Theme: CONNECT

TEDxBuffalo CONNECT will help us understand how to connect ideas to ourselves, to other ideas, and to each other.

Asbury Hall
341 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, New York, 14202
United States

Ayla Abiad

Architect

Currently residing in Buffalo, New York, Architect Designer Ayla Abiad was born and raised in the Syrian capital of Damascus before moving to the U.S in 2009 to seek a higher educational degree. Today Ayla holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture, with specialization in Sustainable Urban and Natural Environments from the University at Buffalo, and is a key member on a variety of successful projects in WNY thanks to her experience in the architectural design of education and transportation facilities. Today Ayla is an active Syrian community member in Buffalo and a volunteer since 2010 with the International Institute to help refugees and Syrians who have just arrived in the United States. Remotely she also works closely with both local and international organizations in Syria; Caritas Syria and Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Damascus, to help children affected by the civil war.

Chris Fritton

Letterpress Printer

Chris Fritton is the former Studio Director of the Western New York Book Arts Center. A poet, printer, and fine artist, Fritton has over a decade of experience writing, printing, and making his own books, in addition to collaborative efforts with other authors and artists. Currently Fritton is working on a brand new project called The Itinerant Printer, where he plans to visit over 130 letterpress print shops in the US & Canada throughout 2015-2017.

Christopher Culp

Sexual Health Educator

Christopher is a philosopher, educator, and clarinet player whose research focuses on the intersection between existentialism, sound studies, and queer theory. He is currently a sexual health educator providing safer sex workshops, LGBTQ+ Youth Empowerment trainings, and outreach on PrEP, PEP, and HIV/AIDS research. An enthusiastic teacher, he has taught kindergarten through college, including multiples years at summer camps and adjuncting at Trocaire College, University at Buffalo, Villa Maria, and D’Youville College. He holds an MA in Philosophy of Art and an MM in Clarinet Performance, with a focus on 20th and 21st century performance art and music.

David Schmid

English Professor

Originally from England, I am a Professor of English at the University at Buffalo. I teach classes on popular culture, literature, and cultural studies. I have published widely on a range of subjects, including violence, celebrity, and crime fiction.

Jaclyn McKewan

Librarian

I live in Lancaster, New York, with my husband, dog, and three cats. I have a Master’s Degree in Library Science and I work at the Western New York Library Resources Council, a non-profit organization. In my spare time I write, cook, design websites and create YouTube videos.

John Atkinson

Engineering Professor

Dr. Atkinson is an Environmental Engineering professor in UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His teaching and research interests focus on Air Pollution Control and Sustainability. John is a passionate Buffalo transplant, excited to engage with both his students and his community.

Kush K. Bhardwaj

African American Studies Professor

A distinguished educator, Dr. Bhardwaj has earned three Milton Plesur Distinguished Teaching awards and was named the top African American Studies professor in the nation by RateMyProfessor.com. Dr. Bhardwaj has taught at all levels, ranging from elementary school to college. Much of his teaching has focused on transforming lives through the study of race, class, gender, and social issues.

Matthew L Schwartz

Social Worker

Matthew L. Schwartz, MBA is a graduate student at the University of Buffalo, presently pursuing his Masters of Social Work. Founder of the Food Gnomes, Matthew believes the answer to individual, communal, and social liberation lies in the intersectionality of ethical and responsible business practices and Social Work.

Robert Collier

Entrepreneur

Robert James Collier is the Founder of Entrepreneurs Dinner where he helps entrepreneurs overcome the #1 obstacle facing their business while enjoying delicious 4-course meals served by private chefs, bartenders serving your favorite drinks and an intimate dining experience at gorgeous, private residences. Robert enjoys traveling around the world and practicing meditation.