2 minutes with...

2 minutes with: TEDxCU

Ellie Chase — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:37:10 +0000

2 minutes with: TEDxCU Ellie Chase Mon, 04/27/2026 - 22:37

Ellie Chase

Learn more about TEDxCU, one of the oldest and largest university organized TEDx events in the country

Kalen Sieja, a co-curator of the 2026 TEDxCU event, speaks at the reception following the main event, On the Contrary. Sieja, who is graduating this year with a double major in political science and ecology and evolutionary biology, used his time in the spotlight to thank TEDxCU and toast to another successful year. Photo by Hannah Howell.

TEDxCU, which focuses on featuring independently licensed TED Talks, is among the oldest and largest university-organized events of its kind in the country. The student-led TEDxCU team hosts events in which talks are filmed in front of a live audience in Macky Auditorium. Students select six to nine speakers per year and work together to finance and plan the event, and coach the speakers. We’re here with Kalen Sieja, the TEDxCU co-curator, to discuss the ins and outs of the program.

Responses edited for length and clarity.

Tell me about TEDxCU.

The purpose of TED is to showcase ideas that aren’t always highlighted in dominant narratives. I think that the purpose of college and the mission of TED are the same—to get exposure to ideas worth spreading.

How do you choose speakers?

We usually get about a hundred applications from potential speakers. We select about half of our speakers from that pool. One of our speakers is always the winner of our Student Voices Speaking competition, hosted in the fall. For the remaining speakers, we reach out to folks in the community or familiar faces from TV that we think are doing cool things.

Student speaker Leo Heuring delivers his talk in Macky Auditorium in early April. Heuring is studying creative technology and design, and was accompanied by his robotic dog, Corndog, for his speech. In his talk, Heuring explored the meaning humans convey to their robots and the positive outcomes of these meaningful connections. Photo by Jack Moody.

What have been some of your favorite speakers or topics?

It’s so hard to choose! Last year I coached Felony Misdemeanor, a drag queen, who talked about the history of drag and her drag household in Denver. It was so cool to get to know her through that process. We also had the world record holder in Olympic speed climbing do a talk with his coach, which was also really cool.

Best reason to join?

It is by far, the best opportunity for professional growth and development that I have had access to in college. We have a team of 60 people and a budget of more than $50,000, so you are essentially participating in a small production company—you learn skills that you can’t learn in a classroom. It is also the No. 1 thing employers will ask about on your resume.

So, help me understand: If I were to join, what work would I be doing?

We work pretty much year round to put on the event. Our members are split into 12 teams, all working on different aspects of the organization—from finance to community outreach. That’s one of the coolest things about TEDxCU—whatever major you are, we have a job tailored for your skill set.

That's amazing that so many majors are valued at TEDxCU. What CMDI-specific skills does the club help students to develop?

There’s a lot of marketing, PR and engagement. Endless communication with organizations in the community, trying to get them to participate, promote our program or even sponsor us financially. We also love folks who are good at public speaking, or want to grow their public speaking skills.

Tell me the most chaotic thing that’s ever happened during a show.

Two years ago we had some videos embedded in our slide deck. The video worked on rehearsal day, the video worked day of—and as soon as the event started, the lights dimmed and the video would not play! That was a disaster—it was video problem after video problem at that event.

If you could pick one person to speak at CU—dead or alive—who would it be?

I’m a political science nerd, so I would love to get a really iconic Supreme Court justice. Like, Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Ketanji Brown Jackson. I’d love to hear RBG talk about being a woman on the Supreme Court in a pioneering time, and her experiences and outlook on cases.

Interested in joining TEDxCU? For more information check out tedxcu.com, and follow @tedxcu on Instagram for event updates and more.

Ellie Chase is studying journalism at CMDI, with a minor in business. She covers students and student news at the college.

TEDxCU Co-curator Kalen Sieja discusses how students bring "ideas worth spreading" to life through TEDx talks.

