various publications like Scientific American, Slate, and BBC's Science Focus. Additionally, she engages in science outreach through public lectures, school visits, and media appearances, aiming to increase access to scientific knowledge. Dr. Mack's research interests include dark matter, vacuum decay, and cosmic dawn and reionization, exploring fundamental aspects of the universe's evolution. // Cosmology researcher investigating dark matter, galaxy formation and evolution, astroparticle physics, and the early universe. Also working with Perimeter's outreach and science communication teams to share physics with the world. // Postdoctoral research fellowship in theoretical astrophysics funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA). Based in the Astrophysics Group in the School of Physics. // Postdoctoral research fellowship in theoretical astrophysics funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. // Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics working in theoretical cosmology; including dark matter, the early universe, galaxy formation, and astro-particle theory. Member of NC State's new Leadership in Public Science Cluster, working to bring science and the public together in new and innovative ways. // North Carolina State University; Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics; Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge; Caltech; Astrophysics Group, School of Physics, University of Melbourne; Princeton University // Katie Mack is a cosmology researcher with a focus on dark matter, galaxy formation, astroparticle physics, and the early universe. With a background in theoretical astrophysics, she has held postdoctoral research fellowships funded by prestigious organizations like the Australian Research Council and the Science and Technology Facilities Council. Katie has also served as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics, specializing in theoretical cosmology, including areas such as dark matter, the early universe, and galaxy formation. She is actively involved in science communication and outreach efforts, collaborating with Perimeter's teams to make physics accessible to a wider audience and is a member of NC State's Leadership in Public Science Cluster, aiming to bridge the gap between science and the public through innovative approaches. // In my academic work, my main drive is to better understand the fundamental physics that governs the functioning and evolution of the cosmos. I hope that my research contributes to this global, collaborative effort in cosmology. Outside of academia, my hope is that through my public engagement, science writing, and presence as a public scientist, I can help connect people to the cosmos and help them feel more empowered to explore deep fundamental scientific questions. // Dr. Katherine (Katie) Mack is a theoretical astrophysicist specializing in cosmology, with a particular focus on dark matter, the early universe, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos. Holding the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Dr. Mack is recognized for her research on dark matter, vacuum decay, and cosmic dawn and reionization. She has contributed significantly to the field through her work on galaxy formation, astroparticle physics, and theoretical cosmology. In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Mack is deeply committed to science communication and outreach, engaging in public lectures, media appearances, and science writing to make physics more accessible to a wider audience and bridge the gap between science and the public. // Cosmologist // Theoretical cosmologist studying the history, evolution, and long-term fate of the universe. Science writer and public speaker. Very online. Author of New York Times Notable Book about our ultimate cosmic fate, "The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)". // In this fascinating conversation, cosmologist and TED Fellow Katie Mack delves into everything from the Big Bang theory to what we see at the edge of the observable universe to a few ways the cosmos might end. Stay tuned to hear Mack recite an original poem on the wonder and marvel of existence. (This conversation, hosted by deputy director of the TED Fellows program, Lily James Olds, was part of a TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.) // The universe started with a bang -- but how will it end? With astonishing visuals, cosmologist and TED Fellow Katie Mack takes us to the theoretical end of everything, some trillions of years in the future, in a profound meditation on existence, wonder and the legacy of humanity within the immensity of time and space. // Dr. Katherine (Katie) Mack is a theoretical astrophysicist specializing in cosmology, with a particular focus on dark matter, the early universe, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos. Holding the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Dr. Mack is recognized for her research on dark matter, vacuum decay, and cosmic dawn and reionization. She has contributed significantly to the field through her work on galaxy formation, astroparticle physics, and theoretical cosmology. In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Mack is deeply committed to science communication and outreach, engaging in public lectures, media appearances, and science writing to make physics more accessible to a wider audience and bridge the gap between science and the public. // Cosmologist // research, technology, particle physics, accessibility, science writing, science, astronomy, science communication, physics, communication, astrophysics, space, cosmology // USA|Raleigh|Waterloo|Ontario|North Carolina|Canada

