Astrophysicist Jill Tarter, who inspired Jodie Foster's character in *Contact*, dedicated her career to the search for extraterrestrial life. She now directs the Center for SETI Research at the

Astrophysicist Jill Tarter, who inspired Jodie Foster's character in *Contact*, dedicated her career to the search for extraterrestrial life. She now directs the Center for SETI Research at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California.

Her path wasn't easy. After losing a scholarship despite excellent grades, Tarter appealed to Dean Corson. He agreed it was unfair and, after contacting Procter & Gamble, reinstated her funding.

Two decades later, Tarter, serving on President Corson's advisory committee at Cornell, personally thanked him for his belief and support.

Dean Karlan, a Professor of Economics at Yale University and President of Innovations for Poverty Action, explores how

Dean Karlan, a Professor of Economics at Yale University and President of Innovations for Poverty Action, explores how understanding people and language can influence human behavior. His research has led to innovative mechanisms for increasing savings in developing world communities.

This discussion was published by TEDxMiddlebury on August 18, 2013.