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2 minutes with: Evie Warner

Joe Arney — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:49:37 +0000

2 minutes with: Evie Warner Joe Arney Tue, 04/21/2026 - 15:49

Iris Serrano

Evie Warner (EnvDes’26) had never visited Colorado before she chose to attend CU 91��Ҹ�. Now, she has built quite the second home at CU in ways both conventional—as a leader with Industrial Designers Society of America—and not, as a proud bee booster. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the environmental design department.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

Evie Warner isn’t just a skilled student—she's a bee booster whose affection for the arthropods earned her the nickname of the bee girl. Courtesy Evie Warner.

So, for the uninitiated, what can you tell me about EPOD?
So, I came here specifically for the environmental design department, and found EPOD along the way. It stands for environmental products of design, and I love how hands-on we get in making real, physical things that solve meaningful problems. And while sustainability is not a requirement, I appreciate the opportunities to connect my projects to nature and community.

What’s your favorite part about it?
I love the interdisciplinary aspect most of all, because I like to do a lot of different things—and it's really nice that in environmental design, I can bring my interests outside of class into my work. My projects have this theme of connecting people in urban environments to nature.

My other weird niche, I guess, is bees.

Whoa, bees? Like, the insects?
Everyone knows me as the bee girl. I do a lot of pollinator advocacy stuff outside of school and with the city of 91��Ҹ�, and pollinator gardening, stuff like that.

OK, but how’d you get that nickname?
I was studying abroad, in Copenhagen, last spring, and I was in a class called Sustainable by Design. We had to go on a field trip to this urban bee place. I guess I just looked really excited or something, because everyone at my table turned and looked at me. So, I became the bee girl in that class. I didn't even have to say anything.

Other than saving the bees, what else have you done at CU?
I’m the secretary and treasurer of IDSA. The board really cares about networking, of course, but the core of it is this group of students who just want to make things and have fun. That’s the part that keeps it running.

What’s a highlight from your time as a member?
Definitely the first designathon we hosted. We collaborated with Lasko, so our challenge was to design an air purifier that fits better into a home with limited space. We were split up into teams; I think we were called Pretty Princess Power, or something.

Great name. Did you end up winning?
There was no official winner, but we made something really awesome—like, a portfolio-worthy project—in 24 hours. I was really proud of us, it just felt good to be on a team that really collaborated and functioned well. We all had different skills, but we all worked together so well.

Time for the scary question: What’s next?
This summer, I'm working in environmental education in California at a nature-based summer camp, so I'll be teaching kids about nature—and I get paid to go camping, essentially. It's just going to be a nice break, I think, from coming out of intense academics.

Iris Serrano is studying strategic communication and journalism at CMDI. She covers student news and events for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Evie Warner is graduating as the outstanding senior for the environmental design department. From her class projects to Copenhagen, Warner blends creativity and nature in her work.

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2026 Graduation Celebration

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2 minutes with: Averie Dow

Joe Arney — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:20:46 +0000

2 minutes with: Averie Dow Joe Arney Tue, 04/21/2026 - 12:20

Remember those posters that were all over campus in early spring, warning you to upgrade to the new campus Wi-Fi network? Averie Dow (InfoSci’26) helped design them. Her inspiration? Those wet floor signs custodians put out when they’re mopping up. “We needed a visual that was boring—yet so jarring that you couldn’t not see it,” she said. We caught up with Averie about her interests in design and technology.

This conversation edited for length and clarity.

If you didn’t experience an interruption in your Wi-Fi coverage when CU’s new network went online, you can thank Averie Dow’s standout poster design. Photo by Zoë Dauksch.

It’s an honor to get to speak with the person who helped inspire those intense posters.
(Laughs) You have no idea how many people said to me, “Averie, do you know how irritating it is to have to look at that poster?” And I was like, yes, yes I do.

Well, I guess you get the last laugh. I don’t know anyone who wasn’t aware of the new Wi-Fi network. Walk me through your process.
I was involved because I work for OIT, the CU Office of Information Technology. The user experience team was concerned that people would just think the Wi-Fi was down, instead of realizing they needed to take action. As a student, I see so, so many posters on campus. So, I suggested the wet floor sign design, which is why it’s that memorable shade of yellow. Believe me, we know how it looks!

