Wright-Patterson represented at TEDx Dayton

  • Published
  • By Amy Rollins
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  TEDx is a global platform of independently organized events licensed by TED, a nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading." It started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was well-represented by having two speakers on the roster of 24 speakers and performers at the second TEDx Dayton event Oct. 17 at the Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton. The theme was "Explore. Exchange. Excite."  

Speaking on "The 7 Janning Steps to Innovation" was Jacqueline Janning-Lask, chief, Aerospace Components Division, Sensors Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Janning-Lask is the daughter of Ohio-based inventor John Janning, who perfected the liquid crystal display and invented the thermal printing wafer. A graduate of Beavercreek High School, she grew up with a lab in her basement.

Janning-Lask expounded on the following innovation strategies: 1. Gonna's don't count; 2. Ideas are like belly buttons; 3. Find solutions looking for problems; 4. Tinker; 5. Dream big. 6. Act differently; 7. Determination. Her father was in the audience.  

"With this year's speaker lineup, I was thankful, privileged and humbled by my experience with TEDx Dayton and in representing AFRL and Wright-Patterson AFB," Janning-Lask said. "As a scientist and engineer, you often experiment to find just the right formula for success, and I submit the same is true for innovation and leadership. For me, I often fell back on my father's advice over my career, because his innovation strategies are not only applicable just about anywhere, but they are tried and true!

"To give my talk in front of my father was a way of paying tribute to him for all he has done for his family, the community, and the field of science and engineering   ," she said.

Richard Reynolds, veteran with 34 years of service as an experimental test pilot, program executive officer and senior military commander, paid tribute to service members.

He spoke on "The 1%", indicating his concern about how few Americans have military service experience. Reynolds, chairman of the Air Force Museum Foundation and a retired lieutenant general, discussed the all-volunteer force; the cost of technology and "winning 100-0"; and the decision to go to war. He encouraged the sold-out audience of than 900 members to stay connected to the military by visiting such institutions as the National Museum   of the U.S. Air Force and supporting organizations associated with military service.  

"It was a genuine honor and privilege to be part of TEDx Dayton and to have the opportunity to voice concern for the growing gap between the military and the fellow citizens they serve to defend and protect," Reynolds said. "Nations and societies that have grown disconnected from their armed forces, and the realities of service and sacrifice in the military, have paid a high price across the history of conflicts, large and small."

Danna Plewe, 88th Air Base Wing community support coordinator, served behind the scenes on the TEDx Dayton speakers committee. She served as a speaker ambassador for several speakers last year.

"It's such an honor to work with such inspiring people and such inspiring community volunteers," Plewe said.