TEDxGatewayArch will present its annual Catalyst Event on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Harris-Stowe State University. Catalyst will include a full day of speakers and performers and will allow guests to spend time between speakers mingling with TED-focused exhibitors.
Some of this year’s speakers include:
• Maya Warren, a recent PhD graduate whose passion for food science has inspired her to think outside the box. Recent winner of The Amazing Race 25, Maya competed with fellow food science graduate to take home the $1 million prize. With her reward, she is currently developing a food consulting business and a TV show showcasing frozen desserts from around the world.
• Dr. Eric Leuthardt will discuss brain computer interfaces that enable a person with a chronically paralyzed hand to recover function by using brain signals from the uninjured side of their brain. With continued practice, the patient’s machine-empowered thoughts enable them to move their paralyzed hand and begin to recover function.
• John O’Leary who as a curious nine-year-old boy, playing with fire and gasoline, created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. John was given one percent chance to live. Now he inspires people throughout the world with his epic story.
• Cbabi Bayoc is a local, modern artist that has dedicated his passion to uplifting and inspiring images of fathers and their children. Since becoming a full-time artist in 1995, after graduating from Grambling State University, Cbabi has worked as a caricature artist, magazine illustrator, and album designer.
Most recently, his 365 Days a Dad work represents black men in the everyday lives of their children. Over the years, Cbabi has featured several famous brands in his work, including Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, New Line Cinema, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, MCA Records, and singer, songwriter Prince.
• Dr. Jason Purnell is an Assistant Professor in the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. He teaches in both the public health and social work graduate programs, and his research focuses on the social and economic factors that drive health outcomes. Dr. Purnell is a licensed psychologist, having completed doctoral studies at the Ohio State University. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry and a bachelor’s degree in government and philosophy from Harvard University.
Tickets and more information about this year’s Catalyst can be found at http://tedxgatewayarch.org