USA|Raleigh|Waterloo|Ontario|North Carolina|Canada

United States

AI engineer + innovator // AI engineer + innovator

Uganda

Director + playwright // In 2006, a T. A/Masters student at Makerere University, Adong returned to her war-ravaged hometown, Gulu, to study the use of theatre in the psychosocial therapy of the children who filled the ranks of Kony’s army, one of the largest child armies in human history. Adong knew then that a dissertation that would gather dust in academic shelves would be an injustice to these war-weary yet raw defiant powerful voices that needed to be heard by the world. So, she wrote Silent Voices, a play that depicts a former LRA slave-wife’s struggle to make sense of the justice she was dealt. While working on the play at Sundance Theatre Lab, Adong met her first openly gay person. The encounter challenged her to re-assess her understanding of homosexuality and she wrote Just Me, You and THE SILENCE, partly developed at the Royal Court Theatre in London and read at Makerere University and to 300 Ugandan LGBTQ & the Diplomatic community. Silent Voices’ acclaimed World Premiere at the National Theatre of Uganda amidst fear of Adong’s arrest for her daring portrayal of the government’s role in northern Uganda war crimes was described by many a Ugandan as, ‘the spiritual rebirth of theatre in Uganda since the decline of critical theatre due to political persecution of artists during the Idi Amin Regime’. It brought together victims, political, religious, cultural, Amnesty Commission and transitional justice leaders for critical, transformative conversations about issues of war crimes. For many in the Kampala audience, the atrocities in Gulu were unfamiliar and shocking, eliciting feelings of betrayal by their Government. Without a doubt, Adong had found her calling! However, a filmmaking dream nurtured since the age of 13 after watching her first African film, Consequences (Zimbabwe, 1987) still ate at Adong’s soul. Fall of 2012, she joined Temple University’s MFA Filmmaking and Media Arts under the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, where true to her calling, her 50mins thesis film, Right Song, Wrong C(h)ord, explores the journey of a young Ugandan woman’s search of home, recognition and respect in the face of racial prejudice and the burgeoning promise of true love in the world of the American Dream. In 2015, Adong returned home with an Acholi language production of the play whose journey started there, which this time around she directed and toured 3 towns of northern Uganda and yet again brought together stakeholders in a conversation and moved Acholi people to tears, christening Adong the ‘rebirth of Okot P’ Bitek’. “The way you captured the events of the war are so spot-on. The most truthful depiction of the war ever. So, I laughed because I recognized myself in the actors on stage. I saw the meaningless atrocities I committed and saw how stupid and meaningless it all was. So, mine was a laugh of recognition, not enjoyment”, explained a former LRA Soldier audience member when Adong expressed disappointment at a few inappropriate laughter. Adong, who is 1 of 12 global Theatre Influencer’ for the 2017 54th Berlin Theatre Meeting, has found a multiplier effect approach that blends her theatre influence goals through an annual summer Theatre Production Apprenticeship she designed that teams up 10 Aspiring Theatre Makers with Renowned Local and International Theatre Makers in a hands-on-on-the-job training under her non-profit production company, Silent Voices Uganda., whose 1st Edition commenced in 2016 upon her return from the ‘Get Lost Program’ Artists Residency in Amsterdam. She continues to write, direct and produce social change plays- Holy Maria (2017), a play that asks, ‘how free is the 21st century woman?’ & Blood (2017), Adong’s Modern Day Impression of Lorraine Hansberry’s Les Blancs that exposes the hypocrisy of White American journalists that flock the African continent to cover stories of ‘barbaric’ acts, while ignoring the savagery unleashed on Black Americans back home. Adong uses a multi-layered storytelling approach that combines conventional and experimental styles with dark humor and a blend of music, dance and drama that exposes absurdities and layers of issues that make her plays accessible to diverse groups. Her plays have received Public Readings in New York, London, Toronto and Chicago and been studied at Ivy League Universities like Princeton, Dartmouth, NYU and UNC, where she has been invited as a visiting artist. Adong’s theatre directing style draws from her cinematic background creating stunning visuals on stage. Veteran Ugandan Art reporter, Wabweyo George described Adong’s 2016 directions of her play Ga-AD! as, “The Hand of God of Ugandan theatre, so reminiscent of Argentinian Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup epic steal against England…” Adong recently signed a publishing contract with Methuen Publishers, UK for her play, Silent Voices and is currently in pre-production of her 2017 Summer Apprenticeship using the production of her LGBTQ Rights play, Just Me, You and THE SILENCE. // Director and playwright Adong Judith creates provocative art that sparks dialogue on issues from LGBTQ rights to war crimes. In this quick but powerful talk, the TED Fellow details her work -- including the play "Silent Voices," which brought victims of the Northern Ugandan war against Joseph Kony's rebel group together with political, religious and cultural leaders for transformative