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).

Leach Theatre
103 Castleman Hall
400 W. 10th St.
Rolla, Missouri, 65409
United States

Adam Rice

Adam Rice is a non-traditional petroleum engineering graduate of Missouri S&T. Though now a father of two, an excelling student, and valued member of his local community, Adam was previously addicted to drugs, alcohol, and, ultimately, failure. At age 16, he began to use drugs and alcohol as a way of dealing with his problems. Adam spent 15 years battling addiction and was hospitalized multiple times. He was facing a 20-year sentence. After immersing himself in recovery groups and spending time reflecting on his choices, Adam began the road to recovery and decided to break his addiction to failure.

Ithaca Oyler

Ithaca Oyler (they/them/xe/xir) graduated in May 2021 from Missouri S&T with a master's in Geology & Geophysics and will continue pursuing interests in hydrology, statistics and data science in the public sector. Sewing and crafting have been xir lifelong passions and serve as xir artistic outlet after days full of science and mathematics. They shared with us how people can experience emotional healing while creating beautiful things. One day, Ithaca hopes to happily live as a hydrologist-geospatial analyst-programmer-statistician-dressmaker in a “hobbit hole” in the mountains where fountains of finely brewed coffee flow forever. Xe also likes to travel, cook, and play with xir two cats named Primrose and Toklo.

Rena Wang

Rena Wang is an Investment Portfolio Strategist at Wells Fargo. She has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry and earned a master of science in finance from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to offering investment strategies at work, Rena is passionately committed to sharing impactful tips and advice to help others formulate actionable goals for embracing and leading through changes in life. Her mission includes helping others achieve a work/life balance, uncover hidden strength, overcome fears and limitations, establish a sustainable career path, and promote diversity and inclusion. Rena believes that there is not only a need to invest financial capital strategically, but also a need to act tactically in investing human capital(ourselves)to make the most of our lives.