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Where?

Pasant Theatre, Wharton Centre

What?

TEDxMSU 10th Annual Conference. Completely free of charge!

When?

Wednesday, March 20th. From 5 pm to 9 pm

The Conference

Meet our 2024 Speakers

We are thrilled to introduce an extraordinary group of visionaries who will be gracing the stage at this year’s TEDxMSU conference. Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an inspiring story that echoes our theme of 'APEX.' From the frontiers of medical innovation and the crossroads of justice and education, to the creative sparks in multimedia journalism and the pulse of musical expression, our speakers are ready to take you on a journey to the summit of ideas worth spreading. Join us as we uncover new perspectives, challenge our understandings, and celebrate the peaks of human thought and achievement.

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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

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