talks. "Listening to one another will not magically solve all problems," Judith says. "But it will give a chance to create avenues to start to work together to solve many of humanity's problems." // In 2006, a T. A/Masters student at Makerere University, Adong returned to her war-ravaged hometown, Gulu, to study the use of theatre in the psychosocial therapy of the children who filled the ranks of Kony’s army, one of the largest child armies in human history. Adong knew then that a dissertation that would gather dust in academic shelves would be an injustice to these war-weary yet raw defiant powerful voices that needed to be heard by the world. So, she wrote Silent Voices, a play that depicts a former LRA slave-wife’s struggle to make sense of the justice she was dealt. While working on the play at Sundance Theatre Lab, Adong met her first openly gay person. The encounter challenged her to re-assess her understanding of homosexuality and she wrote Just Me, You and THE SILENCE, partly developed at the Royal Court Theatre in London and read at Makerere University and to 300 Ugandan LGBTQ & the Diplomatic community. Silent Voices’ acclaimed World Premiere at the National Theatre of Uganda amidst fear of Adong’s arrest for her daring portrayal of the government’s role in northern Uganda war crimes was described by many a Ugandan as, ‘the spiritual rebirth of theatre in Uganda since the decline of critical theatre due to political persecution of artists during the Idi Amin Regime’. It brought together victims, political, religious, cultural, Amnesty Commission and transitional justice leaders for critical, transformative conversations about issues of war crimes. For many in the Kampala audience, the atrocities in Gulu were unfamiliar and shocking, eliciting feelings of betrayal by their Government. Without a doubt, Adong had found her calling! However, a filmmaking dream nurtured since the age of 13 after watching her first African film, Consequences (Zimbabwe, 1987) still ate at Adong’s soul. Fall of 2012, she joined Temple University’s MFA Filmmaking and Media Arts under the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, where true to her calling, her 50mins thesis film, Right Song, Wrong C(h)ord, explores the journey of a young Ugandan woman’s search of home, recognition and respect in the face of racial prejudice and the burgeoning promise of true love in the world of the American Dream. In 2015, Adong returned home with an Acholi language production of the play whose journey started there, which this time around she directed and toured 3 towns of northern Uganda and yet again brought together stakeholders in a conversation and moved Acholi people to tears, christening Adong the ‘rebirth of Okot P’ Bitek’. “The way you captured the events of the war are so spot-on. The most truthful depiction of the war ever. So, I laughed because I recognized myself in the actors on stage. I saw the meaningless atrocities I committed and saw how stupid and meaningless it all was. So, mine was a laugh of recognition, not enjoyment”, explained a former LRA Soldier audience member when Adong expressed disappointment at a few inappropriate laughter. Adong, who is 1 of 12 global Theatre Influencer’ for the 2017 54th Berlin Theatre Meeting, has found a multiplier effect approach that blends her theatre influence goals through an annual summer Theatre Production Apprenticeship she designed that teams up 10 Aspiring Theatre Makers with Renowned Local and International Theatre Makers in a hands-on-on-the-job training under her non-profit production company, Silent Voices Uganda., whose 1st Edition commenced in 2016 upon her return from the ‘Get Lost Program’ Artists Residency in Amsterdam. She continues to write, direct and produce social change plays- Holy Maria (2017), a play that asks, ‘how free is the 21st century woman?’ & Blood (2017), Adong’s Modern Day Impression of Lorraine Hansberry’s Les Blancs that exposes the hypocrisy of White American journalists that flock the African continent to cover stories of ‘barbaric’ acts, while ignoring the savagery unleashed on Black Americans back home. Adong uses a multi-layered storytelling approach that combines conventional and experimental styles with dark humor and a blend of music, dance and drama that exposes absurdities and layers of issues that make her plays accessible to diverse groups. Her plays have received Public Readings in New York, London, Toronto and Chicago and been studied at Ivy League Universities like Princeton, Dartmouth, NYU and UNC, where she has been invited as a visiting artist. Adong’s theatre directing style draws from her cinematic background creating stunning visuals on stage. Veteran Ugandan Art reporter, Wabweyo George described Adong’s 2016 directions of her play Ga-AD! as, “The Hand of God of Ugandan theatre, so reminiscent of Argentinian Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup epic steal against England…” Adong recently signed a publishing contract with Methuen Publishers, UK for her play, Silent Voices and is currently in pre-production of her 2017 Summer Apprenticeship using the production of her LGBTQ Rights play, Just Me, You and THE SILENCE. // Director + playwright // paper, writing, producing and teaching., job skills training, research, music lyrics writing., scholarly paper writing., film, race, war, poetry writing., mining, theatre, children, television and radio dramas directing, research., inspirational talk., government, solo performance., justice // Uganda|Kampala|Central Region

