In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Dunham Laboratory
10 Hillhouse Ave
New Haven, Connecticut, 06511
United States

Arielle Baskin-Sommers

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Arielle Baskin-Sommers, Yale University, is a clinical psychologist. Her work focuses on identifying and specifying the cognitive, emotional, and environmental mechanisms that contribute to antisocial behavior (e.g., substance use, criminal activity, aggression). She uses findings from her research to develop novel experimental tasks, assessments, and intervention strategies aimed at developing more humane (and scientific) approaches to addressing mental health and crime.

Eduardo Fernandez-Duque

Professor of Anthropology

Eduardo Fernandez-Duque is Professor of Anthropology and the School of the Environment at Yale University. Trained in biological anthropology, psychology and primatology, he studies the behavioral, physiological, and ecological correlates of monogamy, pair-bonding, and parental care. His primate research in Ecuador, Perú, Argentina and the US has resulted in over 200 publications and the training of over 400 students from across the world. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Kavli Foundation, and a recipient of The John P. McGovern Lecture Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Margaret Alabi

Student and US & Global Dermatology Patient Advocacy Director at Regeneron

Margaret Alabi serves as US & Global Dermatology Patient Advocacy Director at Regeneron while completing her executive MBA at Yale’s School of Management. The Atlanta native earned her PharmD from Xavier University of Louisiana and has 14 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Beyond the office, Margaret finds balance through the disciplined art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while nurturing others' potential as a Professional Certified Executive Coach (PCC). She shares warmth and loyalty at home with her beloved standard poodles, Belle and Beau.

Meher Sethi

Student

Meher Sethi is a senior studying Ethics, Politics, and Economics from Naperville, IL. His research explores the intersection of emerging technology and competition, particularly algorithmic collusion. He has worked in Senator Durbin’s office on credit card competition, the Antitrust section of the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, and the American Economic Liberties Project. He is an Economics Ambassador for the ABA Antitrust Law Section (Technology Committee) and a Research Assistant on AI competition policy for antitrust law scholar Dina Srinivasan. He frequently writes for Encode and my Substack, Marketplace of Ideas. He is also a musician, and he loves to play and watch basketball.

Nicole Brewer

Educator, Facilitator, and Stage Director

Nicole Brewer is a renowned educator, facilitator, and stage director. As faculty at Yale’s David Geffen School of Drama, she shares her expertise while championing Anti-Racist Theatre (ART)—an approach she has developed and refined over the years. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with awards from the Kennedy Center, and she has played a vital role in shaping resources for artists through her work on the Freelance Artist Resource. Nicole is also a writer, with published articles on anti-racism, equity, and theatre in platforms such as American Theatre Magazine and HowlRound. A sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, her work spans the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Nicole resides in the nation’s capital with her two kids and her puppy, Luna.

Olivia Lombardo

Student

Olivia is a senior at Yale studying Political Science as an Intensive major. Her research examines how race and class shape access to justice, particularly in civil courts where people lack access to legal representation. As a founding member and Co-Director of the Yale-Student Association for Small Claims Assistance (Y-SASCA), Olivia has worked at the forefront of addressing representation gaps through direct service. Olivia has worked in public defense in New Haven and Washington, D.C., and for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand as a Women in Government Fellow. Olivia aims to challenge assumptions about justice and advocate for more robust legal protections for vulnerable groups using innovative solutions.

Paul Anastas

Professor of Chemistry

Paul Anastas is known as “The Father of Green Chemistry” and spends his time as a professor at Yale University focused on reinventing the material and energy basis of our society and economy so that it is beneficial for people, prosperity, and the planet. He has co-founded successful companies, published hundreds of scientific papers and patents, served in four U.S. Presidential Administrations, and received numerous international awards for his work. He refers to himself as, “A simple country chemist.”

Rohan Sharma

Engineer and Author

Rohan Sharma, an award-winning AI executive with Fortune 100 experience at Apple, Disney, and Mattel, is a USC-trained engineer and published author ("AI and the Boardroom"). He serves on numerous advisory boards & is an advisor to UCLA Anderson's Venture Accelerator while contributing to Forbes, World Economic Forum, and VentureBeat publications. As a Stanford Seed Strategy Consultant and UCSD Techstars mentor, Rohan combines thought leadership with practical expertise. A well known public speaker and father of one, Rohan spends his time tinkering with new innovations, taking long walks, and experimenting with cooking new cuisines. He lives in Southern California with his wife and 2-year-old son.

Tai Murray

Violinist

Tai Murray, lauded by The Philadelphia Inquirer as “a violinist with more than technique on her mind” and a musician of “exceptional assurance and style,” is a 2004 Avery Fisher Career Grant winner. She has performed globally with major orchestras like the London Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic, and at premier venues including Carnegie Hall and Philharmonie Berlin. Murray’s recordings include an album of Ysaÿe’s Six Sonatas (Harmonia Mundi, 2012) and Bernstein’s Serenade (Mirare, 2014). Playing a Tommaso Balestrieri violin (circa 1760), she is Associate Professor, Adjunct at the Yale School of Music, previously participating in TEDxGeorgetown in 2012.