Theme: Into the Unknown

TEDx NOVA will celebrate the courage and curiosity required to step into the unknown and pursue new paths, encouraging individuals to take risks, embrace discomfort, and forge their way forward. Our theme is built on three pillars, including:

> Personal Growth
TEDx NOVA's speakers will demonstrate through their experiences, how growth and progress often require pushing past the familiar and taking on new challenges, whether it be exploring new ideas, pursuing new passions, or adapting to changing circumstances.

> Self-Care
TEDx NOVA will highlight the importance of acknowledging and managing the discomfort of pursuing new paths. It recognizes that discomfort can be a sign of growth and a necessary part of the process, but also emphasizes the importance of self-care and support systems in navigating these challenges.

> Uncertainity
TEDx NOVA aims to inspire individuals to step out of their comfort zones and take risks in pursuing new opportunities. it is about embracing the uncertainty and challenges that come with exploring uncharted territories, both in personal and professional aspects.

ITQB NOVA
Av. da República-EAN 2700-157 Oeiras | Portugal
ITQB NOVA Auditorium
Oeiras, Lisboa, 2780-157
Portugal

Deborah Aluh

PhD Student of the International Global Public Health Doctoral Programme at NOVA Medical School

Deborah Aluh is a PhD student of the International Global Public Health Doctoral Programme offered by a consortium of four Portuguese public health institutions: the NOVA National School of Public Health, the NOVA Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and NOVA Medical School, and the University of Porto. Her PhD research, funded by La Caixa foundation, aims to investigate the contextual factors that contribute to the use of coercive measures in mental health care, using Nigeria and Portugal as case studies for developing and developed countries. Speaking three African languages and two European languages, she is keen to apply her research experience in African and European contexts to provide practical solutions to global mental health problems. Deborah has published her academic work in international journals such as Lancet Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, and BMJ Open.

Jeaniq Amihyia

Director & Photographer

Jeaniq Amihyia, an esteemed European Forbes ‘30 under 30’ Media and Marketing professional, proudly established Starting Seven – a pioneering production studio based in London. At Starting Seven, creativity knows no boundaries as Amihyia passionately collaborates with talented young individuals, embracing diversity in all its forms, be it race, gender, or sexual orientation. With an impressive portfolio of more than 70 mesmerizing music videos and 30 groundbreaking brand campaigns, the dynamic studio continually pushes artistic boundaries. Fueled by a passion for empowering young creatives, this exceptional community-based studio is breaking down barriers and championing inclusion. Amihyia’s commitment extends far beyond the studio walls, as he selflessly mentors over 150 aspiring young minds and captivates audiences through moving seminars, sharing invaluable knowledge and inspiration.

Leid Zejnilovic

Assistant Professor at Nova SBE

Leid Zejnilovic is an Assistant Professor at Nova SBE, who holds a double Ph.D. in the fields of Technological Change and Entrepreneurship. He is also a Telecommunications Engineer, equipped with Master’s Degrees in both Information Technology and Engineering and Public Policy. Leid has co-founded multiple cutting-edge tech firms and online platforms, accumulating over two decades of global consulting and technology management expertise. He played a pivotal role in launching Patient Innovation – a groundbreaking platform that empowers patients and caregivers to share ingenious, self-crafted solutions for their health challenges. Leid is also the co-founding Chairman of Data Science for Social Good Foundation. Leid also teachs and leads programs at Imperial College Business School, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, and, of course, our own NOVA University.

Luofeng Huang

Assistant Professor

Dr Luofeng Huang is not your ordinary Mechanical Engineering lecturer. Not only is he a highly esteemed Assistant Professor at Cranfield University, but his remarkable achievements have also earned him a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list as a Scientist in Europe. Dr Huang is also the brilliant mind behind two important modules: Structural Integrity and Engineering Stress Analysis. Through his careful guidance, he inspires his students to delve deeper into the fascinating world of Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Offshore Engineering. However, Dr Huang’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. He is currently leading a groundbreaking project called Solar2Wave that aims to revolutionize the way energy is delivered to remote islands in Indonesia. Facing the immense challenges posed by rough ocean waves, Dr Huang’s team is developing a remarkable floating solar farm that can withstand and conquer any obstacle.

Mario Kuhnt

Start-Up Founder of the brand 'CATO'

Mario Kuhnt, a 24-year-old German entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast, who holds a master’s degree in Management from NOVA SBE, is the visionary behind CATO, a renowned running apparel brand. CATO has gained recognition for its commitment to producing high-quality, European-made running apparel that combines style, comfort, and sustainability. Mario has established a vibrant running club in Santos. Every Sunday, this club brings together individuals who share a passion for running, providing them with a free opportunity to engage in physical activity as a community. Mario’s dedication to promoting fitness and fostering a sense of togetherness is truly commendable. Through CATO and his running club, he inspires others to pursue their fitness goals while simultaneously looking and feeling great. Mario continues to make a positive impact in the realms of sports and entrepreneurship, and his journey is certainly one to watch.

Quin Wills

MD, CSO, and Co-Founder of Ochre Bio

Dr, Quin has a background as an MD, and additional degrees in genetics, mathematics, and computational biology. Holding doctorates from prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the South African Dr. notably founded his first liver drug genomics company 15 years ago. By combining his medical expertise with computational biology, Dr. Quin’s company paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries in liver research and therapeutics. The insights gained from their work not only advanced the understanding of liver diseases but also laid the foundation for more effective, personalized, targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes. At the moment, Dr. Quin Wills is the co-founder and CSO of Ochre Bio. He is aware for inclusivity and equitable healthcare for all individuals, namely LGBTQ+ communities, who face unique health challenges and disparities which can be exacerbated by the lack of representation and understanding within the biopharmaceutical industry.

Stephanie Reina

Adjunct professor at IE University

Stephanie is a passionate higher education professional and an expert in Positive Psychology. With her remarkable teaching skills, captivating public speaking abilities, and engaging writing style, she strives to inspire and empower others. Hailing from the north of Mexico, Stephanie embarked on her academic journey studying bioengineering.. Though her path diverged from the laboratory, fate intervened when she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright scholarship, setting her on a life-changing adventure in Spain. It was in Spain where Stephanie’s true calling unfolded. Pursuing her passion, she got a degree in Positive Psychology, equipping her with an extensive knowledge base and innovative approaches to foster wellbeing and personal growth. Since 2015, Stephanie has been an adjunct professor at IE University. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine dedication make her an exceptional educator, igniting the desire for learning and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Steven Gouveia

Research Fellow

Steven S. Gouveia is a highly accomplished individual with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in (Neuro)Philosophy of the Mind. Holding a prestigious PhD from the esteemed University of Minho, Steven is working on a ground-breaking 6-year project about the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, a critical topic that involves balancing technological advancements with patient well-being, privacy, and fairness, understanding that balancing ethical considerations is crucial to harnessing the full potential of AI in medicine while upholding patient welfare and maintaining public trust. As a distinguished Researcher Fellow of the Mind, Language, and Action Group at the Institute of Philosophy, University of Porto, he is contributing extensively to the advancement of this crucial field. Steven has published an impressive array of 13 books as both an editor and an author, exploring diverse subjects with unparalleled depth and insight.