Uganda|Kampala|Central Region

Kenya

Wanuri Kahiu is a director, writer, and producer known for her impactful work in film and television. Her first feature film, "From A Whisper," received critical acclaim and multiple awards. She is also recognized for her short film "Pumzi," which garnered international recognition. Wanuri is the creator of the Afrobubblegum genre, focusing on creating vibrant and positive black content. Additionally, she has been involved in various projects that highlight important social issues. Wanuri's contributions to the film industry have earned her a reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker. // Wanuri Kahiu is a prominent figure in the new generation of African storytellers, known for her internationally acclaimed films that have been showcased at numerous film festivals worldwide. She has written and directed seven films and is the co-founder of AFROBUBBLEGUM, a media company focused on supporting and creating vibrant African art. Additionally, Wanuri has ventured into children's literature with works like "The Wooden Camel" and has been recognized for her innovative approach to storytelling that captures the full range of human experiences. Her film "Rafiki" made history as the first Kenyan feature invited to the Cannes Film Festival. Wanuri Kahiu's work reflects a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight, and a commitment to showcasing diverse narratives. // A new perspective of joy and images of joy and hope from Africa. Adding new narratives about people of color and women of color. // Wanuri Kahiu is a highly acclaimed director, writer, and producer renowned for her impactful contributions to the film industry. With a focus on creating vibrant and positive black content, she is the creator of the Afrobubblegum genre, which celebrates joy and hope in African narratives. Wanuri's work, including films like "From A Whisper" and "Rafiki," has garnered international recognition and critical acclaim, with her films being showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide. As a prominent figure in the new generation of African storytellers, she is known for her innovative approach to storytelling that captures diverse human experiences. Through her films, literature, and media company AFROBUBBLEGUM, Wanuri Kahiu continues to push boundaries and amplify underrepresented voices in the industry. // Filmmaker // Born in Nairobi, Wanuri is part of the new generation of African filmmakers. Her films have received international acclaim and have screened in over 100 film festivals around the world. To date, Wanuri has written and directed six films and is working on her second feature length film. She currently lives with her partner and two children in Nairobi. // We're so used to narratives out of Africa being about war, poverty and devastation, says TED Fellow Wanuri Kahiu. Where's the fun? Introducing "AfroBubbleGum" -- African art that's vibrant, lighthearted and without a political agenda. Rethink the value of all that is unserious as Kahiu explains why we need art that captures the full range of human experiences to tell the stories of Africa. // Wanuri Kahiu is a highly acclaimed director, writer, and producer renowned for her impactful contributions to the film industry. With a focus on creating vibrant and positive black content, she is the creator of the Afrobubblegum genre, which celebrates joy and hope in African narratives. Wanuri's work, including films like "From A Whisper" and "Rafiki," has garnered international recognition and critical acclaim, with her films being showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide. As a prominent figure in the new generation of African storytellers, she is known for her innovative approach to storytelling that captures diverse human experiences. Through her films, literature, and media company AFROBUBBLEGUM, Wanuri Kahiu continues to push boundaries and amplify underrepresented voices in the industry. // Filmmaker // children, writer, poverty, speaker, african futurist, filmmaker, war, women // Los Angeles|USA|Nairobi|California|Nairobi County|Kenya

Los Angeles|USA|Nairobi|California|Nairobi County|Kenya

United States

Smithsonian Institution; Fulbright Association; Canadian Museum of Nature; AAAS; University of Michigan; McGill University; National Science Foundation; American Museum of Natural History; TED Conferences; Louisiana State University

Prosanta Chakrabarty, Ph.D., is a renowned ichthyologist and evolutionary biologist known for his work on the biodiversity, biogeography, phylogenomics, and taxonomy of fishes. He has described over a dozen new fish species from various countries and has conducted natural history research in more than 35 countries. As the principal investigator of a lab focusing on fish research, he has collaborated with postdocs and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Chakrabarty has held various prestigious positions, including serving as the President of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, a Program Director at the National Science Foundation, and a Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Ottawa. He is a TED Senior Fellow and a National Geographic Certified Educator, known for his engaging presentations that blend solid science with historical context and humor. Dr. Chakrabarty's public science outreach efforts aim to inspire curiosity and understanding of evolution and natural history research among audiences of all ages. He is available as a keynote speaker on topics such as STEM, diversity, academia, and collaboration in science, tailoring his talks and workshops to specific audiences. Dr. Chakrabarty has spoken at prestigious institutions // I study fishes to better understand Earth history and evolution. I am a Public Speaker available to speak at your graduation, or as a keynote. I can speak about STEM, STEAM, diversity, academia, and collaboration. https://www.prosanta.org/ // I am an ichthyologist, evolutionary biologist and systematist. I have authored more than 50 scientific publications and wrote "A Guide to Academia: Getting into and Surviving Grad School, Postdocs, and a Research Job." // Elected in 2018 for "distinguished contributions to evolutionary biology, focusing on the bioluminescent systems and historical biogeography of freshwater fishes, and for effectively communicating science to the public." https://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2018/11/27aaas2018.php // https://blog.ted.com/meet-the-2018-class-of-ted-fellows-and-senior-fellows/ // DEB Cluster // Research on bioluminescent fishes // Smithsonian Institution; Fulbright Association; Canadian Museum of Nature; AAAS; University of Michigan; McGill University; National Science Foundation; American Museum of Natural History; TED Conferences; Louisiana State University // Prosanta Chakrabarty is an accomplished ichthyologist, evolutionary biologist, and systematist with a focus on studying fishes to unravel Earth's history and evolution. With over 50 scientific publications to his name, he is recognized for his distinguished contributions to evolutionary biology, particularly in the realms of bioluminescent systems and historical biogeography of freshwater fishes. Prosanta is also a proficient public speaker, offering engaging talks on STEM, STEAM, diversity, academia, and collaboration. His expertise extends to academia, as evidenced by his book "A Guide to Academia," which provides insights into navigating graduate school, postdocs, and research careers. // I'd like more people to understand evolution, including the parts related to gender, race, sex and sexuality. I wrote a recent book, 'Explaining Life Through Evolution' that was based on one of my talks. I'd also like for more people to understand biodiversity and how natural historians like myself aren't just swashbuckling but also careful and mindful recorders of the Earth's biodiversity. // Prosanta Chakrabarty, Ph.D., is a distinguished ichthyologist and evolutionary biologist whose work focuses on the biodiversity, biogeography, phylogenomics, and taxonomy of fishes. With over a dozen newly described fish species and research spanning more than 35 countries, he has made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Chakrabarty's expertise extends to public speaking, where he delivers engaging presentations on STEM, diversity, academia, and collaboration, aiming to inspire curiosity and understanding of evolution and natural history research. He is also the author of "A Guide to Academia," offering valuable insights into navigating academic careers. Through his work and outreach efforts, Dr. Chakrabarty seeks to promote a deeper appreciation for evolution, biodiversity, and the importance of natural history research. // Ichthyologist // Ichthyologist (I study fishes!) Evolutionary biologist and natural historian researching and discovering new species while exploring the world in an effort to understand fundamental aspects of biological diversity. Also a former Program Director at the National Science Foundation so ask me about fundamental basic science research. I am also a Fulbright Distinguished Chair, a AAAS Fellow, and Chair of LSU's Center for Collaborative Knowledge (so ask me about making connections between scientists and humanists/artists). Watch my TED talks — “4 billion years of evolution in six minutes” & “Clues to prehistoric times, found in blind cavefish” And my TEDed — "What can DNA tests really tell us about our ancestry?" Also my new book ‘Explaining Life Through Evolution’ is available at the TED2022 Bookstore // Prosanta Chakrabarty, Ph.D., is a distinguished ichthyologist and evolutionary biologist whose work focuses on the biodiversity, biogeography, phylogenomics, and taxonomy of fishes. With over a dozen newly described fish species and research spanning more than 35 countries, he has made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Chakrabarty's expertise extends to public speaking, where he delivers engaging presentations on STEM, diversity, academia, and collaboration, aiming to inspire curiosity and understanding of evolution and natural history research. He is also the author of "A Guide to Academia," offering valuable insights into navigating academic careers. Through his work and outreach efforts, Dr. Chakrabarty seeks to promote a deeper appreciation for evolution, biodiversity, and the importance of natural history research. // Ichthyologist // freshwater, rivers and lakes, marine, education, fish, biodiversity, rivers, evolution, natural history, ichthyology, evolution research, freshwaters, research, design, bioinformatics, species, wildlife, stem, oceans, gender, science communication, science, genetics, communication, curation, ecology // Louisiana|United States|Baton Rouge|USA

