Theme: Ideas Worth Spreading

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).

1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, Virginia, 20191
United States

Ashish Khanal

Senior Solutions Developer, Information Technology

Father of two wonderful kids and a computer programmer, Ashish has worked at ASCE for the last four years. Ashish was born in the beautiful Himalayan country, Nepal, where he undertook his undergraduate work. He completed his master’s degree in Information Technology at Anna University, Chennai, India and holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, IA. Ashish worked on various federal government projects before joining ASCE. He also worked as a banker and a teacher in past positions. Ashish is an active member of ASCE’s Toastmasters Club where he has presented many speeches and worked in various roles.

Betsy Kulamer

Director, Books

Betsy is passionate about two things: books and quilts. Betsy is lucky enough to be paid for her first passion because she is director of ASCE’s books program. In that role, she works closely with member-volunteers and Engineering Programs staff to develop the manuscripts that disseminate the technical information needed by civil engineers everywhere. She is especially proud of her work over the past four years in shepherding ASCE 7-16 and the two new ASCE 7 products through the publishing process and into the marketplace. Working on quilts is a cornerstone of her work-life balance and a necessary antidote to rush-hour traffic on the American Legion Bridge (hint, hint, engineers!)

Haydee Gusler

Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing

Haydee is a designer with twelve years of professional experience. She is passionate about communicating ideas that can reach audiences and influence their behavior. A leader by nature, and also a team player, she promotes good communication and knowledge-sharing to ensure clients have the best possible tools to promote their products and services. For the last eight years, she has been with ASCE as Senior Graphic Designer. In that capacity, she is responsible for conceptualization and implementation of design solutions for all ASCE product lines to meet marketing strategies from conception to completion. Follow her work at www.behance.net/hgusler.

Muhammad Amer

Director, Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI)

Amer has been with ASCE for more than 15 years, including the past three years with T&DI. Prior to joining ASCE, he spent a couple of years running his own dot-com startup, preceded by a couple of years in transportation consulting. He is an avid follower of sports that no one cares about and has played many of those sports at the competitive level. These include squash (Runner-up, 2002 Washington City Championship), cricket (opened the batting for Fairfax Cricket Club in the Washington Cricket League), field hockey (played center-forward at Purdue intramurals), and so on. He is also an avid fan of almost every genre of music, and even plays an instrument that no one cares about (harmonium). Amer holds a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from Purdue University. He has two daughters - a six year old whom he loves, and a two year old of whom he is scared. He lives with his wife and kids in Leesburg, Virginia.

Shingai Marandure

Conferences Coordinator, Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI)

Shingai works as a Conferences Coordinator for ASCE’s EWRI Institute. Aside from his professional work life, he is a musical artist and songwriter who performs R&B, contemporary, and soul music. He has a passion for music, writing, and fitness. His musical influences include Michael Jackson, Babyface, Bryan McKnight, and Lloyd.