Theme: Stories That Inspire

It's another year of fantastic speakers presenting at TEDxNatick 2020. You'll be truly inspired by novelists, scientists, artists and community and global change makers with great stories to share.

Natick High School
15 West St
Natick, Massachusetts, 01760
United States

Andy Blackwell

CSO - Healthcare and AI Entrepreneur

Andy Blackwell is a scientist and healthcare technology entrepreneur who believes that data in our healthcare systems will fuel the discovery of a new generation of treatments and eradicate "trial and error" from medicine. This year he launched "8 Billion Minds", a ground-breaking technology program using deep learning to decode and democratize the treatment of mental health conditions. Andy trained in cognitive neuroscience and psychology at the Univ. of St. Andrews and the Univ. of Cambridge. Through clinical research Andy has seen first-hand the often devastating impact that mental health conditions such as Depression and Anxiety Disorders have on patients and their families; this experience drives his determination to improve the quality of treatments available. Andy has worked extensively with neuroscience labs and major pharma, biotech and medical devices companies around the world and serves as Group Chief Science and Strategy Officer at Ieso Digital Health in Cambridge, UK.

Cheryl Hamilton

Storyteller, Refugee Advocate, Creator Suitcase Stories

Cheryl has devoted her career to advancing immigrant integration and storytelling. She currently works at the International Institute of New England as Director of Suitcase Stories, a program that raises the profile of refugee and immigrant experiences. Cheryl wrote and acted in the one woman show, Checkered Floors, documenting her experience with 2,500 Somali refugees in Maine.

Devon Guinn

Interactive Video Innovator, Beat Boxer

Devon is an artist and beatboxer. He’s the current American Beatbox Loopstation Champion, and he has appeared on WNYC Studios' Science Friday and Gimlet Media's Heavyweight. His beatboxing research has been featured by the Linguistics Society of America and the Old-World Conference on Phonology. When he isn't beatboxing, he writes and designs interactive stories about things like first kisses and hedgehogs.

Don Ingber

Director Wyss Institute - Bioinspired Engineer, Artist, Tech Innovator

Don is the Founding Director of the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, as well as a professor in its Medical and Engineering Schools, where he leads a multifaceted effort to develop breakthrough bioinspired technologies to advance healthcare and improve sustainability. His scientific contributions have been exhibited in museums around the world, and one creation was named Design of the Year in 2015 and is included in MoMA’s permanent collection. Don’s work breaks down boundaries between science, art and design.

Gretchen McIntire

Children's Author, Founder BostonCalm

Gretchen is a children’s book author under the pen name Gretchen Leary, a speaker, and the Executive Director of a nonprofit called BostonCalm that serves those with Autism and Tourette syndrome. Her diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly Asperger Syndrome) at the age of twenty-three helped her find her voice and inspired her to do whatever she can to spark hope in those who feel alone.

Hank Phillippi Ryan

Investigative Journalist, Award-Winning Mystery Author

Hank is an on-air investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, winning 36 Emmy and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards. A nationally bestselling author of 11 mysteries, Hank also won five Agathas, three Anthonys, and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Hank’s 2018 Trust Me is an Agatha Nominee and her newest novel is titled The Murder List. Critics call her “a master of suspense”.

John Landers

Neuroscientist, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Grantee

John is a Professor of Neurology at UMASS Medical School who has focused on using innovative technologies to identify genes contributing to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He is a key member of an international consortium that is sequencing the genomes of over 20,000 people to find novel genes contributing to ALS. John has received several million dollars from the ALS Association that was raised through the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Matthew Shifrin

Blind Musician, Technology Innovator

Matthew is a blind singer, accordionist, composer, entrepreneur, and Lego enthusiast, studying at the New England Conservatory of Music. He loves comic books and is working on a new podcast titled, Blind Guy Travels.

Nataly Galicia Castillo

High School Student

Nataly is a senior at Natick High School. Originally from Guatemala, she runs competitively as part of the cross country and track teams. Nataly also does volunteer work with the elderly, assisting them with daily living tasks. After high school, she plans to attend college to pursue a career in nursing.

Rick Brown

Sculptor, Mass College of Art and Design

Rick is Co-Founder and President of Handshouse Studio and a Professor of Sculpture at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Rick is a visionary, artist and educator who has received numerous awards and grants for his innovative and wide-ranging work. He has appeared on Nova and Discovery Channel and exhibited in many venues including the International Spy Museum.

Trish Wesley Umbrell

Writer, Photographer, Natick Community Organic Farm

Trish is Director of Operations at the Natick Community Organic Farm and an award-winning author, editor, lecturer, and photographer. She grew up working at the Natick Community Organic Farm, a nonprofit, certified-organic farm providing productive open space, farm products, and year-round hands-on education for people of all ages, which instilled in her a deep love of plants, farming, and community.