Louisiana|United States|Baton Rouge|USA

Canada

Quantum Algorithms Institute; Wilfrid Laurier University

The organization is led by a Professor of Physics and Computer Science who is also the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering. Their research focuses on quantum information science, exploring the applications of quantum physics in computation and communication. They also investigate the relationship between classical chaos theory and quantum physics. The organization is involved in initiatives addressing gender issues and diversity in science. The professor teaches courses on quantum mechanics and quantum computing. Their work includes publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings on topics such as blockchain platforms, quantum protocols, chaos theory, and quantum entanglement. // Quantum Algorithms Institute; Wilfrid Laurier University // Quantum technologies have the potential to transform computing, communication and sensors, and could impact healthcare, finance, IT, environment and much more. I am working to help build a global quantum-powered ecosystem that will benefit society while avoiding the many dangers of emerging technologies. // Shohini Ghose is a Professor of Physics and Computer Science, as well as the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering. Her research primarily revolves around quantum information science, delving into the practical applications of quantum physics in computation and communication. She also explores the interplay between classical chaos theory and quantum physics. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ghose is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at addressing gender disparities and promoting diversity in the field of science. She imparts her knowledge through teaching courses on quantum mechanics and quantum computing. Ghose's scholarly contributions span various publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings covering diverse topics such as blockchain platforms, quantum protocols, chaos theory, and quantum entanglement. // Quantum physicist, equity advocate // I always wanted to be an explorer like Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to go to space. I haven’t made it to space yet, but I did become an explorer of the quantum world as a physics Professor in Waterloo, Canada. I examine how quantum physics can transform computing and communication. My colleagues and I were the first to observe the effect of chaos on quantum entanglement. I am passionate about building an inclusive science community as the Founding Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS) and the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering in Ontario. I was thrilled to become a 2014 TED Fellow and a 2018 TED Senior Fellow. I currently serve on the Scientific Board of the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Program. I still dream of going to space. // A quantum computer isn't just a more powerful version of the computers we use today; it's something else entirely, based on emerging scientific understanding -- and more than a bit of uncertainty. Enter the quantum wonderland with TED Fellow Shohini Ghose and learn how this technology holds the potential to transform medicine, create unbreakable encryption and even teleport information. // Shohini Ghose is a Professor of Physics and Computer Science, as well as the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering. Her research primarily revolves around quantum information science, delving into the practical applications of quantum physics in computation and communication. She also explores the interplay between classical chaos theory and quantum physics. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ghose is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at addressing gender disparities and promoting diversity in the field of science. She imparts her knowledge through teaching courses on quantum mechanics and quantum computing. Ghose's scholarly contributions span various publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings covering diverse topics such as blockchain platforms, quantum protocols, chaos theory, and quantum entanglement. // Quantum physicist, equity advocate // technology, led, diversity, chaos theory, equity, finance, research, inclusion, women, quantum physics, gender, blockchain, diversity and inclusion, sensor, quantum internet, science communication, science, quantum computing, communication, gender issues in science // Waterloo|Vancouver|Ontario|Toronto|Canada

