TEDxDayton 2019 has strong Wright State flavor

At least seven people with connections to Wright State University will be among the 17 speakers at TEDxDayton 2019. Four of the seven either teach, study or earned a degree from the Wright State College of Engineering and Computer Science.

The seventh edition of TEDxDayton will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, from 12:15 to 5:30 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton.

TEDxDayton spreads ideas and perspectives to spark conversation and connections in the community. The event uses TED’s celebrated format of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances designed to foster learning and inspiration.

Speakers with Wright State ties include Brandy Foster, director of Wright State’s ONEIL Center for Research Communication.

Foster earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Wright State and is a senior lecturer in computer science engineering, primarily teaching Technology and Society and Technical Writing. Her speech topic is sharing the value of generalists in a world full of specialists.

Luther Palmer, an assistant professor in electrical engineering, primarily works in robotics and control systems. He plans to talk about how mathematics can be applied to solving important community problems.

Benjamin Holmes is a Ph.D. student in computer science and engineering, working in the area of machine learning. His speech topic is the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.

Jad Mubaslat, who earned his master’s degree in industrial and human factors engineering, plans to discuss the history of money and how it has led to cybercurrency such as Bitcoin.

Mary Rogero, who earned her bachelor’s of fine arts, will talk about how kitchens have evolved to take on special importance in home life.

Connie Vaughn, who earned her bachelor’s in accountancy, will share how anyone can be a “math person.”

And Dean Waggenspack, who earned a certificate in tech adult education, will discuss how society should rethink and reimagine retirement.