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