CHSS Students Take the Stage in TEDx Salon

by Anne Reynolds

Do you have a favorite TED Talk?

TED Talks are videos that grew out of a series of conferences that got their start in 1984 (TED stands for technology, entertainment, and design). They are designed to share knowledge, “ideas worth spreading,” about almost any topic imaginable, from society to science, biology to body language. These videos are truly viral: they have been seen by millions of people and have been translated into more than 100 languages.

TEDx continues this movement, bringing the TED format to locally organized events. TEDxGeorgeMasonU has hosted three annual TEDx conferences, featuring speakers from all over campus. Representatives from the sciences, the arts, the humanities have provided meaningful and engaging experiences for Mason students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Between the regularly occurring TEDx conferences, TEDx Salon events feature student speakers and discussions about TED Talk videos. The students who participate hone their presentation skills and the audience members have the chance to be involved in meaningful discussion about a particular topic.

Each of the Salon’s speakers for this session is pursuing a degree or minor within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences:

  • Britnae Purdy is finishing her master’s degree in global affairs, in which she has been focusing on global health.
  • Jenna Zink is complementing her physics major with dual minors in Russian and astronomy.
  • Yara Mowafy is working towards her bachelor’s degree in global affairs, with a concentration in global governance, and is a master’s student studying international development.

The TEDx Salon event will take place from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the HUB, Rooms 3 - 5.