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.

TEDxNCState is an independently organized TEDx event, organized by students at NC State University. Our mission is to connect students with the global community to create a culture of knowledge that motivates them to realize their potential to shape the world. We aim to elevate the voices of NC State students and community members, providing a platform to share their own ideas and gain new perspectives. By presenting the thoughts and work of passionate students, faculty, and community members, we hope to create lasting and impactful connections between listeners and promote ideas worth spreading.

Titmus Theatre
2241 Dunn Ave
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27606
United States

Alandya Warren

Student at NC State

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. 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.

Deja Perkins

Doctoral Student in Geospatial Analytics at NC State

Recognized as a North Carolina STEM Leader by Governor Roy Cooper, a graduate of North Carolina State University's Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Biology Master of Science program, and a second-year doctoral student at North Carolina State University Center for Geospatial Analytics, Deja Perkins uses citizen science to detect environmental data injustice and advocate for people to explore nature in their neighborhoods. She co-created #BlackBirdersWeek to increase awareness about Black birders, who face unique challenges and dangers when engaging in outdoor activities. She uses her platform @Naturallywild__ to showcase nature in urban environments and take the public on neighborhood nature adventures. She will share her knowledge and experience starting a movement and help people understand how to make a place for themselves when they’re told they do not belong.

Jessie Fahay

Author, Touring Actor, Public Speaker, World Traveler, and Theater Producer

Jessie is the embodiment of her two passions: theater and business. Having obtained both an MBA and MFA, she makes an impact in the worlds of performing arts and social justice as an author, touring actor, public speaker, world traveler, and theater producer. She is an NYC destination manager and travel guide so listen in as she takes us on a tour of how we can each have our own Ripple Effect.

Marshall Brain

Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program at NC State

Native to Cary, NC, Dr. Marshall Brain II is the Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program here at NCSU. He is best known as the founder of HowStuffWorks.com, an award-winning website that offers objective, easy-to-understand explanations of how the world around us works. As a renowned public speaker, he frequently appears on radio and TV programs nationwide, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, GMA, and CNN, among others. He is additionally the author of more than a dozen books on a wide range of topics. His TEDx talk will draw inspiration from his most recent text: “The Doomsday Book: The Science Behind Humanity’s Greatest Threats”. From this book, he explains how humanity faces a gigantic threat from the many effects that climate change is having on the planet. In addition to discussing global warming’s drastic impact on our environment and way of life, Brain leaves the audience to ponder: Is there anything we can do?

Richard Spontak

Professor of Chemical Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, and Materials Science

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.

Shima Hosseininasab

Professor of World History at NC State

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.

Terry Vaughan

Author, Educator, and Speaker

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.

Wei Zhao

PhD Student in Statistics

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 hobbies are shooting scenic drone films, skateboarding, and latte art.