By Mark Ambrogi
Carmel High School sophomore Parker Lawrence is eager for the opportunity to give a TED talk.
“My talk is about neural networks and how they function,” Lawrence said. “I compare their ability to play board games to people and other more standard approaches to making a computer program that can play games effectively.”
Mind Games is the theme for the CHS TEDx conference, which is set from 1 to 5 p.m. April 15 at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way. The conference is described as a discussion that will study the manner in which minds work and the number of different ways people use them to their advantage, from professional storytellers to neuroscientists.
“Aside from presentations in school, I am new to public speaking,” said Lawrence, who eventually hopes to major in computer science in college. “It’s a very exciting opportunity, and I’m going to be rehearsing a lot for it.”
TEDx are independently organized events.
TED talks are 18 minutes or less. TED began at a conference for where Technology, Education and Design were discussed in 1984. It has now spread to a wide variety of topics.
CHS students Mitchell Adzema and Roberto Alas will talk about their Theory of Knowledge course.
Others speakers include Bob Sander, a professional storyteller; Dr. Bill Truitt, a neuroscientist specializing in the areas of anxiety and addiction; Sabra Logan, founder of Iibada Dance Company and Dr. Laura Bates, professor at Indiana State University, who teaches Shakespeare to prison inmates.
“All of our speakers are from the area, which makes it even more exciting to know that there are so many inspiring minds around us,” said Selin Oh, who is leading the speakers committee for the conference.
The conference is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $10 and available on Eventbrite.com
For more, visit TEDxCarmelHighSchool.org or visit the Facebook page under (TEDxCarmelHS).
