Theme: The Pursuit of X

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

20300 Herriman Avenue
Saratoga, California, 95070
United States

Melisa Orta Martinez

Melisa Orta Martinez is a PhD student at Stanford University. Melissa was born in Mexico City where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Electronic Systems' Engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. While she was studying for her bachelor's degree, she worked for a year at the Heinz Nixdorf Institue in Germant to help develop a new device to detect brain cancer. Melisa moved to Silicon Valley in 2008 and, after obtaining her master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, she worked at Apple for 3 years at the Human Input Devices group as a Firmware Engineer. She is now pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where she is combining her passions for robotics, haptics, and education and is working to develop new haptic devices that have the capability to aid in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts.

Misaki Otani

Misaki Otani s a junior in the Bay Area and is involved in service both locally and internationally and plans to travel overseas to do humanitarian work in the future. Misake also plus sports, is involved in numerous clubs, and enjoys writing and performing poetry. She is also involved in social justice movements and constantly trying new activities.