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When Alice Yi '22 founded the at the University of New Haven during the Fall 2019 semester, she hoped to foster a sense of community by encouraging discussions about local issues. She also hoped to host an official event licensed by . She recently did just that.

Now president of the club, Yi helped organize the University杏吧原版檚 first official TEDx event, which she cohosted with Alvin Tran, Sc.D., MPH. A nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas 杏吧原版� usually in the form of short, powerful talks 杏吧原版� TED covers a myriad of topics, including science and global issues. TEDx supports individuals or groups hosting local, independently organized TED-style events around the world.

杏吧原版淏eing involved in the University's first TEDx event was an enriching experience because we made history that day,杏吧原版� said Yi, a health sciences major with a premedical studies designation. 杏吧原版淭his was my first time putting together an event of this caliber, and I am proud to have brought the existence of into fruition along with the dedication of the TEDx Club members, while creating the opportunity for all students to attend an official TEDx Talk at the University.杏吧原版�

After applying for a TEDx license, Yi led the club杏吧原版檚 effort to organize the event, following TED杏吧原版檚 guidelines. TEDxUNewHaven, with the theme 杏吧原版淟ooking at Tomorrow from Today,杏吧原版� encouraged attendees to imagine how what happens today can impact our future.

Created to unite students who are interested in the spirit of TED, the TEDx Club endeavors to create a platform for discussion. Yi hopes the first TEDx event fostered a conversation that inspired the University community.

杏吧原版淚 felt it was important to amplify voices within the University community and to set the foundation of TEDx events at the University of New Haven,杏吧原版� said Yi. 杏吧原版淚 hope attendees learned that with perseverance and focus, anything is possible, regardless of how unfamiliar the territory might be.杏吧原版�

杏吧原版楾he status of innovation has never been brighter杏吧原版�

Showcasing five undergraduate and graduate student speakers, the event included discussions on topics such as the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in deterring juvenile crime as well as positivity and happiness. Elizabeth O杏吧原版橠onnell 杏吧原版�22, a nutrition and dietetics major, discussed the effects of nutrition on America杏吧原版檚 obesity crisis, emphasizing the importance of wholesome ingredients in food and the role of sustainability.

杏吧原版淚t is not as hard as you think to live a sustainable life,杏吧原版� she said. 杏吧原版淣ot only will sustainability help better our environment and our earth, but it will provide better health for us in the future.杏吧原版�

Dr. Krishnan Nandabalan, president and CEO of , a drug discovery and development company focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning based in Guilford, Conn., delivered the keynote address. A leader in biotechnology, Dr. Nandabalan discussed AI, as well as innovation and how it can impact the future, especially in healthcare.

杏吧原版淚 would argue that the status of innovation has never been brighter,杏吧原版� he said. 杏吧原版淭here is democratic access to two of the key ingredients needed for innovation: information and technology. The third even more important ingredient is human ingenuity and creativity.杏吧原版�

杏吧原版楶ositive feedback and support杏吧原版�

The event, held on the virtual platform , included a live Q&A session, as well as two breakout networking sessions.

杏吧原版淥ur inaugural TEDx event far exceeded my expectations,杏吧原版� said Dr. Tran, an assistant professor and assistant provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 杏吧原版淒espite an ongoing pandemic, our students persisted and organized an event of the highest quality and adhered to public health protocols. I felt incredibly proud of the students as I watched them give their compelling talks. It has been a privilege to serve as their faculty adviser. I am looking forward to seeing what they come up with next year.杏吧原版�

Yi says that although it was challenging to organize and host TEDxUNewHaven amid the pandemic, she felt it was a successful event and a wonderful experience. She especially enjoyed connecting with the speakers, and she杏吧原版檚 looking forward to joining them next year.

杏吧原版淚 felt both fulfilled and relieved, as our collaborative efforts were met with positive feedback and support,杏吧原版� she said. 杏吧原版淥ne of my favorite parts about organizing this was seeing their talks, speaking styles, and confidence shine on the day of the event. I do plan on speaking at our 2022 TEDxUNewHaven event!杏吧原版