About TEDxCMU: Diffraction

Diffraction is the process by which a source of light, sound, or other system of waves is spread as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge, typically accompanied by interference between the waveforms produced. TEDxCMU Diffraction represents people who are willing to use their voice to influence, persuade, and change others' worldview and perspective exponentially.

Diffraction represents interaction and dissemination of ideas. It is using one voice to spread ideas to many others. Diffraction keeps us open-minded and open to new perspectives. We bring together a diverse set of perspectives to keep us open-minded and excited to absorb innovative ideas and perspectives. We realize their voice can have an impact.

TEDxCMU.ORG
a set of gradient circles showing colors being diffracted
Schedule

8:30 PM

Introduction

8:45 PM

Duolingo’s Method to the Madness

Zaria Parvez

Duo, a sassy and fiercely loyal owl, has landed countless viral TikToks by riffing off of trending audio clips. Whether it’s fan-girling over Dua Lipa or getting in trouble with Legal, Duo has stolen the hearts of Gen-Z and #brandtok. Hear from the brains behind language-learning platform Duolingo’s TikTok account, Zaria Parvez about the entertainment-first account. We'll take a peek into how Duolingo implemented a test-and-learn approach, empowered Gen-Z talent to take the reigns, and flipped the script on traditional marketing.

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9:00 PM

Music Therapy and Behavioral Health

Calli Puko

What is Music Therapy? How is it used in behavioral health? Why is it so important? We'll explore Calli's work with adolescents in behavioral health all around Pittsburgh over the past two years-- from individual to group sessions, youth shelters to semi-independent living sites, challenging behaviors to rewarding moments.

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9:15 PM

Performance

Performances by Helix Dance Crew and C#.

9:35 PM

Intermission

9:50 PM

Everything I Didn't Learn in History Class

Simone Polanen

Simone Polanen hosts Spotify's weekly podcast, Not Past It, where she takes events from history and connects them to the present. After approximately 100 episodes, 500 interviews, and 1,000 throws to commercial breaks, she’s learned a thing or two about the surprising ways the past still influences our lives. From King Tut to Paris Hilton, it’s all examined through the lens of the podcast’s central question: how did we get to this version of the world we live in today? So today, Simone is dropping wisdom on the CMU community in the form of her top lessons learned by taking history out of the classroom and putting it on the air every week. And the ways it’s changed her own relationship with the passage of time.

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10:05 PM

Hey Siri, are you racist?: The ethics of conversational AI

Kimi Wenzel

In spite of recent advances, conversational AI still suffers from racial biases. What effect does AI-mediated racial discrimination have on us? And what might we do to stop it?

10:20 PM

The Art of Costume Design: Building Character Through Self Expression

Jenny Eagan

Are you curious about how costumes are created that bring your favorite characters to life on film and TV? Award-winning Costume Designer, Jenny Eagan, breaks down her personal journey to Hollywood and how self-expression of real-life people inspire her iconic costumes that grace the big screen.

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10:30 PM

Closing

10:40 PM

Innovation Expo

The TEDxCMU Innovation Expo is a platform for local startups, non-profits, research groups, and other innovators to present their incredible work to the CMU and greater Pittsburgh community. During the Innovation Expo, you’ll have an opportunity to interact with these amazing innovators and learn more about their work.

11:10 PM

Dinner