Theme: Think Big

TEDxUMD is an on-campus student organization that is licensed to host annual TEDx conferences at the University of Maryland. This year, the 2017 TEDxUMD "Think Big" Conference takes place on Saturday, February 18, from 1 to 6PM, and features an eclectic range of eight speakers presenting on topics ranging from bees and solar energy to cybersecurity. Enjoy performances by UnBound Dance Team and Terpoets, and get ready to THINK BIG! Hosted by Rick Mikulis.

Hoff Theater
0126 Stamp Student Union
College Park, Maryland, 20742
United States

Evelyn Atieno

Social Media Activist

Evelyn Atieno is 19 and editor-in-chief at Affinity Magazine. She believes in the importance of using your voice through journalism. In her free time she loves to travel and has been to 18 countries.

Kristoffer Dramby

Director of Energy and Natural Resources

Kris is the Director of Energy and Natural Resources for VHB’s Mid-Atlantic region and a member of VHB’s Corporate Energy Team, providing support in the following energy market areas; renewables (solar, wind, biomass), electric and natural gas transmission and distribution. He has nearly two decades of professional experience in both the private and public sectors and is a recognized Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), and Certified Ecologist (CE) with extensive experience relating to the assessment of the natural systems. Kris has worked with both public and private sector clients in varying degrees of project scope, size, and complexity, under multiple federal- and state-level regulation requirements. His expertise includes wildlife and forest management; restoration ecology, ecosystem function, wetland ecology, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act compliance, environmental permitting, and composite mitigation planning.

Mimi Khúc

Scholar, Teacher, Writer

Mimi Khúc is a queer Vietnamese American scholar, teacher, and writer, and currently a Visiting Assistant Professor in Asian American Studies at the University of Maryland College Park. Her research and writing interests span mental health, race and religion, queer of color feminist critique, and Asian American motherhood. Her writings have appeared in Black Girl Dangerous, Briarpatch Magazine, Powerlines, among others. She is the guest editor of The Asian American Literary Review's recently released Open in Emergency: A Special Issue on Asian American Mental Health.

Misti Burmeister

Author, Business Speaker, Provoker

Misti is a serial disruptor who has worked with leaders across industries to improve focus, energy, impact and influence across generations. Comfort, complacency, and fear thwart growth—it is for this reason leaders look to Misti for her fresh perspective and ability to bring forth truth while driving efficiency, enthusiasm, and growth. Her 4th book, Provoking Greatness, offers a unique approach to revealing the talent hidden within your team.

Steven Chen

Student

Steven Chen is a volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, an international nonprofit aimed at reducing global suffering and empowering individuals and communities. For over 50 years, the philanthropy has provided disaster relief and medical aid to over 100 countries. As part of his work with the organization, Steven has facilitated workshops detailing the importance of service and exploring the intersection between faith, service, and philanthropy.

Zeinab Karake

Professor and Author

Zeinab Karake is a seasoned higher education professional; she is a professor of Information Systems in the Department of Operations and Information Technology, at the R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park. Zeinab is the author of more than 50 published articles, monographs, and reviews. She is also the author of seven published books. Zeinab is two times recipient of the prestigious Emerald/MCB University Press International Excellence Research Award for her groundbreaking research (1995, 2002). She also received the AUS Excellence in Service Award in 2001. Zeinab was elected and served as the Founding President of the AUS Faculty Senate (2000-2001). In 2003, Zeinab Received the Best Researcher Award from HH Sheikh Sultan AL Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; more recently she was nominated and received the prestigious 2007 Emirates Business Women Award for innovation (the first American woman to win this award which is sponsored by Shell Oil Company).