Past TEDx event

TEDxClaremontCollegesSalon

Took placeApril 19, 2013
LocationClaremont, California, United States
FormatSalon
Those who work in the area of sustainability seek to enable our world and its inhabitants to support life in a holistic and enduring manner. But what does sustainability strategy actually look like? Sometimes humans seek to solve problems with complex solutions when a simpler path is best. Dr. Mariappan Jawaharlal of Cal Poly Pomona and the Biomimicry Institute will speak about the inspiration that he finds in the natural world, and how a focus on optimization—rather than maximization—can create sustainable outcomes. On the other hand, sometimes embracing complexity is the best approach. Nicko Fusso of D-Prize will speak about international development and how the best approach to addressing poverty in Africa is by realizing the fact that its causes are many in number and diverse in nature.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Nicko Fusso

    Fusso is Program Director at D-Prize, which funds early-stage social enterprises. The "D" stands for distribution: the world has already discovered numerous ways to eradicate poverty at the base of the pyramid, the need now is in scaling up and Distributing these technologies. We challenge entrepreneurs to design better ways to distribute poverty-solutions in the developing world, and gives awards to pilot new ideas. Fusso's work often uses design thinking and appreciative inquiry; he focuses on shared-value and social enterprise aspects too. His work has earned CORE77 and IDSA design awards, "Best In Class" industry recognition, "Excellence in Sustainability" academic awards, and been cited in national media.

  • Mariappan Jawaharlal

    Dr. Mariappan Jawaharlal (“Dr. Jawa”) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Pomona). Dr. Jawa’s course, Biomimicry for Engineers focuses on identifying models in nature that meet engineering functions and incorporating nature’s design principles into early stages of engineering design. Dr. Jawa’s students are involved in a number of biomimetic projects including the study of pine cones for efficient structural design; tubercles of whale fin for use in windmill blades; limpets for attachment mechanisms and rib cages for collapsible pressure vessel design. He is currently developing a systematic approach that would help engineers to incorporate life’s principles early on in the engineering design process. In 2010, Dr. Jawa was selected to be a Biomimicry Fellow at the Biomimicry Institute, the first mechanical engineer to receive this honor. The Biomimicry Institute promotes the study and imitation of nature’s remarkably efficient designs, bringing together scientists, engineers, architects and innovators who can use those models to create sustainable technologies. Dr. Jawa is recognized as an outstanding engineering educator for his innovative and engaging teaching pedagogy. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the 2010 Northrop Grumman Excellence in Teaching Award, and several grants. He is well known for his innovative, K-12 robotics outreach program, which has reached hundreds of students in the US and abroad.

Organizing team