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Where?

Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Centre

What?

TEDxMSU 11th Annual Conference. Tickets on sale!

When?

Sunday, March 23rd. From 1 pm to 4 pm

Dr. Cara Poland

MD, M.Ed, FACP, DFASAM

bIOGRAPHY

Shaping the Future of Addiction Medicine and Advocacy

Dr. Cara Poland is a distinguished addiction medicine expert and faculty member at Michigan State University, with a robust educational background that includes a medical degree from Wayne State University, training in internal medicine and addiction medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Boston Medical Center, respectively, and a master’s degree in education from Boston University. Her focus is on educating healthcare providers and those in training to enhance the care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), especially during critical periods such as pregnancy and early parenting. In 2018, Dr. Poland spearheaded the MI CARES initiative, leveraging State Opioid Response funds to foster collaboration among Michigan's medical schools. This initiative aims to train physician-level addiction specialists nationwide, with over 1,000 physicians across all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico currently working towards board certification in Addiction Medicine. The program also extends its educational reach to resident physicians, social work students and practitioners, APRNs, and PA practitioners, emphasizing compassionate, destigmatized treatment for individuals with SUDs.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Dr. Poland is a prominent advocate and public speaker, actively involved in media and community events to support those with SUDs. Her advocacy has significantly influenced policies and procedures for SUD treatment, including her role as Public Policy Chair for the American Society of Addiction Medicine and chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission. Through these roles, she has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based treatment options and influencing the use of opioid settlement funds in Michigan. Dr. Poland's work, driven by a personal connection to the impacts of substance use disorders, highlights her dedication to improving treatment and reducing stigma for those affected by SUDs, making her a pivotal figure in the field of addiction medicine.
Biography

A Versatile Force in the Music World

Sam Gucwa, a talented saxophonist and woodwind player, has made a name for herself through her dynamic bandleading and creative solos in a variety of musical genres. Since relocating to Denver in 2020, she has showcased her versatility by performing with prestigious big band ensembles such as the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and the Dean Bushnell Orchestra, covering all reed parts. Her involvement extends to playing in Stafford Hunter’s Young Lions residency series and holding positions in both of Michigan State University's (MSU) jazz orchestras. Gucwa’s musical journey is marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between jazz ensembles, showcasing her skill across different settings.

Expanding her musical footprint beyond jazz, Gucwa has collaborated with the Boulder Philharmonic, contributed to studio recordings with PureArtistMusic, and performed alongside Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe. Her talents also include arranging music for the indie rock band Bleak Mystique. Currently focusing on her studies at Michigan State University for a Bachelor of Music degree, Gucwa continues to perform in Michigan, including with Rodney Whitaker’s Gathering Orchestra and the Michael Dease quintet. Under the mentorship of saxophonist Walter Blanding, her career is a testament to her broad musical range and dedication to her craft.

Sam Gucwa

Saxophonist, Musician

Ross Chowles

Art Director & Creative Director

biography

A Luminary in Advertising and Design

With a storied career spanning over four decades, Ross Chowles has left an indelible mark on the advertising and design industry. As an Art Director and Creative Director at Y&R, and a founding partner of The Jupiter Drawing Room in Cape Town, South Africa, Chowles has been at the forefront of creative innovation and strategy. His expertise and vision have also led him to serve on the board of The One Club for Creativity, further cementing his influence in the field. Transitioning his wealth of knowledge and passion for creativity to academia, Chowles currently enlightens minds as a professor at Michigan State University. Here, he dedicates himself to teaching the next generation of creatives the art of creation and strategy in advertising and design, nurturing future leaders in the industry.
Biography

Pioneering Educational Reform and Social Justice

Taylor Hughes-Barrow, a dedicated student at Michigan State University within the College of Social Science, is making strides in the field of Human Development and Family Studies. With a focused emphasis on Law, Justice, and Public Policy, complemented by a minor in Digital Humanities, Hughes-Barrow is driven by a vision to revolutionize educational media and technology. The goal is to create resources that not only promote social and emotional development but also highlight critical social justice issues, facilitating a well-rounded growth and development for adults. Beyond the academic pursuits, Hughes-Barrow is passionately committed to the broader mission of advancing a just and equitable curriculum across the nation. This commitment is manifested through vigorous advocacy for educational policy reform, aiming to reshape the landscape of learning to be more inclusive and impactful for all.

