Presents:
Approaches to Sustainability:
Complexity and Simplicity
April 19th, 7:00 PM, Albrecht Auditorium
TEDxClaremontCollegesSalon is a casual TED event that is happening on the campus of Claremont Graduate University on April 19th at 7:00 PM. Join us for refreshments, two live speakers, a handful of TED-videos, and great conversation.
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.
Who is speaking?
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.
Nicko Fusso is Program Director at D-Prize, a venture that launches businesses to alleviate poverty in the developing world. D-Prize challenges social entrepreneurs to develop better ways to distribute proven life-enhancing technologies, and funds early-stage startups that can scale up ventures to reach the greatest numbers of people in need.
While earning an MBA from Drucker School of Management, Fusso studied complexity theory. His thesis, which used complexity theory and systems thinking to analyze potential paths to a more sustainable capitalism, helped him study problems and identify levers to create major systemic change.
Since 2007, his work has focused on sustainability strategy. Fusso has been published in Management Research Review, and has won numerous awards and honors for his work, including CORE77 and IDSA design awards, "Best In Class" industry recognition, "Excellence in Sustainability" academic awards, and been cited in national media.
When and where is it?
TEDxClaremontCollegesSalon is happening on Friday, April 19th at 7:00 PM. This is an intimate affair and registration will be capped at 100. It is being held in Albrecht Auditorium in the Stauffer Hall of Learning (925 N. Dartmouth) on CGU's campus.
How much does it cost?
It costs $5 to attend the Salon and you can purchase your ticket below.
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxClaremontColleges, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxClaremontColleges event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.