Waterloo|Vancouver|Ontario|Toronto|Canada

United States

Filmmaker + activist // Jen lives large from her bed. She is the director of http://canaryinacoalminefilm.com/ and hosts http://thriveshow.org/ // I directed Unrest, a Sundance award-winning documentary film: http://unrest.film and am currently developing a few fiction projects. I also co-founded #MEAction, a global, grassroots organization to build community and help a population that is largely disabled, homebound, or bedbound to advocate more effectively. http://meaction.net. I became a filmmaker after becoming suddenly bedridden five years ago, while I was a graduate student in political economy and statistics at Harvard. I am passionate about film, storytelling, community organizing, and the internet as a powerful social space for the disabled; the intersections of health and the environment, health and women's rights, and health and human rights, and how the medical system can do better. // Five years ago, TED Fellow Jennifer Brea became progressively ill with myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, a debilitating illness that severely impairs normal activities and on bad days makes even the rustling of bed sheets unbearable. In this poignant talk, Brea describes the obstacles she's encountered in seeking treatment for her condition, whose root causes and physical effects we don't fully understand, as well as her mission to document through film the lives of patients that medicine struggles to treat. // I directed Unrest, a Sundance award-winning documentary film: http://unrest.film and am currently developing a few fiction projects. I also co-founded #MEAction, a global, grassroots organization to build community and help a population that is largely disabled, homebound, or bedbound to advocate more effectively. http://meaction.net. I became a filmmaker after becoming suddenly bedridden five years ago, while I was a graduate student in political economy and statistics at Harvard. I am passionate about film, storytelling, community organizing, and the internet as a powerful social space for the disabled; the intersections of health and the environment, health and women's rights, and health and human rights, and how the medical system can do better. // Filmmaker + activist // grassroots, human rights, women's rights, rights, advocacy, community organizing, documentary, women // Princeton|New Jersey|United States|USA

Princeton|New Jersey|United States|USA

United States

Worth Rises; Columbia Law School; Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA); ACLU; Harvard Law School; Brennan Center for Justice; Columbia University; Corrections Accountability Project at the Urban Justice Center; Columbia University in the City of New York; Goldman Sachs Asset Management; Teach For America; Citi; Morgan Stanley Investment Management; NYC Department of Correction; Harvard University

