TEDx Videos
Dozens of Wright State faculty, students, and alumni have shared a wealth of expertise and experiences through TEDxDayton
Wright State University has long been an enthusiastic supporter of TEDxDayton and its mission to spread ideas and perspectives that spark conversation and connections in the community. The annual TEDxDayton event uses the TED Talks format of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations, and performances designed to foster learning and inspiration. Wright State community members have taken to the stage to discuss everything from opioid addiction to artificial intelligence to exercise in cancer care. Over the years, more than 40 Wright State faculty, students, and alumni have spread their knowledge through these talks.
2020
Subhashini Ganapathy, chair ofbiomedical, industrial, and human factors engineering, talked about how industrial and systems engineering (ISE) makes a difference in everyday life.
Christopher Wyatt, associate chair ofneuroscience, cell biology, and physiology, discussed opioid addiction and its causes.
2019
Brandy Foster, director of Wright State’s ONEIL Center for Research Communication, discussed the value of generalists in a world full of specialists.
Luther Palmer, an assistant professor in electrical engineering, talked about how mathematics can be applied to solving important community problems.
Benjamin Holmes, a Ph.D. student in computer science and engineering, discussed the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
Jad Mubaslat, who earned his master’s degree in industrial and human factors engineering, discussed the history of money and how it has led to cybercurrency such as Bitcoin.
Mary Rogero, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, talked about how kitchens have evolved to take on special importance in home life.
Connie Vaughn, who earned her bachelor’s in accountancy, shared how anyone can be a “math person.”
Dean Waggenspack, who earned a certificate in tech adult education, discussed how society should rethink and reimagine retirement.
2018
Kevin Cornell, Ohio’s 2016 PBS Lead Digital Innovator who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and teaching, discussed making a shift in how to engage.
Andre T. Harris of Horizon Women’s Health Care, who earnedhis medical degree from Wright State, spoke about the hidden key of testosterone.
Ray Marcano, a newspaper veteran who teaches digital media in the Department of Communication, spoke about how the 24-hour news cycle and social media are a threat to democracy.
Stephanie VanHouten, a teacher who earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, spoke about discovering children as active citizens.
2017
Steven Kniffley, assistant professor in theSchool of Professional Psychology whose expertise is research and clinical work with Black males, spoke about solidarity. Julie Williams, professor in the School of Professional Psychology, talked about privilege, power, and oppression.
Corey Seemiller, assistant professor inleadership studies in education and organizations, spoke about Generation Z.
LaFleur Small, professor of sociology, discussed HIV/AIDS in older adults.
Karen Wonders, professor ofexercise psychology, discussed the role of exercise in cancer care.
Mohamed Al-Hamdani, who earned a degree in sociology, talked about his experience as an Iraqi refugee.
Adrian McLemore, who earned a degree in political science, talked about kinship care.
Rosalind Jackson, who completed her medical training at the Boonshoft School of Medicine, discussed life after menopause.
2016
Joe Deer, professor andMusical Theatre Initiativedirector, discussed developments in musicals, including “Hamilton.”
Cassie Guard, alumna and owner and CEO of Femme Fatale Fitness, spoke on the topic “Finding Yourself in the Sparkle.”
Ryan Ireland, alumnus, author, and publicity and marketing coordinator for the Greene County Public Library, discussed the evolution of libraries and the creative opportunities they bring.
Jonah Yokoyama, alumnus and executive director of Heartland Trans Wellness Group, discussed the spectrum of gender.
2015
Chinonye Chukwu, an assistant professor of motion pictures, spoke on the topic “Choosing to Live.”
David Gasper, who graduated with a degree in quantitative business analysis, discussed what entrepreneurs need the most.
Chelley Seibert, retired Dayton police officer who earned her master’s in education, spoke on the topic “Behind the Badge.”
Matthew Purkey, a graduate of the College of Education and Human Services, discussed the challenges a military veteran faces as an executive of a large organization.
Karin VanZant, who earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s in public administration, spoke about the complexity of poverty.
Kim Vesey, a graduate of the College of Nursing and Health, examined how the two most sacred moments of life—birth and death—are treated in very different ways
2014
Dan Krane, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, spoke about bias in DNA profiling.
Tony Ortiz, associate vice president for Latino affairs, discussed the future of Dayton.
Catalleya Storm, freedom activist and junior studying political science and business management, discussed human trafficking.
Jackie Janning-Lask, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in systems engineering, discussed the seven steps to innovation.
2013
Nathan Klingbeil, dean of the Wright State College of Engineering and Computer Science, spoke on the topic “Questioning the Equation.”
Michael Weisend, a senior research scientist at the Wright State Research Institute, discussed rewiring the brain.
Shu Schiller, an associate professor at the Raj Soin College of Business, spoke on the topic “Beautiful Data.”
Judith Ezekiel, professor in residence of women’s studies, spoke on the topic “Changing Race.”
Todd Dewett, former Robert J. Kegerreis Distinguished Professor of Teaching at the Raj Soin College of Business, spoke on the topic “Get Over Yourself!”
Sharon Rab, who earned her master’s degree in education and is founder of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, discussed how words matter.
Steffin Johnson, pianist who earned his bachelor’s degree in music, spoke on the topic “Does Music Have a Color?”
Jeneen Furaha Henry-Jones, a poet who earned her master’s degree in English, spoke on the topic “Shea Butter Epiphanies.”