Taylor Hughes-Barrow

College of Social Science

Natalia Khoshnam

Arts and Humanities at MSU

biography

Empathic and Creative Pre-Medical Student

Natalia Khoshnam stands out as an empathetic, creative, and highly adaptable pre-medical undergraduate at Michigan State University, where she is majoring in Arts and Humanities with a minor in Design Justice. Currently, she is applying her unique blend of skills and interests as a clinical research intern with Family Counseling and MSU Pediatrics. Khoshnam's academic and professional paths reflect her commitment to integrating artistic sensibility with medical science, aiming to innovate within the healthcare sector through a design justice lens. Her work in clinical research not only underscores her academic prowess but also her dedication to contributing meaningfully to patient care and medical practice.
speaker BIO

John Sztykiel

John Sztykiel, esteemed Michigan State University Alumnus/Hockey Player and former CEO of Spartan Motors (now Shyft), helped redefine the specialty vehicle/work truck industry over a 30-year career. Now the VP of Business Development for Harbinger Motors Inc., a revolutionary Specialty Vehicle/Work Truck EV startup, Sztykiel is part of a unique team that  is in the process of redefining the Specialty Vehicle/Work Truck market.  In his TEDx talk, he delves into the crucial importance of making a powerful first impression and quickly establishing trust. As when one has trust, influence grows immediately. Drawing from his vast experience, demonstrated results, Sztykiel offers a different view on leveraging non-verbal cues, authenticity, listening skills and storytelling within the first 5-10 seconds of meeting someone. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make immediate and impactful connections in both personal and professional settings.

John Sztykiel

Former CEO of Spartan Motors

Jarrad Henderson

Multimedia Journalist

biography

Simplifying Storytelling in Journalism

“Learning to tell your story doesn't have to be complicated.” Jarrad Henderson is a respected industry leader who seeks to democratize journalism by empowering diverse voices to share their stories. A 4-time Emmy Award-winning visual journalist, multimedia alchemist and inspirational educator, Henderson has produced impactful content in large newsrooms for over a decade — specializing in access to visual storytelling education, documentary filmmaking, photojournalism, video editing, media entrepreneurship, media literacy, mentorship and professional development.
Biography

A Beacon of Justice in the Gymnastics Abuse Case

Rosemarie Aquilina is an American judge. In 2018, Aquilina presided over the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal case. She allowed over 150 women and girls involved with the US Olympics gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, to present personal testimony on their sexual abuse. Aquilina sentenced Nassar to 40–175 years in prison for sexual abuse of juveniles and young women over the past two decades. She attended the 2018 ESPY Awards, where she was honored for her efforts in sentencing Nassar.

Judge Aquilina

American Judge

Be the first to know about how to apply to participate in our marketplace for our 2024 conference by subscribing to our email updates.
Our goal is to make the community aware of the amazing business and organizations in our area that they might not be familiar with.
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The Marketplace will be available for attendees to explore and engage with labs before the conference starts, during the intermission, and after the event concludes.

All profits are kept by the vendors. These is no cost to table.
The Conference

Get your Conference Tickets

Join us on March 23rd from 1 pm to 4 pm for an inspiring evening at our annual TEDxMSU Conference. Experience a night of transformative talks from our speakers, captivating performances, and explore our vibrant marketplace. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the change. Get your tickets now and be part of a community pushing the edge of ideas into action!

TEDxMSU is a non-profit organization, and our conferences are made possible through the generous support of our partners. In previous years, sponsorships from ASMSU, ISA, and RHA allowed us to offer free tickets. However, due to recent changes in funding policies, our sponsorships have been significantly reduced. Due to funding changes, we’ve had to introduce a ticket price to continue bringing impactful conferences to our community. We appreciate your support in making TEDxMSU possible!

Tickets prices:

Non-Students: $14.00

Students/Children (12+): $7.00

Children (12 and under): $5.00

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Thank you for your continued support!

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GET TICKETS

How to Remember the Name: The Art of Pronunciation & Reclamation

Masaki Takahashi



Masaki Takahashi is a poet, educator, and former Poet Laureate of Lansing, Michigan.

As the executive director of The Poetry Room and a competitive slam poet, Masaki has dedicated his career to fostering literary communities and helping others find their voice and confidence.

His work has been featured by Button Poetry, Write About Now and PBS, and has been published in Lunch Ticket and Rigorous. As a bilingual poet, he weaves multiple languages into his work, emphasizing the power of representation and cultural identity.

In his talk, Masaki discusses the cultural significance of names and why they should be respected.

Fear is loud, your inner voice is louder.

Dr. Rubina Tahir


Dr. Rubina Tahir is a chiropractor, author, and media personality who specializes in spinal health and wellness. She is known for her work in promoting healthy lifestyles through chiropractic care and for sharing her expertise on various media platforms.
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Dr. Tahir is passionate about empowering women in the healthcare field and has co-hosted wellness-related podcasts and events. Her approach integrates chiropractic care with a holistic view of wellness.
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Dr. Rubina Tahir poses a poignant question:
"How would your life be different if overwhelmed by fear, you think like you are talking to an imaginary friend?"
Through the lens of her personal journey with DCIS carcinoma and her extensive experience in chiropractic practice over two decades, she offers invaluable insights into the healing power of self-talk.
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She invites the audience to engage in a dialogue with their own imaginary friend to navigate three crucial topics: honesty, options and decisions.

