Child Of The Sun

 

Distinguished Speakers Series

All lectures are at 7:00 PM in the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, and are free and open to the public.

Supported by:
WUSF public media logo  

Technology and Innovation: Redefining Possible

The 2019 Child of the Sun Distinguished Speakers Series examines how technology and innovation push the boundaries of human experience. While new technologies have always allowed us to reimagine and redefine what is possible, the unprecedented scope and speed of contemporary technological innovation presents extraordinary opportunities as well as unique challenges. A history-making NASA rocket scientist, a bestselling author on technology and culture, and a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur join us this year to explore these opportunities and challenges.

Spring 2019 Schedule

photo of adam steltzner

Adam Steltzner - February 12

“The Right Kind of Crazy: A True Story of Teamwork, Leadership and High Stakes Innovation”

From aspiring rock star going nowhere fast to a history-making Ph.D. rocket scientist, Adam Steltzner is recognized as one of NASA’s leading – and most unique – innovators. For nearly a decade, Adam led and inspired the breakthrough team that invented the ingenious “sky crane” landing system that so spectacularly landed the Mars rover, Curiosity, on the Martian surface 300,000,000 miles from Earth.

Read Adam-Steltzner’s full biography
photo of nick carr

Nicholas Carr - March 19

“The Glass Cage: How Our Computers Are Changing Us”

Nicholas Carr is a compelling writer and speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of technology and culture. He is the author of the acclaimed book The Glass Cage: How Our Computers Are Changing Us (2014), and his previous work, The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains (2010), was a 2011 Pulitzer Prize finalist and a New York Times bestseller. His most recent book, Utopia Is Creepy: And Other Provocations (2016), continues his exploration of the Internet’s impact on society.

Read Nick Carr’s full biography
photo of nina tandon

Nina Tandon - April 9

“Body 3.0”

Nina Tandon is at the cutting edge of science where sci-fi meets reality. She works on growing artificial hearts and bones that can be put into the body, and studies the new frontier of biotech: homes, textiles, and videogames made of cells. CEO and co-founder of EpiBone, Tandon was named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and one of Foreign Policy’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers.

Read Nina-Tandon’s full biography
 
See Past Speakers

It is the question that drives us.

The Mission

The Child of the Sun Distinguished Speakers Series brings speakers of national and international renown to the Florida Southern College campus and Lakeland community several times a year to explore some of the most compelling issues and events of our times. Featuring highly regarded experts, the series aims to provoke thought, stimulate conversation, and inspire action on a wide range of topics.

The Goals

  • to provide a forum for members of the campus and greater Lakeland community to engage with a variety of world-class speakers on stimulating topics ranging from culture and politics to art and science
  • to encourage deep, interdisciplinary thinking and conversation about complex problems and challenges
  • to celebrate the contributions and achievements of individuals who have distinguished themselves in their  fields
  • to empower audiences with the knowledge and insight needed to make a positive and consequential impact locally, nationally, and globally