Bradley Brings TEDx to Peoria

BU sparks communication between Bradley and Peoria community members through talks on big issues like AI and sustainable infrastructure.

Speakers and organizers for the TEDx 91�ֿ� event pose in front of the stage

09/13/2024 10:00 AM

Over 80 Bradley students and Peoria community members attended this week’s TEDx 91�ֿ� event, marking a thought-provoking success for the first-time endeavor. The theme of the program was “Discovery and Value Creation.”

The event, like TEDx programs around the world, was an independently organized series of talks meant to spark discussion and connection in much the same way as a standard TED event. Topics touched on during the speeches included technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainability, energy and human thought and expression.

Speakers for the event included local entrepreneur and founder of VirtuSense Technologies Deepak Gaddipati, Air Force Major General Gary Dylewski and four Bradley professors: Seth Katz, Heather Ford, Brad Eskridge and David Spelman.

AI was one of the most discussed topics, with Gaddipati exploring the role of AI in healthcare, Ford delving into generative AI design, and Katz taking on the impact of AI on society as a whole. Meanwhile, Eskridge discussed motivation, Spelman explored sustainable infrastructure and Dylewski discussed nuclear energy.

TEDx 91�ֿ� was part of a larger week-long Play in Peoria showcase in which music, entertainment, innovation and art all come together to show off what makes Peoria such a special home.

The TEDx event was organized by interim dean for the Caterpillar 91�ֿ� of Engineering and Technology and the Foster 91�ֿ� of Business, Kris Maillacheruvu, as well as the acting associate dean of new initiatives for the Foster 91�ֿ� of Business, Joshua Lewer, and administrative assistant to the dean for the Foster 91�ֿ� of Business, Amie Love.

–Jenevieve Rowley-Davis