Dreamers & Disruptors

Sophia Breukner

Sophia Brueckner is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design. As an artist, designer, and engineer her work focuses on the relationships between technological progress and its societal impacts.

Doctor Abdul El-Sayed

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is an internationally recognized public health physician and epidemiologist. He currently serves as Health Officer and Executive Director of the Detroit Health Department.

Caitlin Holman

Caitlin Holman is a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan School of Information, and a co-founder of the gameful learning platform GradeCraft.

Sophia Kruz

Sophia Kruz is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker with a passion for non-fiction storytelling.

Scott Matzka

Scott Matzka is a 38 year old father of two and retired professional ice hockey player. He was diagnosed with ALS in September of 2015. Despite his diagnosis, Scott remains energized and believes that it is his turn to speak out and stand out.

Doctor Erika Newman

Dr. Erika Newman is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery at CS Mott Children's Hospital and Surgical Director of the Solid Tumor Oncology Program. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Newman is a leading cancer researcher and hopes to provide new insights into the progression and treatment of neuroblastoma.

Koen Vanmechelen

Koen Vanmechelen is a renowned conceptual artist with a focus on biocultural diversity and identity.

Jeffrey Veidlinger

Jeffrey Veidlinger is the Joseph Brodsky Collegiate Professor of History and the Director of the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan. He is an expert in modern Russian, Eastern European, and Jewish history, with a current focus on Jewish migration and displacement trends.