I didn’t end up designing the final poster. But in my graphic design class the next day, we had to redesign a poster we saw on campus. And everyone and their mom wanted to do the Wi-Fi sign—and I had to pretend like I didn’t have anything to do with it.

A graphic designer and a technologist. You must be right at home in information science.
What I love about the info major is how it keeps updating. People will tell you about a class you took a year ago, and it’s changed so much as a result of everything that’s going on.

Where does your interest in tech come from?
Well, in high school, I was a Kode with Klossy scholar…

Code with who?
Kode with Klossy. It’s my favorite thing. There is a very well-known supermodel, Karlie Kloss, and her backup plan, if modeling didn’t work out, was programming. As a young girl, you love to see that, right? You can be a supermodel, and you can be a computer scientist. That’s where I learned to do web and app development.

Sounds like a cool program. Tell me more about the future, since you’re graduating a year early. What are you interested in doing next?
I would love to be on a user experience team, doing design and testing, especially from the lens of accessibility. A big part of my work with OIT is making the internet accessible for people who need a screen reader, or can’t use a mouse. I want to make a world that is accessible to people who weren’t considered when the internet was made—if everyone is online all the time, then everyone deserves to participate.

Wow. That might be the most information science career path I’ve heard.
It is! It’s humbling to design something, and then find people’s expectations to be way off when you do interviews around usability. It’s almost like a game where you have to get someone to do something without telling them what it is. And in redirecting them, you get better ideas of how to make your design more intuitive and accessible.

Joe Arney covers research and general news for the college.

If you knew to update your settings to get on the new campus Wi-Fi earlier this year, you have Averie Dow’s poster design to thank.

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2 minutes with: Hayden Chedid

Allyson Maturey — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:37:24 +0000

2 minutes with: Hayden Chedid Allyson Maturey Mon, 04/20/2026 - 14:37

Allyson Maturey

For Hayden Chedid, broadcast journalism introduced new ways of storytelling and collaborating with others. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

From English major to editor-in-chief, Hayden Chedid (Jour’26) has embraced every opportunity to tell meaningful stories through curiosity, leadership and hands-on experience. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the journalism department.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

OK, so let’s hear the origin story—what inspired you to come to CMDI?
Before CU 91��Ҹ�, I was at Arapahoe Community College majoring in English. I was introduced to journalism by a few friends and fell in love with storytelling. When I transferred to CU, it was the broadcast track that really helped me find my direction.

What’s one experience or lesson you’ll carry with you?
Just go for it. Journalism rewards you for putting yourself out there. I’m an introverted person, and this has really built my confidence and brought me out of my shell.

And your “go for it” moment was…?
Oh my gosh, like every day! (Laughs) I’ve done a few investigative stories, and one was really intense. I had to go to the police station, request records and interview officers. I feel like I’m always going to crazy places and meeting interesting people.

Who’s been in your corner throughout your journey?
My professor Paul Daugherty hasn’t been able to escape me these past few years. He’s more than a professor and more like a mentor. I even asked him to oversee my summer internship. He’s taught me almost everything I know about broadcast.

A summer internship? Tell me more.
It was with The Borgen Project. It taught me a lot about advocacy and how meaningful journalism can make an impact. I was writing articles about foreign aid and technological advancements in other countries, which made me more aware of the responsibility that comes with journalism and the impact I can have with my storytelling.

I know you’re the editor-in-chief for Roam 91��Ҹ�. What’s it like leading a team of writers?
At first, I had a lot of imposter syndrome. Like, how am I editor-in-chief? Over time, I got used to it and I felt like I was able to pass down my wisdom and knowledge from the past four years. It’s really satisfying being able to see my writers improve over the last few months.

