We’re thrilled to announce the 2011 TEDxColumbus line up.  After many months of nominations, interviews, conversations and research, the list is complete.

“The heart-and-soul of a TEDx event is the passion, talent, data, perspective and determination that comes through in every talk.  This year at TEDxColumbus the speakers and performers will offer a delicate balance of primary research, unbelievable life journeys, fascinating analyses and overall, really big ideas that will stretch every mind in the room.” said Ruth Milligan, Event Curator. “Everyone is assured to walk away with their own personal time capsule of experience and knowledge.”

In alphabetical order, those who will present include:

Alex Bandar- Visionary, Metallurgist, Connector
For a guy that doesn’t sleep much, Alex has an amazingly coherent vision for the world. Concerned with the death of “shop,” his vision for bringing a “maker” experience to the students in Columbus is only one part of his story. He’ll share how that vision is informed by his morning, noon and night passion (yes, different than his day job), where he’s quietly built one of the most dynamic collaboratives of engineers, artists and tinkerers in the region.

Mark Berman- Naturalist, Educator, Entomologist
Who cares about the bug?  Mark does.  And thinks you should too.  He’ll bring a unique lens to the two, four or ten legged creatures that in his opinion, can bring you perspective and maybe in return, a little respect.

David Burns- Innovator, Antagonist, Educator, Father
The pathway that David took to being a pioneer in the STEM/ 21st Century Learning Movement is a fascinating journey.  But what this leader knows about education makes him question: is education system viable anymore? He’ll uncover his own trepidation on this topic, fueled both by the irrelevant standards he faces in his daily work but also by the challenges of his three teenaged, college-contemplating children and how this impacts them.

Mike Figliuolo - Traveler, Teacher, Entrepreneur
While travel creates great stress and anxiety for many, some find it an amazing set of moments that illustrate the human condition.  Today Mike will share a different angle on his journeys and the interesting places they have taken him – and now, all of us.

Theresa Flores- Warrior, Vigilante, Advocate
Theresa’s passionate advocacy for one of the most vulnerable segments of our society is inspired by her own horrifying experience.  As she introduces you to a world far beyond your mind’s reach, she’ll show it can really be found next door.  And how one answer to it all might be found in a tiny bar of soap.

Jamie Greene- Planner, Architect, Collaborator
As our city has a moment in time as it turns 200 next year, Jamie will help guide hundreds of initiatives, events, promotions, exhibits, books and more into a year-long, collective commemoration.  But at the heart of it all, we’re curious, why does it matter?  In a brief reflection, Jamie will bring clarity to this question and inspire us to join in the movement.

Denny Griffith- Artist, Administrator, Visionary
Most creative individuals end up with more than one persona in life.  How do they support, conflict and interact with each other?  Denny will reveal his vulnerable insights from years searching for the balance between his public and private personas.

Claudia Kirsch- Radiologist, Artist, Pioneer
Claudia spends her life looking for hitchhikers, the kind that take ‘free rides’ along your nerves carrying cancer. Through her blend of science and a little art, she’s redefining how radiologists look at the most congested traffic site in our bodies: the head and neck. Her discoveries will inspire and may someday even save your life.

Maryanna Klatt-  Researcher, Yogi, Teacher
The impact of chronic stress on our health, productivity, and overall wellbeing can be catastrophic.  But how do you reduce it without adding one more thing to your life? Maryanna will reveal from her significant research initiatives that learning stress reduction techniques within the very ecosystem where we spend our days may be the most viable solution.

Dirk Knemeyer- Provocateur, Entrepreneur, Thinker
Dirk argues humanity took a wrong turn, but is getting close to finding its way again. After centuries of industrial production in inhuman ways and scales we now have the opportunity to turn our substantial capacity for remaking the world toward the most promising and unexplored of frontiers: ourselves. Dirk challenges us to view the future through the lens of the self.

Randy Nelson - Professor, Neuroscientist, Researcher
Dr. Nelson has a deep curiosity about the dark side of light at night.  His research will reveal that our passion for electrification has more complex consequences than can meet the sleeping eye.

Bart Overly-  Futurist, Architect, Thinker
As our population rapidly ages and lives much longer, how so might the habitats we have constructed for our comforts adapt to this change?  A global review of attitudes towards this longevity crisis (or opportunity) might enlighten design and development’s reaction towards it.  As a student of architecture, Bart will share his perspectives on this ever dynamic and somewhat troubling dilemma.

Janet Parrott- Filmmaker, Storyteller, Professor
The exploration of hospice was not one that Janet had planned to take, but found herself in South Africa doing just that.  As a filmmaker, Janet was equipped with tools to tell the story of a very different approach to what we embrace in America as hospice, but challenged by the pathway that took her there, having lost many personal friends to HIV/AIDS herself.  Janet will reveal the struggle that ensues when the creator becomes a part of the creation.

The Salty Caramels- Musical gumbo
With a suitcase bass drum, cast-iron skillet, heavy-gage chain and a musical saw as ingredients in their “musical gumbo”, you’d expect for the Salty Caramels to stand out, and that’s exactly what they do.

Adam Smith- Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer
His passion for fusing his Film and TV music experience, jazz idioms, art installations and free-improvised directions creates an extremely unique landscape for the adventurous musician and listener.

Rose Smith – Poet
One of our many shared ‘moments’ at TEDxColumbus, Rose will delight us with her provocative poetry and engaging delivery. 

Trent Tipple - Survivor, Father, Scientist
In a touching reflection on the fragility of our existence, Trent will question our ability to truly appreciate what life has offered. He should know, he’s faced his own mortality three times.  And fortunately for his family, his patients and the world, he’s here to openly share that appreciation of his own.

Susan Willeke – Ethicist, Teacher, Steward
We’re told to keep an open mind, so why would Susan argue that we need some bias in our lives?  As an ethics trainer, she will compel you to recognize why your bias is helpful in keeping some societal order, but on occasion, how it drags us into some of our most regrettable mistakes.