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TEDx Evansville to feature four from the USI family

October 13, 2017

"Ideas worth spreading," the mission of TED talks has inspired thousands of communities to organize their own local TEDx talks, the "x" an indicator of a community effort inspired by the original. Each of the short talks, averaging around 18 minutes in length, are packed with thought-provoking, powerful messages by some of the community's best speakers.

During the upcoming TEDx Evansville, USI is woven throughout. The theme this year is "Grow," a theme that resonates with the University on several levels including the Strategic Plan goal of Purposeful and Sustainable Growth. This year's TEDx Evansville will be held on the USI campus from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, October 27, in the USI Performance Center and will feature two USI faculty members, a student and an alumnus.

The USI campus community can view the entire event for free in University Center, Rooms 2217-2220. All are welcomed to stop as time allows.

"We are delighted this year's TEDx Evansville event will be held in the stunning Performance Center on USI's campus," said Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett, USI president. "As these talks are devoted to spreading ideas, they work hand in hand with elements of our own University mission as an engaged learning community advancing education and knowledge."

USI's featured TEDx speakers include:

Dr. Paul Doss, professor of geology

Presentation: Beyond the Science: Environmental Problems…Cultural Solutions

Bio: Doss teaches courses on environmental geology, environmental science, geology of national parks and water resources. Doss directs student research on environmental problems, such as impacts of humans on water resources, natural resources management and geological hazards. He has previously held positions with Yellowstone National Park, Indiana Dunes and Everglades National Park.

Dr. Trent Engbers, assistant professor of political science

Presentation: Cookies, Connections and Currency

Bio: Engbers is an experienced college educator and nonprofit consultant living in Evansville. Engbers, who holds a doctorate in public affairs from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has taught more than 35 different courses in his 15 years of college teaching. His research on leadership, economic development and social capital has been published widely in journals, including Social Science Quarterly, Public Administration Review and the Journal of Leadership Education. He was a former Peace Corps volunteer in China from 2005-2007. He actively serves on three local nonprofit boards.

Ryan Loehrlein, engineering major at USI

Presentation: Innovation from a Spark of Curiosity

Bio: Loehrlein is a student at the University of Southern Indiana, where he is pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering and finance. He is a student trainee at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana, and president of Guardian Aviation Technology LLC. See the Knowledge for Life story about Loehrlein.

Ben Trockman '14, USI alumnus

Presentation: Workforce of Ability

Bio: Trockman serves as Community Outreach and Employment Specialist for Old National Bank, where he is dedicated to assisting the bank in becoming a leader in disability employment and inclusion. He is active within the disability advocacy community and works with legislators in Indianapolis and Washington D.C., to improve employment opportunities, airline accessibility and health care options for people with disabilities.

Tickets and additional information are available online. If you are unable to attend, watch the live feed online at TEDx Evansville

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