Worth Rises is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industry and ending the exploitation of those it touches. They work to expose the commercialization of the criminal legal system, advocate for fair treatment of incarcerated individuals, and organize campaigns to protect and return economic resources extracted from affected communities. Through research, data analysis, and mobilizing knowledge, they aim to raise awareness and shift discourse around the prison industrial complex. Their efforts include organizing campaigns, leading initiatives to challenge those who profit from mass incarceration, and envisioning a society free of reliance on human caging for wealth or operation. // Combining unique expertise in both criminal justice and financial services to combat the commercial exploitation of the criminal legal system and protect and return the resources of directly-impacted communities // Presented on use of force data to state correctional directors at ASCA's summer conference // Sponsored by Ropes & Gray LLP // Education Pioneers Fellowship Placement // Ford Foundation Law School Public Interest Fellowship Placement // Worth Rises; Columbia Law School; Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA); ACLU; Harvard Law School; Brennan Center for Justice; Columbia University; Corrections Accountability Project at the Urban Justice Center; Columbia University in the City of New York; Goldman Sachs Asset Management; Teach For America; Citi; Morgan Stanley Investment Management; NYC Department of Correction; Harvard University // Bianca Tylek leverages a distinctive blend of knowledge in criminal justice and financial services to address the exploitation of the criminal legal system and advocate for the restoration of resources to affected communities. With a focus on combatting commercial exploitation, Bianca's work intersects with various sectors to drive impactful change. She has shared insights on use of force data with state correctional directors at a prestigious conference and has gained valuable experience through placements with organizations like Ropes & Gray LLP, Education Pioneers Fellowship, and Ford Foundation Law School Public Interest Fellowship. Bianca's efforts reflect a commitment to promoting equity and justice within the legal landscape. // I'm working to remove the financial incentives to incarcerate people. // Bianca Tylek is a dedicated advocate and expert at the intersection of criminal justice and financial services. Through her work with organizations like Worth Rises, she focuses on dismantling the prison industry's commercialization and advocating for fair treatment of incarcerated individuals. Bianca's efforts involve research, data analysis, and mobilizing knowledge to raise awareness about the exploitation within the criminal legal system. Her commitment to promoting equity and justice is evident in her initiatives to challenge those who profit from mass incarceration and envision a society free from reliance on human caging for profit. Bianca's unique blend of expertise drives impactful change in combatting commercial exploitation and restoring resources to affected communities. // Criminal justice advocate // Bianca is an activist artist and the Founder & Executive Director of Worth Rises, where she combines her direct experience with the criminal legal system and expertise in financial and legal services to challenge the prison industry. Before founding Worth Rises in 2017, Bianca was a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, where she investigated the perverse financial incentives created by correctional funding. Previously, Bianca worked with various state and local corrections agencies, including New York City, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. She has also consulted to the Association of State Correctional Administrators and worked for the Campaign to End Mass Incarceration at the American Civil Liberties Union. Bianca co-founded College Pathways at Rikers Island, a preparation program for incarcerated students interested in pursuing higher education. Before committing her career to criminal and racial justice, Bianca worked as a financial analyst at Citigroup and Morgan Stanley. Bianca has been honored as an Art For Justice Fellow, American Achievement Summit Delegate, Equal Justice Works Fellow, a Harvard University Presidential Public Service Fellow, Ford Foundation Public Interest Fellow, Paul & Daisy Soros New American Fellow, and an Education Pioneers Analyst Fellow. // A phone call to a US prison or jail can cost up to a dollar per minute -- a rate that forces one in three families with incarcerated loved ones into debt. In this searing talk about mass incarceration, criminal justice advocate and TED Fellow Bianca Tylek exposes the predatory nature of the billion-dollar prison telecom industry and presents straightforward strategies to dismantle the network of corporations that has a financial interest in seeing more people behind bars for longer periods of time. // Bianca Tylek is a dedicated advocate and expert at the intersection of criminal justice and financial services. Through her work with organizations like Worth Rises, she focuses on dismantling the prison industry's commercialization and advocating for fair treatment of incarcerated individuals. Bianca's efforts involve research, data analysis, and mobilizing knowledge to raise awareness about the exploitation within the criminal legal system. Her commitment to promoting equity and justice is evident in her initiatives to challenge those who profit from mass incarceration and envision a society free from reliance on human caging for profit. Bianca's unique blend of expertise drives impactful change in combatting commercial exploitation and restoring resources to affected communities. // Criminal justice advocate // prison abolition, education, financial services, data, finance, research, activism, race, policy, advocacy campaigns, prisoner rights , public policy, data analysis, criminal justice, advocacy, island, campaigns, nature, expose, law, industrial, communication, justice, racial justice // New York|United States|USA

New York|United States|USA

Canada

University of St. Andrews; Astrobiology Graduate Community; Kalispell School District 5; University of Calgary; Jesus College Oxford; York University; Cornell University; UH-IfA; Oxford University; Tufts University; Harvard University

