Explore the profound connections between AI, humanity, and the cosmos. Nick delves into how artificial intelligence reflects the universe’s vast complexity and our interconnectivity, offering a vision for future human-AI collaboration. Nicholas Stewart’s journey into computing began in Larrison Hall, where a Java course sparked his passion for technology. He earned his Associate Degree from Mercer County Community College before graduating with honors from NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing.Through roles in government IT and distributed computing, Nick honed his skills in large-scale systems. At AWS, he advanced from Cloud Support Associate to Cloud Support Engineer, specializing in distributed computing, system optimization, and scalable architectures. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including Solutions Architect and EC2 Subject Matter Expert.As an independent AI researcher, Nick explores cognition and emergent systems, aiming to develop AI that exhibits introspection, curiosity, and self-directed reasoning. He also draws inspiration from cognitive science and philosophy, continuously refining his understanding of intelligence while pursuing creative projects in technology and beyond. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Benny shares his transformative realization about the true value of time following a near-fatal incident. Discover how prioritizing what truly matters—family, passion, and well-being—can lead to genuine success and fulfillment. Benny Pough is a seasoned music industry expert, real estate investor, and author. With over 30 years of experience, he has shaped the sound and culture of music, delivering hits for artists like Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Future. Holding executive roles at Def Jam, Roc Nation, and Epic Records, Pough led major marketing and promotion efforts. In 2020, he launched D.Verse Media, a multi-tiered entertainment company.Beyond music, Pough built a thriving real estate portfolio and overcame a near-fatal accident in 2014, inspiring his book ON IMPACT: Life, Leadership & Almost Losing It All, an Amazon Best Seller. He received the Urban One Honors Record Executive of the Year and speaks internationally. Passionate about public speaking, investing, art, and wine, Pough resides in Bergen County, NJ. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Joseph performed a dynamic and moving selection of works, including J.S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in b-flat minor, BWV 867, Angelica Negrón’s La Intervención, and two Schubert/Liszt arrangements: Der Doppelgänger and Ständchen. Joseph Toto is an aspiring classical pianist and composer from New Jersey, dedicated to mastering both technical excellence and emotional expressiveness in his music. With over 13 years of piano study and 3 years of composition experience, Joseph devotes countless hours to refining his technique, expanding his repertoire, and deepening his artistic interpretation.He is currently enrolled in the music program at Brookdale Community College, where he has performed in numerous school concerts since 2023. Performance highlights include playing Chopin’s Octave Etude and Liszt’s Transcendental Etude No. 11, “Harmonies du Soir” at Steinway Hall in New York City. His repertoire spans from Bach and Mozart to Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, showcasing both versatility and ambition.Joseph has studied under distinguished pianists, including Dr. Cory Hall of BachScholar and, currently, Sunhwa Kim, a doctoral candidate at the Manhattan School of Music and faculty member at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School. He also studies composition with Jee Won Kim, a doctoral candidate at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.A member of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success, Joseph was recognized with a Star Performance Award in an advanced recital at age 9.Most recently, Joseph proudly announced his acceptance into the Manhattan School of Music, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Music in Classical Composition. With a deep commitment to his craft, he continues to grow as both a performer and composer, aiming to move audiences with brilliance and heart. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Liam redefines agricultural education, highlighting its critical role in science and innovation. Learn how agriscience is shaping the future, from food sustainability to biotechnological advancements. Liam M. Ryan is the Agricultural Science Teacher & FFA Advisor at Piscataway Magnet School, part of Middlesex County Magnet Schools. He has helped rebuild the Agriscience program and FFA Chapter, equipping students with industry-standard skills in plant science, apiculture, floriculture, and soil science.A Rutgers SEBS graduate with a B.S. in Agriculture & Food Systems, Ryan conducted entomology research under Dr. Chloe Hawkings and turfgrass studies with Dr. Matthew Elmore. He also assisted with WINLABS on the effects of electromagnetic waves on honeybee apiaries.Ryan worked as a Pest Control Specialist at Ehrlich Pest Control before transitioning to education. Inspired by Dr. Xenia Morin, he pursued agricultural education and is now enrolled in Brookdale Community College’s Alternative Route Teacher Certification Program. An Eagle Scout and former firefighter, Ryan actively presents on entomology and agricultural science at various conferences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Drawing on his own journey from anime fan to professor, Mat showcases innovative teaching methods that use anime to boost student engagement and creativity. Discover how anime becomes a dynamic tool for critical thinking and multimodal expression in the college writing classroom. Mat Siegel is a passionate educator dedicated to enhancing his pedagogy and inspiring lifelong learners. Raised in Monmouth County, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Monmouth University and teaches English at Brookdale and Middlesex College. His courses include World Literature, Mythology in Literature, and Freshman Composition. Mat recently completed a second master’s in English Composition and Rhetoric from the University of Texas at Tyler, focusing on Anime Pedagogy.A lifelong anime enthusiast, Mat integrates anime into teaching as a contemporary, engaging tool. He believes anime fosters student creativity and voice. By leveraging anime’s multimodal nature, he equips students with transferable skills.Beyond education, Mat is a published Frankenstein scholar and a dedicated martial artist, training in karate for over two decades. He credits his instructors for shaping his character and considers martial arts integral to his life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Laura’s compelling narrative intertwines loss, healing, and the awe of natural encounters. Explore how profound moments with nature and people inspire hope and foster a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries. A veteran educator with 25 years of teaching experience, Laura is a full professor of English at Brookdale Community College and has taught at Stockton and Ramapo. Specializing in trauma-informed, emotionally literate curricula, she emphasizes intra- and interpersonal development to help students find meaning and purpose. Her teaching spans writing, research, critical theory, and creative writing, focusing on self-discovery through language.An inaugural fellow in Brookdale’s Center for Transformative Learning, she founded CONNECTIONS, a peer support network for educators. A candidate for the Doctorate in Medical Humanities at Drew University, her research explores care ethics and inherited trauma.Her poetry collections include The Resurrection Jar, Women & Other Hostages, and The Wild Night Dress. A three-time NJ State Arts Council Fellow, she has received fellowships from Bread Loaf and Virginia Center for the Arts. She also edited A Sense of Regard and The Room and the World. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx