Theme: Connect The Dots

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).

Centennial Hall
100 Auburn Avenue
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30303
United States

Aman Kar

Astronomy

Aman is a PhD candidate in Astronomy at Georgia State University. His research focuses on the behavior of red stars in the solar neighborhood and understanding their habitability potential for hosting planets. Born in Oman and raised in India, he has lived in the US for nearly a decade, first in Wyoming before moving to Georgia. He was the Three Minute Thesis Doctoral Winner in 2023 which sparked his interest in public speaking. Aman also enjoys teaching astronomy to undergradatures and giving presentations to schools across Georgia.

Daniel Cottmeyer

Rehabilitation Science

Daniel is a Physical Therapist and Ph.D. Candidate in Rehabilitation Science at Georgia State University. As a clinician, scientist, and aspiring old person, Daniel is passionate about facilitating long term health and improving the aging experience through innovative solutions at the intersection of science, healthcare, and technology.

JL Adoph

Educator

Dr. JL Adolph is an educator, storyteller, and cultural curator bridging hip-hop and academia. With a Ph.D. in English/African Diaspora Studies, his research explores fatherhood narratives in hip-hop lyricism. An award-winning professor at Georgia State University – Perimeter College, he founded DadCypher Edutainment LLC to empower educators, social workers, and fatherhood practitioners through hip-hop therapeutic writing. His work strengthens cultural competency, social-emotional learning, and career readiness for at-promise youth and parenting teen dads.

Jonial Shehu

Student

coming

Khepera Omijeolukore

Educator

coming

Maryam Hassan

Community Building Advocate

Maryam is a passionate advocate for inclusive innovation, community-building, and personal empowerment. With experience spanning technology, education, and social impact, she is dedicated to ensuring that new ideas and solutions uplift everyone—especially those who are often overlooked. Through her projects and speaking engagements, she shares a vision of an equitable future, inspiring others to recognize their strengths and drive meaningful change. Believing in the power of collaboration, she encourages others to embrace curiosity, champion diversity, and ignite progress in both local and global communities.

Merissa Ware

Storyteller

Merissa is a multimedia storyteller and a graduating senior at Georgia State University majoring in film and media with a minor in marketing. She is a director and technical director for Georgia State Production Network (GSPN), a producer for iN Contact, and the Arts and Living Editor for The Signal, GSU's student newspaper. Merissa is also the founder of her company, The Dream Collective, a community and resource for storytellers. She is the author of the children's book, "Yes I Will". Her passion for storytelling runs deep and she wants to use that to uplift and inspire others.

Michael Ndoye

Finance

Leading with Stories: Connecting Truths to Inspire & Empower Michael is a finance professional with experience in private equity, venture capital, and wealth management. As the Founding President of the Finance Development Society, he empowers students through career readiness. A finance student at Georgia State University, he is passionate about guiding others to success through education, networking, and industry engagement.

Nelson Render

Educator

Nelson is a visionary educational leader, principal supervisor, and advocate for equity in urban education. A first-generation college graduate who overcame poverty and legal challenges, he understands education as a tool for liberation. With leadership roles spanning from Associate Superintendent to principal and mentor, he has driven student achievement, increased graduation rates, and built sustainable leadership pipelines. Nelson is currently developing the L.I.F.E. (Learning Is Fun with Engagement) framework and writing N10tional Impact, a book on transformative leadership. A sought-after speaker, he challenges conventional views on education and leadership, urging intentionality in creating lasting change. “Be intentionally excellent every day.”

Varsha Sudharshan

Neuroscience

Varsha is a third-year neuroscience major, researcher, and Presidential Scholar at Georgia State University. Her research focuses on the effects of opioids during pregnancy and how morphine impacts social development. Beyond the lab, she is a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, working with organizations such as Survivors Brunch, Table on Delk, and GSU’s Student Victim Association to create safe spaces and resources for healing. In her TEDx talk, she explores how trauma can rewire the brain, dismantles societal myths, and highlights how science and community support can help survivors rebuild and reclaim their lives.