GSP-09 Student, Singularity University

I feel lucky to have been born in the knee of the curve. Thinking about the ~80 billion people who lived and died when the curve was virtually flat, I see our unique opportunity: to harness the power of growth and overcome limits like death, resource shortages, and the vulnerability of Earth. For the first time, leadership criteria include a real understanding of the coming technological singularity.

As someone who has worked and traveled in about 40 countries, I see that one of our most pressing tasks is the democratization of technology in such a way that true sustainability becomes practical for all people, including the poorest of the poor. I have worked in microfinance in Central America, helping to bring marginalized women into the labor force, and have led health seminars in rural villages. I studied biomimicry in Peru with Janine Benyus, and learned the importance of a biomimetic approach to technology, and efficiency in design and production. As a homeschool teacher for the family of Danny Hillis, I learned the value of personalized education. As a student at Alan Kay’s Vivarium Project school in Los Angeles, I enjoyed early exposure to computer languages and AI, and was raised with an understanding of the power of nanotech.

Education:

Vanderbilt University (current)
Bard College, B.A. Foreign Languages (2004)
American University in Cairo, Egypt (2004)
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina (2003)
Università di Bologna, Italy (2001)

Home Country/Town: Nashville, TN, USA

SU Track: Energy & Ecological Systems

Entrepreneurial Activities:

Co-director of the J. Max Simon Foundation
Founding member of the Eastside Agricultural Team/Sylvan Street Garden (an urban farm for Somali refugees in Nashville)
Co-founder of Nashville Green Drinks (networking for professionals interested in sustainable business practices)

Email: tasha.mccauley at singularityu.org