Dawn BonkerTEDxChapmanU did it again. For the third consecutive year, Chapman University’s own independently organized TEDx event drew huge crowds to Memorial Hall and showcased a variety of speakers, from students and faculty to national heroes, who spoke of “ideas worth sharing.”
This year’s TEDxChapmanU attracted attendees from throughout Southern California, many of whom waited in a stand-by line hoping for last-minute access to the nonprofit speakers forum.
Among the speakers was Laura Glynn, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Chapman University. Glynn described her research in the field of maternal-child health, where she has a particular interest in the months just prior to and following childbirth. Glynn said she has dedicated herself to this field because it is “one of the most critical knowledge gaps” of the human experience.
“Furthering our knowledge of the neurological changes associated with the perinatal period will not only allow women and their healthcare providers to better understand changes in behavior and function during and after pregnancy, but it will allow for a better understanding of women’s lifespan development,” Glynn said.
Other highlights included toy inventor Brian Kessler, whose father patented the Hula-Hoop. Kessler shared tales of toys that didn’t quite fly, as well as success stories – and glittering demonstrations — of his hugely popular Wave Hoop, which uses water to keep the hoops aloft for the hula challenged.
Suburban mom Stephanie Decker brought the audience to tears and earned a standing ovation as she recounted how she lost her legs protecting her children from the tornado that destroyed her home. Decker and her husband have gone on to establish the Stephanie Decker Foundation, which helps children with prosthetics enjoy sports and the same athletic opportunities as others.
As is the tradition with TED talks, the TEDx presentations will also be available for online viewing. Check back at the TEDxChapmanU website in the coming weeks to see the 2014 speakers.
I tried to participate, but the organizers didn’t answer any of my multiple emails, they didn’t list a person to contact, and there seemed to be no way to reach them. Isn’t that the opposite of the Ted spirit?