

Uncovering the ideas of tomorrow
TEDxNCState 2023 is just around the corner, and we are so excited for you to see what’s in store. We’ve brought together a unique and inspiring group of speakers, with a schedule full of engaging events and performances. Read on for more information about Speakers. For more information on tickets, visit the link below.
Don’t miss out!
TEDxNCState 2023
Speakers

Shima Hosseininasab
Shima Hosseininasab is a Ph.D. Candidate in Public History at NC State University. She holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Tehran. Her doctoral research focuses on monuments, architecture, and community engagement in shaping historical meaning through preservation and re-use. In her talk, she will discuss the treatment of the controversial built heritage in our urban memoryscapes. Currently, Shima is an instructor of World History at NC State University. When she is not pursuing her passion for history and architecture, Shima loves to travel and play foosball.

Michael Megalos
Michael Megalos is a senior studying Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Health, Medicine, and Human Values at NC State University. Born and raised in Cary, NC, Megalos was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and epilepsy at the young age of twelve. While this diagnosis brought clarity to his personal struggles, it also became a breeding ground for discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry. Although the road has been rough, Megalos has cultivated a passion for raising awareness on the day-to-day adversities faced by individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Through this advocacy, he hopes to educate, enlighten, and encourage others to prevent further misconceptions of this condition, as well as to serve as an example that disabled adults can lead productive, independent lives. In addition to advocating for his peers, Megalos also enjoys singing opera, acting in community theater groups, and playing pinball.

Terry Vaughn
Terry Vaughan is a former Royal Marines Commando who educates corporate groups in mindset, strategy, and body language for personal safety. In addition, he delivers presentations across the country on the topics of leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. He was a competitor on the History Channel's "Top Shot," has worked as a television host for the BBC, and is the author of “Not With My Daughter! A Dad's Guide to Screening Dates and Boyfriends.

Dr. Richard Spontak
Dr. Richard J. Spontak is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Alumni Distinguished Graduate and Undergraduate Professor at NC State University. In 1992, he accepted a faculty position at NC State, where he supervises the Macromolecular Materials & Morphology Group. He has published over 300 peer-reviewed journal papers and over 35 scholarly works as book chapters and invited monographs, and his work has been featured on 32 journal covers and cited over 15,000 times. His primary research relates to the morphology/property development of nanostructured polymers, polymer nanocomposites and coatings, electron microscopy, and stimuli-responsive soft materials. Spontak is a highly acclaimed educator and academic mentor, having received the Board of Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and has served as a Fulbright Senior Specialist and delegate to the Faculty Senate and Faculty Assembly.

Wei Zhao
I will talk about why we need to prioritize physical health and mental health to achieve our goals. I’ll focus on sleep and mental health. I am a first year PhD student in statistics. I’m an international student. My research is about using statistical methodologies and models to study how our brain functions in terms of focus, attention, memory, and emotional regulation. I find that a lot of people don’t realize how important health is to their work and life and thus they are doing things that do harm to their health. If they are aware of the role of health in their performance in work and study, goal achieving, and pursuing their dreams, they will pay more attention to their health and even change some of their habits and behavior such as sleep, exercise. My hobby is shooting scenic drone films, skateboarding, and latte art.
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Alandya Warren
With a fierce determination to amplify unheard voices and uplift untold stories, Alandya Simone Warren, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, is a powerful advocate for change and preserving history. She wields her skills in storytelling and research to explore the intersection of media and Black history. Through her experience working at the Smithsonian-affiliated Greensboro History Museum, where she hosted and produced an episode for their podcast "History Notes," Alandya has honed a unique perspective that is both passionate and informative. Her advocacy has also been shaped by her time as a Data and Analytics Intern for Publicis Groupe and as a Content Creation Intern for Lark Skin Co, which has given her a well-rounded perspective and a drive to make an impact. As a junior at NC State University majoring in Communication with a concentration in Media and pursuing minors in Journalism and Political Science, Alandya is determined to make her mark by inspiring, understanding, and communicating with others, particularly in the context of history and media.
More coming soon...