Your bylines are so diverse. How do story ideas come up?
You just have to listen and be observant. I have a notes app with a huge list of story ideas that I write down as they come up throughout the day. That’s a really important skill for a journalist.

Real talk—share some advice for students still figuring it all out?
It’s OK to feel unsure about what’s next. I think uncertainty can be a good thing because that means your options are plentiful. When you focus on your authentic self and what you’re genuinely passionate about, everything will fall into place.

Dream job?
I want to apply what I’ve learned in a newsroom as a photographer or producer.

Where it all began. Hayden Chedid, left, poses with her best friend and Chip on her first day at college. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Hayden Chedid, second row on the right, was introduced to some of her closest friends while involved with Roam 91��Ҹ�. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Roam 91��Ҹ� received the 2026 Student Organization Event of the Year for its Earth Day block party. Hayden Chedid, left, poses with the award and a group of Roam students. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Allyson Maturey is a communications project manager who covers student and faculty news.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

This year’s outstanding senior for journalism found her path as editor-in-chief of the university’s fashion magazine and on a meaningful internship.

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2 minutes with: Zach Chagnon

Joe Arney — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:04:49 +0000

2 minutes with: Zach Chagnon Joe Arney Fri, 04/17/2026 - 09:04

Iris Serrano

CMDI helped Zach Chagnon unlock his creative potential. Photo courtesy Zach Chagnon.

Growing up, Zach Chagnon (CritMedia’26) thought he would be working in environmental conservation or as a paleontologist. His younger self would be surprised to find out he’s graduating from CMDI, with minors in business and Nordic studies. He is the William W. White outstanding senior for the critical media practices department.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

Nordic studies? That’s an interesting minor.
I have some family history that traces back to Norway and Sweden, and the classes inspired my capstone, as well. I made a narrative film called Blót, which means “ritual” in Old Norse. It explores the importance of communal connection through sensory and social experience.

Were you a one-man crew?
Almost entirely. My girlfriend's friend helped with casting and carrying equipment. It was overwhelming at first because there were so many things I didn’t know would actually work out. But I got to get some cool shots in Nederland to film the natural scenery because it looks like Scandinavia.

Was that your favorite project?
I’m most proud of a feature-length documentary I filmed about a friend who was sexually abused by her coach at another university. It’s not done, but I want this film to be a call to action—I want people to be angry, to make a difference, because stuff like this needs to change.

Wow. Your favorite film must be really impactful.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but actually, my top-rated movie on Letterboxd is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Wait. Seriously?
Yeah, for being a kids’ animated movie, it was so deep, and covered a lot of topics I could relate to.

Well, speaking of kids, what’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
I wish I had said yes to more opportunities. I chickened out of things because I wasn’t comfortable pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Also, take risks—calculated risks—it can really push you along.

What’s an opportunity you’ve said yes to?
I work with the city of Arvada as a multimedia content producer, which is really cool. One of the big projects I’m picking up before the internship is over is a video about their climate and sustainability action plan and how the city is going to look in the future.

Nice! What do you think you’ll miss the most about college?
I think it's been long enough since I’ve lived in my dorm that now I have a lot of nostalgia for that time. We made our room look super cozy so my roommate and I would have friends over to play video games.

What’s next for you?
I’d like to travel—my friends and I have been talking about a trip to Europe. Other than that, I’m applying to jobs and in a year or so, I’m going to start applying to grad school.

Iris Serrano is studying strategic communication and journalism at CMDI. She covers student news and events for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

The winner of the outstanding senior award for the media production major tapped his Nordic studies minor to fuel an interesting creative project.

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2 minutes with: Kaoutar El Ouadi

Jayden Fortner — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:08:25 +0000

2 minutes with: Kaoutar El Ouadi Jayden Fortner Thu, 04/16/2026 - 13:08

Jayden Fortner

Kaoutar El Ouadi's jam is music. The Aurora native interns at Fox Theater and has a great vinyl collection. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the media studies department, and also studied political science at CU 91��Ҹ�.

