Theme: Innovation and Imagination

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).

800 S Tucker Drive
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74104
United States

Dustbowl Refugees

Dust Bowl Refugees is a fascinating collective of musicians from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The lineup varies from performance to performance, but at its core is Matt Magerkurth (bass, cello, piano), Jeremiah Neely (guitar, cello, mandolin), and Josiah Colle (fiddle, mandolin, banjo). The three draw influence from folk, bluegrass, pop, and jazz styles, as well as their classical training. This merging of worlds creates a sound that is refined, yet passionate and down-to-earth. They share a passion for bringing the folk music that shaped this nation to today’s generation, and aim to do so in a fresh and innovative manner.

Abe Matamoros

Abe Matamors is Houston, Texas native that came to the University of Tulsa to study finance, and economics, and to play division 1 soccer. During his time at TU he launched a start-up called InspireVive, an online marketing platform that not only promotes companies via peer-to-peer promotion, but also motivates people to volunteer in their community, and raise awareness about global issues on social media. Abe also invented the EllieGrid, and smart medicine organizer that helps people keep track of their medication.

Allan Harkness

Allan Harkness is currently Professor of Psychology and Director of the Institute of Biochemical and Psychological Study of Individual Differences at The University of Tulsa. From 1971 to 1974, he traveled in a 60 passenger bus as a front man for a rock band, playing some of the best dives of the Midwest.

Austin Evans

Austin Evans is an undergraduate scientist interested in complex problems in sustainable chemistry and engineering. In his research, he has invented a novel polymer synthesized entirely from industrial waste. This polymer efficiently removes toxic metals from water and is currently under investigation as a next-generation technology for environmental remediation. While not working in the lab, Austin directs a Community Scientific Literacy Outreach Group which affords local area students a chance to experience hands on scientific discovery.

Caleb Lareau

Caleb is a senior Mathematics and Biochemistry major at TU. This fall, Caleb will pursue his PhD in Biostatistics at Harvard University, where he hopes to uncover the genetic basis of complex disorders. In his free time, Caleb enjoys competing in endurance races, including an ultramarathon and an Ironman triathlon.

Elana Newman

Elana Newman, Ph.D. is the McFarlin Chair of Psychology, University of Tulsa, Research Director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, Co-director of the University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity and Injustice and a past president of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies. Newman specializes in understanding and intervening to prevent or treat trauma-related conditions and training students and professionals about the skills they need to work effectively with people suffering from trauma-related problems. Newman co-directed the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma’s’ first satellite office in NYC after 9-11 to offer technical support to journalists covering these events.

Eric Centauri

Eric Centauri is a Visiting Professor of Physics at the University of Tulsa, teaching undergraduate courses in physics and astronomy. He received undergraduate degrees in both Physics and Astronomy from Boston University and graduate degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah. His primary research interests include propulsion, modified gravity, and cosmology. Centauri is a strong advocate of the space program; encouraging both individuals and nations to work together to expand humanity’s presence in the solar system and beyond. Beyond research and advocacy Centauri enjoys playing disc golf, is the previous state champion in Utah and in Oklahoma for Magic the Gathering, and has found the Enigma answer to the puzzle website The Stone.

Jan Wilson

Dr. Jan Wilson is Wellspring Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and History at the University of Tulsa. Her teaching and research areas include gender and disability studies, feminist theory, and United States Women's History. She enjoys using aspects of popular culture--vampire literature and films, the Harry Potter book series, and the television show Game of Thrones, for example--to teach students about gender, disability, and race in history and American society. She is currently at work on her second book titled The Zoey Journal, which draws on historical analysis, theory, and her personal experiences raising a daughter with autism to offer unique perspectives on concepts such as mothering, identity, intersectionality, the gaze, and the meaning of disability. She and her family are strong supporters of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Autism Center of Tulsa, and Able Kids Therapy. An avid runner, Dr. Wilson is currently training for her first marathon.

Katy Riojas

Katy Riojas is a junior mechanical engineering major and is an officer and cofounder of Make a Difference Engineering as well as an officer of Tau Beta Pi. In the summer of 2013, she worked on a mobility platform for children with disabilities through the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge. In 2014, she worked at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories in Pittsburgh, PA, designing and fabricating a robotic wheelchair graphical user interface. Born in Kansas City in 1994, Katy is hoping to go to graduate school to pursue biomechanical or biomedical engineering. She has been volunteering at The Little Light House for the past 2 years and is currently captain of The University of Tulsa Women’s Soccer Team.

Mark Harman

Mark Hartman is a student at the University of Tulsa College of Law. Prior to returning to school, Mark spent time both in the corporate world as well as the small business sector. Knowing he wants to use his legal education in a role committed to public service, Mark now invests much of his time working with at-risk kids. Further, Mark is a scheduled volunteer at the John 3:16 Mission, allowing him to connect with those many might consider to be the most marginalized in the Tulsa community. Mark is a member of the Tulsa University Women's Law Caucus and Tulsa University Outlaws as well as serving as a student mentor.

Mark Hartman

Mark Hartman is a student at the University of Tulsa College of Law. Prior to returning to school, Mark spent time both in the corporate world as well as the small business sector. Knowing he wants to use his legal education in a role committed to public service, Mark now invests much of his time working with at-risk kids. Further, Mark is a scheduled volunteer at the John 3:16 Mission, allowing him to connect with those many might consider to be the most marginalized in the Tulsa community. Mark is a member of the Tulsa University Women's Law Caucus and Tulsa University Outlaws as well as serving as a student mentor.

Meg Smith

Meg is a sophomore at the University of Tulsa pursuing a major in the biological sciences with minors in French and chemistry. Though she aspires to a career in pediatric medicine, Meg spends much of her free time writing. Ever since she wrote her first poem five years ago, she has been captivated by the powerful art of expression that lies within both written and spoken poetry. Meg’s work has been featured in her university's student literary journal. In addition to her professional goals, Meg hopes to be a published author one day.

Molly Noah

Molly Noah is a senior anthropology major with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. She has served as a Student Orientation Leader and is a member of the Anthropology Club, Society for Gender Equality, and Pride. Molly is a Panhellenic Outstanding Chapter President and has received the TU Academic Scholarship. Molly completed her senior thesis on engagement within children's museums at the Tulsa Children's Museum. She has interned with the Gilcrease museum and the Philbrook Downtown. Next year, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in museum studies at the University of Tulsa. Molly is a Korean pop music enthusiast.

Nick Weaver

Nick Weaver is a film student at the University of Tulsa. He is also a local poet, spoken word performer, and teaching artist for the Oklahoma Literary Arts Alliance, working with high school kids on creative writing and composition. Additionally, he is the two-time individual champion for Tulsa's "Louder Than A Bomb" poetry slam, and with his team, placed 3rd in Chicago's national finals. In his free time he enjoys staring blankly at walls and daydreaming about apocalyptic wastelands.

Robert Pickering

Robert B. Pickering, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Museum Science and Management M.A. program and professor of anthropology at the University of Tulsa. He serves as adjunct curator of anthropology at the Gilcrease Museum. Pickering received his Ph.D. in Physical Anthropology from Northwestern University in 1984 after earning his BA and MA degrees in Anthropology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He is passionate about archaeological research and equally committed to conveying the excitement of research to audiences through exhibitions, books, classes, and dialog. In his current position as director of the Museum Science and Management program at the University of Tulsa, Pickering helps train the next generation of museum professionals.