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).

University of British Colombia
2185 E Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4
Canada

Alina Kunitskaya

Biomedical Engineering Student

Alina is a Ph.D. student specializing in biomedical engineering at the University of British Columbia. Alina’s passion for solving space exploration challenges led to her involvement in developing a process to recycle astronauts’ fecal waste into 3D-printable bioplastics, developing and flying a scientific payload in microgravity, developing an oxygen production process on Mars, and completing a simulated sub-orbital spaceflight in a centrifuge-based flight simulator to help scientists examine the physiological and psychological impacts of g-forces associated with spaceflight. In her talk "The Journey to Space: How a Dream Translates into Research", Alina Kunitskaya shares her dream of becoming an astronaut and the research projects that resulted from her fascination with space exploration.

Bahar Moussavi

Microbiology/Immunology Student and Neurodiversity Advocate

Bahar Moussavi was in her second year at UBC when she co-founded a non-profit organization, called The C.O.D.E. Initiative Foundation. The aim of C.O.D.E. is to empower neurodivergent students from a young age to find passion in coding and STEM. She co-founded this NPO out of her passion to create equal and quality educational opportunities for neurodiverse populations. As someone who is neurodivergent and in STEM, Bahar wanted to ensure every student is given supplemental educational opportunities that are fitted to their strengths and needs. She advocates for neurodivergent students and works to amplify the voices of neurodivergent youth!

Eunice Wu

Graphic Designer and Pharmacy Student

Eunice Wu is a self-taught graphic designer/digital artist who found a way to monetize the skills she developed into a profitable skill in business. Although she is studying for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UBC, a majority of her work over the past few years has been in the design and marketing industry. She has worked with hundreds of clients around the world, won national contests hosted by Jostens and Google, as well as featured in various galleries and on Adobe Live. However, while working in this field, Eunice has observed and experienced many questionable practices that occur behind what you see on your screens. Want to know how companies can legally conceal financial ties? How to sell a product for 30x the production cost? Or how to make $10k by making a post online? Join Eunice for her talk where she reveals industry secrets, business malpractices, and how you can protect yourself from corporations fueled on insecurity and deception.

Lauren St-Germain

Reproductive Biologist

“The womb is a war zone: Is the immune system the enemy or the ally?” In pregnancy, the mother's womb is commonly thought to be a safe and nurturing environment; but in reality, it’s a warzone. In this talk, join Lauren St-Germain as she zooms in on the peculiar phase in which the mother’s entire body is faced with drastic changes. Lauren is a third year PhD candidate at UBC, studying inflammation in pregnancy. In her free time, you can find Lauren letting off steam in a hot yoga class or mentoring through the YWCA high-school mentorship program. She loves her research and is excited to share with you her passion for reproductive immunology in “The womb is a war zone: Is the immune system the enemy or the ally?”

Michael Ko

Engineering Physics Student

Michael Ko is currently a fifth year student at UBC studying Engineering Physics. His talk, “From Disability to Possibility”, revolves around his journey growing up beside his elder brother, Daniel. Daniel has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a condition that progressively weakens the muscles in his body overtime. Seeing the physical hardships revolving around his brother's condition, Michael has always had a deep desire to help him in any way that he can. Combining this with his passion for engineering, Michael eventually created an assistive AI that could help his brother regain the parts of his life he had once lost. In this talk, join Michael as he shares the vision and innovation behind his journey of building a voice-controlled wheelchair for his brother, Daniel.

Valeria Moncada

Access to Menstrual Products Advocate

Valeria is a Salvadoran change-maker advocating for gender equality and mental health. She will graduate from UBC this spring with a Psychology Major and Education Minor and will be studying towards a Masters Degree in Family Therapy this fall. Valeria’s favorite topics include periods and women empowerment, as she developed a project in El Salvador that tackles menstrual stigma and period poverty. In her talk, “What Periods Taught Me About the World We Live In”, Valeria combines humorous personal stories of a menstruating woman with a shocking reality about period poverty.