At CMDI, Kaoutar El Ouadi explored her love of music. Photo courtesy Kaoutar El Ouadi.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

So, I know you're really into music. Tell me about that.
Yes, I'm a very big concert person. And I love collecting vinyls, cassettes, that sort of thing. And I'm an intern at Fox Theater.

Wow. What's that like?
I do marketing over there. It's great, because I get to go to niche, cool concerts. There is this one band, called Winyah, I'm really into, even though I'm not as into indie music.

You must have some incredible playlists from a job like that.
Those aren't my only lists, actually. I have a bucket list in my Notes app—a full list of everything I want to do before leaving 91��Ҹ�. My biggest thing was probably going to a concert here at Red Rocks, which I did do!

Speaking of Red Rocks—if you could be anyone for a day, who would you pick?
I would love to be John Summit for a day! Like, what do you mean, you were an accountant, and now you're a DJ? I wanna test that out. I'll go DJ for the night, then do someone's taxes the next day, and then be in Red Rocks again, as the DJ.

Was there a professor who made a big difference for you?
Professor Jon Featherstone. He was phenomenal; he was one of the first professors who treated us like peers, but was still very professional. He wasn't talking at us, he was talking with us.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?
I would love to go to California or New York— two of my favorite spots. And I feel like that's where all the music and entertainment is based. I feel like I can have a real shot there.

Favorite memory with friends?
The summer of my junior year, when I was studying abroad, my friends and I rented miniature motorcycles. And we rode across the beach at night, which was phenomenal.

One more question. I heard you speak three languages?
Yes! When my parents first came to the US, they struggled to speak English, so they went straight to Spanish—and when they're talking, they mix the two. So, English, Spanish and Arabic. And then I just kind of grew up listening to it.

Jayden Fortner is pursuing degrees in journalism and strategic communication at CMDI, with a minor in sports media. She covers students and student news at the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

The outstanding graduate in the media studies department, Kaoutar El Ouadi is a music aficionado who has an enviable internship at Fox Theater.

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2 minutes with: Leah Szabo

Ellie Chase — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:35:29 +0000

2 minutes with: Leah Szabo Ellie Chase Wed, 04/15/2026 - 17:35

Ellie Chase

Leah Szabo has been all over the world, balancing life between Hungary and California as a dual citizen and studying abroad in Bali. While her passport tells a story of adventures in faraway places, Szabo has found a true sense of home at CMDI. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the strategic communication major.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

Coming from an international background, what made you choose CU 91��Ҹ�?
It was the perfect balance between academics and things to do outside of campus. CU has so much to offer—91��Ҹ� is such a phenomenal city, and the academics in the strategic communication program are outstanding. The alumni network and whole APRD program are really what drew me to it.

Did you know what you wanted to study when you arrived here?
Yes! I chose PR because it’s all about interpersonal relationships and making connections. I love how it’s all about elevating and uplifting others, and being the person to help others succeed and thrive.

Leah Szabo calls CMDI ‘the best school on Earth.’ Photo courtesy Leah Szabo.

Have you gotten the chance to experience PR firsthand yet?
Yes. I interned for six months at HBO—

Like, the HBO we all watch on TV?
Yeah! I worked on the media relations team, and we did publicity for the TV shows that HBO created. The main shows I worked on were The Last of Us, White Lotus, I Love LA, and It: Welcome to Derry.

So cool. Did you meet any famous actors?
I got to bring Odessa A'zion a lunch plate, and make sure that Rachel Sennott made it from one room to another. One time, Josh Hutcherson came up to me and talked about the Dodgers for maybe 30 seconds. (Laughs)

Jealous is an understatement! I know you're also the president of PRSSA at CU. How does that play into your passion for building relationships?
PRSSA is the Public Relations Student Society of America. As president, I run an executive board of 13 people. I really focused on increasing our membership this year, and we were able to do that by connecting with students one-on-one. We gained 174 new members this year.

It sounds like you created an incredible community at PRSSA. Tell me more about your herd.
Everyone in the APRD department—from faculty to students—is in my herd. I really got to know my professors, who are the biggest champions for students and some of the greatest professionals I have ever met. I really feel like I found my place here.

