Theme: New Horizons

This TEDx event, the fourth at The University of Mississippi, explores new horizons, as our eight speakers challenge old ways of thinking and provide fresh insights into problems, new and old.

Ford Center for the Performing Arts
351 University Address
University, Mississippi, 38677
United States

Christian Anschuetz

Chief Digital Officer

Christian Anschuetz is UL’s Chief Digital Officer (CDO), responsible for embedding innovative technology and digital trends in operations to accelerate growth and enhance clients’ ability to predict and address regulatory and safety considerations in their value chains. He is passionate about the value trust brings to modern supply chains and the role data plays in delivering that trust. Prior to joining UL, Christian was the CIO for Publicis Groupe, the 3rd largest communication company in the world. In addition to holding several other executive positions, Christian also founded a successful technology services boutique focused on cyber security, providing penetration testing and security services to firms as early as 1998. Christian holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Strayer University. He is also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the founder of the innovative nonprofit, Project RELO.

Glenn Parsons

Professor of Biology

I am presently a Professor in the Biology Department and I am Director of the University of Mississippi Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, my Masters’ Degree from the University of South Alabama and my Doctoral Degree is from the University of South Florida, School of Marine Science. I have been recognized and received awards for my marine and freshwater conservation research by the World Wildlife Fund, the Rolex Corporation, the Walton Foundation for Marine Research, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, two different governors of Mississippi, the National Marine Fisheries Service, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and various other organizations. I was asked to testify as a shark expert before the U. S. Congress last year.

Jakob Anseman

Autism Activist, Undergraduate Student, University of Mississippi

Throughout life, society frequently subjects autistic and other neurodivergent people to social and economic alienation,which has had disastrous consequences for the demographics.In his TEDx speech, Jakob, a student with Asperger's Syndrome, will share information and experiences derived from various readings and his personal life regarding the mistreatment of people similar to him and will share his thoughts and ideas dedicated to strengthening and advancing the Autism Acceptance movement.

Jenny A. Urban

Director of Compliance at CLEAR

A graduate of the Air & Space Law program at The University of Mississippi School of Law, Jenny A. Urban specializes in aviation law. Her work as an attorney has her on forefront of the constantly evolving law in air and space law. She is an expert aviation regulatory compliance, aviation financing and leasing, and regulatory issues related to unmanned aircraft systems.

Josie Nicholson

Sports Psychologist

Josie Nicholson is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in sport performance and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. A native of Oxford, MS, Dr. Nicholson joined Ole Miss Athletic’s Health and Sport Performance Staff in 2012. She received a B.A. in Psychology and Visual Arts from Loyola University New Orleans where she was a student-athlete and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in sport psychology at the University of Florida. Josie and her husband Steven have two sons and two German Shepherds.

Luc Rébillout

Graduate Student, National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering

In 2014, Luc Rébillout was studying aerospace engineering in France when he had the chance to spend a few months at The University of Mississippi for an internship. He enjoyed it so much that in 2016 he returned to pursue a PhD in Hydro-science where he now gets to play with water and sand! Coming here has been one of the most life-changing events for me, I went through the different stages of culture shock that many foreigners go through when coming to the United States but I found friends and family that showed me how to love this place!

Steven Soifer

Chair and Professor of Social Work, University of Mississippi

Dr. Soifer is CEO at the International Paruresis Association (IPA), Director of the Shy Bladder Center (SBC), and Secretary of the American Restroom Association (ARA). Dr. Soifer is also chair and professor of Social Work at The University of Mississippi.

Zaire Love

Graduate Student, Center for the Study of Southern Culture at The University of Mississippi

Zaire Love is a graduate student in Southern Studies at The University of Mississippi and is enthusiastic about creating thoughtful and noteworthy creative projects. In particular, the global recognition of two Southern black women, Beyonce Knowles Carter and Fannie Lou Hammer, has helped diversify the South's narrative by illustrating how their unapologetic ownership of their identity as southern black women has solidified their place in history as global icons for freedom of expression, social justice, and activism. Zaire sees it as her job to understand how these women's stories can inspire you to embrace what you ain't supposed to.