The "Impossible" Juggling Trick

Nick Thomas


Nick Thomas is a professional juggler and entertainer from Sterling Heights, Michigan.
A graduate of Michigan Technological University, he also has a background in software engineering.Nick combines world-record breaking juggling skills with an engaging sense of humor to create moments that captivate, entertain, and inspire.

He was featured on ABC's "The Gong Show.

Juggling isn't just about coordination, it's also about mindset.
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In his TEDxTalk, Nick will be discussing the mental limits that we put on ourselves, and how we can flip our perspective to help overcome obstacles.

Building Bridges, Not Walls. The Power of Global Dialogue

Chloe Francis


Chloe Francis is an Honors College student at MSU, majoring in Spanish and International Relations.She grew passionate about politics and multicultural understanding while studying abroad in Brussels, Belgium. On campus, she promotes global awareness through refugee outreach, ESL tutoring, and political discourse.

Chloe is also a member of MSU's Tower Guard and has presented atMSU's Global LearningConference.In 2024, she received the Spartan Volunteer Service Award and the Grant Award.

"Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Power of Global DialogueIn a connected world divided by cultural misunderstandings, Chloe's talk encourages self-reflection, open dialogue, and a deeper understanding of different perspectives.She aims to inspire the audience to recognize their biases, embrace cultural awareness in daily life, and foster empathy and respect for a more inclusive society.

The Courage to Cut: Breaking Free from Dysfunctional Relationships

Angel G. Henry


Angel G. Henry is the visionary founder of Amulet Consortium:Agility in Action, a leadership consultancy dedicated to serving nonprofits and midsized organizations teaching them to leverage agile principles and emotional intelligence to achieve their missions.Drawing from over 20 years ofIT experience-primarily in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries-and 15 years in project management, Angel has become an expert in Agile Mindset, emphasizing trust, transparency, and team collaboration.

Angel's talk challenges the deeply ingrained belief that family loyalty means unconditional endurance, even at the expense of our own well-being. This talk flips that thinking-what if true strength lies not in staying, but in knowing when to walk away? By embracing an Agile Mindset, we can set boundaries, break free from toxic family dynamics, and redefine relationships as mutual respect rather than obligation-without guilt or shame.

Getting into the Weeds: How Science Can Improve your Life

Eric Patterson


Dr. Patterson is an AssistantProfessor of Weed Science in the Department of Plant Soil, and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University, where he teaches weed science, resistance evolution, and herbicide biochemistry. His research focuses on fundamental principles of weed science using weed genomics, molecular biology of weed traits, rapid diagnostic assays, and discovery of herbicide modes of action. He is passionate about science and encouraging others to do science in their everyday lives.

Through his own experience, Dr. Patterson explores the core concepts found in the scientific method. He discusses how applying these ideas to everyday life can lead to passion and satisfaction."

Infusing Hope in Undergraduate Education

Nancy DeJoy


Nancy DeJoy received her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition in 1993.Throughout her career, Nancy has remained committed to creating equitable first-year writing curricula and engaging in community literacy work.In her first book, Process This: Undergraduate Student Writing in Composition Studies, she advocates for a curriculum that centers participation and contribution as pathways to equity and inclusion. DeJoy earned a graduate certificate in Museum Studies from MSU in 2019. She is also a poet who advocates for the inclusion of poetry in public art movements around the world.

In this talk, Professor Nancy DeJoy presents a way for students and teachers in higher education to see the hope that comes from putting participation and contribution at the heart of undergraduate education.

No Matter the Cards, It's Gratitude That Makes You a Winner

C. Douglas Renick


C. Douglas Renick, a retired Director at Merrill Lynch, brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to the TED stage.Over the course of his career, Doug has had the opportunity to speak at over 2,500 events, including speeches, seminars, and town halls. Through these presentations, he has inspired countless colleagues and clients with insights, practical advice, and exceptional leadership.His work has helped shape the careers of many in the industry.

In his talk, Doug shares how gratitude can transform lives and businesses. Through personal stories and professional expertise, he will demonstrate how embracing gratitude helps overcome adversity, build resilience, and find fulfillment.

From Panic to Prepared: Keeping You Out of the ER

Destiny Kanning


Destiny Kanning is a medical researcher emergency medicine advocate, and graduate student at Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, pursuing a dual degree in medicine and global health.As an advanced trauma technician and Hospital Emergency Response Team member, she witnessed how gaps in health literacy lead to the overuse of pediatric emergency departments. To address this, she launched a research initiative and developed a culturally tailored "traffic light" system to guide families in making informed medical decisions and reduce unnecessary ER visits.

Millions of people visit the ER for non-emergent issues, not out of negligence, but due to a lack of health literacy. This discussion highlights research which shows who simple, proactive education can empower families to make informed healthcare decisions, reducing unnecessaryER visits and ensuring critical resources remain available for true emergencies.