Best piece of advice for other students?
Don’t take it for granted. This is the best school on Earth, and CMDI has been my greatest stepping stone into learning and going into any industry I wanted. It’s so valuable—take advantage of everything this school has to offer.

What’s next?
I’m going on a trip to Portugal with my friends to get some more time to travel! Then I’ll spend the summer back here in 91��Ҹ� looking for a job.

Ellie Chase is studying journalism at CMDI, with a minor in business. She covers students and student news at the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Leah Szabo is a dual citizen, but says she truly found her home in CMDI. She is the outstanding graduate for the strategic communication major.

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2 minutes with: Kate Davis

Joe Arney — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:12:55 +0000

2 minutes with: Kate Davis Joe Arney Wed, 04/15/2026 - 09:12

Joe Arney

For people in technical fields, HCI is a well-known acronym for human-computer interaction—the study of how people and computers interact to design more user-friendly and efficient technology. For Kate Davis (InfoSci’25), it stands for human-clay interaction: She uses ceramics to tell stories through data. Davis is enrolled in the accelerated master’s program in information science and is the department’s William W. White outstanding senior.

Conversation edited for length and clarity.

She had wanted to attend CU 91��Ҹ� since she was in the third grade, but Kate Davis didn’t know what she wanted to major in until she discovered information science. ‘I was like, “Oh, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life,”’ she says. Photo courtesy Kate Davis.

So, I know you’re passionate about data visualizations. You have a bar graph emoji as part of your title on LinkedIn. But you’re really into data physicalization.
Yes—it’s where my art practices minor comes in. I am interested in communicating information with a more emotional, human-centered story approach. So, I use qualitative methods to understand data and human stories, then encode that into the qualities of ceramics—its texture, form, color.

A particular project you’re most proud of?
I’m working on a piece that showcases the experience of home loss in the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire. You see a lot of statistics and two-dimensional maps, but I grew up in that area, and those visualizations don’t, to me, reflect the experience of going through that. I want this piece to encapsulate the experience you can take from the data, as opposed to just stats.

So, you’re from Colorado Springs. How did you end up in 91��Ҹ�?
In third grade, I decided I wanted to go to CU 91��Ҹ� to be an engineer. Turns out, I didn’t want to be an engineer. But I was touring 91��Ҹ� and met Jed Brubaker, who told me about information science. And I was like, “Oh, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

Third grade? Really?
We would go camping in Rocky Mountain National Park every year and drive through 91��Ҹ�, and I would just think what a pretty place it was. (Laughs.)

How important was it to you to be near the outdoors?
The river is a big part of my life—where I go when I’m stressed, or to be social. They’re another place I explore in my work. I did a ceramics project where I created bird whistles—if you fill them with water and hold them at the right spot, they sing. It forces you to be still and requires you to be near water.

I know you’re a lifeguard. And you were president of the kayaking club. Has water always been important to you?
Actually, one of my favorite memories from CU is learning to do a new sport. I know it’s cliche to tell people to try as much as they can in college, but I saw a guy holding a boat at CU’s involvement fair, and said, “That looks fun. I’ll try that.”

You mentioned stress earlier. Who supported you when you felt overwhelmed as a student?
I have received immense support from Evan Peck, my advisor, and Jed. Also Priscilla Hopper. Crissy Bowen—oh my gosh, I cannot express all she does. I got a concussion last year—

A concussion? What happened?
I fell off my bike riding home from class. I know, it’s not even a cool story! But Crissy helped me get a doctor’s appointment. That’s on top of everything else she does.

Last question. What’s next for you?
I love my research. I hear a PhD program whispering to me, but after I graduate this December, I want to work in the industry for a few years before I figure out my next move.

Joe Arney covers research and general news for the college.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Kate Davis pairs her loves of art and data visualization to create functional ceramics that tell stories. She was named outstanding senior in the information science department.

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