Sarah Rugheimer is an astronomer and astrobiologist, serving as the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy at York University in Toronto. Her research focuses on modeling the atmosphere and climate of extrasolar planets, particularly Earth-like planets and early Earth conditions. She is passionate about engaging with the public on astrophysics and astrobiology, with a keen interest in the study of the origin of life on Earth and the search for life on other planets. Sarah is dedicated to teaching and mentoring, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy and addressing gender and racial bias in STEM fields. She has received recognition for her work, including being a TED fellow and winning the Caroline Herschel Prize. Sarah is actively involved in public outreach, including creating educational resources and participating in podcasts and outreach programs. // The organization conducts research in the field of astrobiology, focusing on exoplanets, biosignatures, and habitability. Their work is theoretical and computational, with a particular interest in detecting life on other planets or moons in the Universe. They are actively involved in studying habitable planets orbiting other stars and are working towards detecting atmospheres of terrestrial extrasolar planets in the habitable zone using advanced telescopes and observatories. The organization's research aims to explore the origins of life and the potential distribution of life in the Universe, with a focus on developing techniques to remotely detect life in the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. They also investigate the influence of stellar activity on terrestrial planet atmospheres and the planet-star connection to understand how it affects habitability and biosignatures on these planets. // I developed curriculum and program details for Harvard's graduate certificate program in Astrobiology. I started the bi-weekly graduate astrobiology journal club in 2009. I've attended many summer schools and conferences in astrobiology to learn fields outside of my primary field of astronomy. These include AbGradCon 2009,2010,2011, Research Focus Group AbGradCon 2011, Nordic NASA Iceland Summer School, Nordic-NASA Hawaii Summer School, Santander Exoplanet School, IMPRS Heidelberg School. // I hold the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy at York University. I research how to detect, signs of life or biosignatures on planets orbiting other stars. // Research associate at the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University. // PhD in Astrophysics working with Lisa Kaltenegger and Dimitar Sasselov on modeling extrasolar planet atmospheres. // Teaching Fellow for Prof. Kirshner's class "The Energetic Universe." Received Harvard Bok Center Distinction in Teaching Award for this class. // Was a teaching assistant for the graduate course "Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics" under Prof. Dimitar Sasselov. // I taught a course of my own design through Tufts' ExCollege program called "Life on Earth and Beyond." The course covered the current understandings of the origin of life on Earth to how we can look for life on other planets in the Solar System and on extrasolar planets in our Galaxy. The course was offered as a full credit class and counted as a Natural Sciences Distribution credit for enrolled students. // I substitute taught Math and Science at Kalispell's two local high schools. // Studied terrestrial planetary habitability by modeling an Earth-like planet throughout the habitable zone of the star system HD 69830. // University of St. Andrews; Astrobiology Graduate Community; Kalispell School District 5; University of Calgary; Jesus College Oxford; York University; Cornell University; UH-IfA; Oxford University; Tufts University; Harvard University // Sarah Rugheimer is an accomplished astrophysicist specializing in the search for signs of life on planets orbiting other stars. With a background in astrophysics and a PhD focusing on modeling extrasolar planet atmospheres, Sarah has held positions at prestigious institutions such as the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University and York University's Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy. Sarah's expertise extends to curriculum development, teaching, and public outreach, demonstrated through roles like developing curriculum for Harvard's graduate certificate program in Astrobiology and teaching courses on topics ranging from stellar and planetary astrophysics to the search for life beyond Earth. Sarah's research contributions and dedication to education highlight her commitment to advancing our understanding of astrobiology and planetary habitability. // I'm hoping to get a new space mission, the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) launched by 2040 so that we can find signs of life on other planets within our lifetimes. I am also hoping to develop a curriculum for scientific reasoning and critical thinking to decrease polarization from an apolitical astronomy viewpoint. // Sarah Rugheimer is an accomplished astronomer and astrobiologist known for her expertise in modeling the atmospheres and climates of extrasolar planets, particularly Earth-like planets and early Earth conditions. Currently holding the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy at York University, Sarah is deeply engaged in research on exoplanets, biosignatures, and habitability. Her work is focused on detecting life on other planets and understanding the origins of life in the Universe. Sarah is dedicated to scientific literacy, gender equality in STEM, and public outreach, as evidenced by her involvement in educational resources, podcasts, and outreach programs. Her contributions to astrophysics and astrobiology, along with her commitment to education, underscore her significant impact on advancing our understanding of planetary habitability and the search for life beyond Earth. // Astrophysicist // Astrophysicist // I am TED Fellow and professor in astrophysicist working on how to detect life on an exoplanet by looking for atmospheric biosignatures at York University. I am originally from Montana, and started at Flathead Valley Community College before eventually ending up at Harvard University for my Ph.D. I then went to St Andrews and Oxford for postdoctoral fellowships before starting as the Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy at York. I'm there co-Lead of the Project Office for LIFE, the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets, which I believe will be the best way to detect life on another planet in our lifetimes. I am passionate about science communication and outreach to promote scientific literacy. I have been on over 70 times on radio and TV including Global National, NPR, and BBC and was a presenter for the Discovery Channel's "Killers of the Cosmos" series. In 2020, I wrote and recorded a popular-level Audible Originals Course called "Searching for Extraterrestrial Life." I advocate for Women in STEM and co-host a podcast with another astronomer named Sarah Ballard called “Self-care with Drs. Sarah” for junior scientists navigating academia. // Astrophysicist and TED Fellow Sarah Rugheimer searches for aliens -- but not the cartoony green kind. She's looking for extraterrestrial microbes by studying how these single-celled organisms emit gases, which could reveal evidence of them throughout the cosmos. Wondering if we're really alone in the universe, Rugheimer identifies two big hurdles to confirming life on another world and offers insight into what finding it might mean for us. // Sarah Rugheimer is an accomplished astronomer and astrobiologist known for her expertise in modeling the atmospheres and climates of extrasolar planets, particularly Earth-like planets and early Earth conditions. Currently holding the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy at York University, Sarah is deeply engaged in research on exoplanets, biosignatures, and habitability. Her work is focused on detecting life on other planets and understanding the origins of life in the Universe. Sarah is dedicated to scientific literacy, gender equality in STEM, and public outreach, as evidenced by her involvement in educational resources, podcasts, and outreach programs. Her contributions to astrophysics and astrobiology, along with her commitment to education, underscore her significant impact on advancing our understanding of planetary habitability and the search for life beyond Earth. // Astrophysicist // writing, research, climate, design, microbes, race, biosignatures, women, stem, exoplanets, gender, alien life, astronomy, advocacy, astrophysics, solar, science communication, science, astrobiology, communication, atmospheres // Switzerland|Edinburgh|Zurich|Ontario|Toronto|Canada|UK

Switzerland|Edinburgh|Zurich|Ontario|Toronto|Canada|UK