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).

Constitution Hall in the Nigh University Center
2nd Street and Garland Godfrey Drive
c/o 100 North University Avenue
Edmond, Oklahoma, 73034
United States

Chad McCoy

Owner of Panacea Therapy Group

Chad McCoy is the owner of Panacea Therapy Group; a private practice dedicated to providing services for specific mental health concerns. Utilizing evidenced based therapeutic approaches, Chad works with individuals to address intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. His work in anxiety-related research has been presented locally, nationally, and internationally. Chad presents professionally on anxiety and obsessive compulsive related topics ranging from treatment approaches and implementation to ethics. Formerly, he was assistant director for Edmond Family Counseling, and a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma. He currently lives in Edmond with his high school sweetheart and wife, Jessica, their two children, and one lovable mutt. He hopes to give to his children what his parents were able to provide to him.

James Creecy

Assistant director of the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute + Assistant Professor with the Department of Biology

Dr. James Creecy is the Assistant Director of the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Co-Director of the UCO Center for Wildlife Forensic Science and Conservation Studies. Prior to joining the faculty of UCO, Creecy was a DNA analyst for the Oklahoma City Police Department Crime Laboratory. Since leaving the crime lab, his research interests have broadened to include the application of advanced genomic technologies and high-performance computational analysis to wildlife investigations. His primary research currently focuses on developing and improving the analysis of DNA evidence from wildlife cases through the use of high-throughput sequencing and high-performance computational analysis.

Laura Miles

Physician + Owner of Vitruvia

Dr. Laura Miles graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Societies in undergraduate and medical school, respectively. She completed her internship and residency through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Originally board certified in Ophthalmology, Dr. Miles’ personal journey toward healthy living led her into training with the Anti-aging and Regenerative Medical Society. This special training resulted in yet another board certification, this one by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine board. Her diverse background makes for a unique approach in managing and maintaining a healthy life.

Samantha Vu Tran

Lab Specialist + UCO International Pageant Director

Samantha Vu Tran obtained her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry at the University of Central Oklahoma. She started out as a Chemical Technician at the Oklahoma State Department of Health and continued to work in different departments at the state lab. A former laboratory scientist and molecular virologist, she was called back to the state lab to assist as a COVID Lab Specialist. Samantha has competed in pageants since the age of 15 and recently gave up her title as Mrs. Oklahoma. She is also the Asian Night Market Festival program coordinator, board member of FAITH Kids, she fights for vets through Warriors for Freedom Foundation, a religious education teacher, help founded the Asian American Student Association, the founder of Miss Asian UCO pageant, and is currently the director of the UCO International pageant. She has with 3 kids, manages their house flipping business, TRANsitions, and working on getting her book, Memoirs of a Mediocre Asian published.

Steven Dunn

Manager of the Office of Research and Integrity and Compliance at UCO + Adjunct Psychology Professor

Answering what life could be is the fuel that propels Steven Dunn. Understanding the why of behavior demands he consider gestures and thoughts longer than sanity should allow, which offers understanding of his complete love of research and discovery. Steven is the manager of the Office of Research and Integrity and Compliance at UCO, as well as an adjunct professor in psychology. He has a BA and MA in Experimental Psychology from UCO, as well as a BA and, nearly, a MA in Creative Writing, which he hopes makes up for his incomplete PhD in psychology. His research interests include the concepts of love, autonomy, self-awareness, and self-compassion. He focuses his teaching to inspire students to challenge their histories, find their interests, and pursue the deepest understanding of their curiosities. His greatest pleasures are helping students complete research efforts and secure publications.

Wesley Fryer

Media and Digital Literacy Teacher, Instructional Coach + Author

Dr. Wesley Fryer (@wfryer) has been an educator for 25 years. He is currently a media literacy teacher and instructional coach at Casady School in Oklahoma City. Wes is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Fulbright Scholar, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Teacher, and PBS Certified Digital Innovator. He and his wife Shelly have three children. Wes is the author of several books on technology integration and digital literacy. He served as the Director of Technology for Casady School for 4 years before pivoting back to classroom teaching and instructional coaching.

Yaisa Mann

Beauty and Wellness Coach/Consultant

Yaisa Mann is a beauty and wellness coach/consultant specializing in body image and business. She knows the struggle of balancing between looking like a snack or eating one. She created SwagHER Fitness to provide the tools, strategies and support to help women glow from inside out; whether through her Zumba classes or a fun meetup at the mall for retail therapy. She created and taught the first body image course at the University of Oklahoma; is featured in the 40th Anniversary Edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves; featured in the National Eating Disorders Association Awareness Month Calendar Campaign; and recently named Cleveland Lifestyle woman of influence. A California native, Yaisa Mann currently resides in Norman, OK. You can find her somewhere in between inspiring others, working on herself, shining her light for Jesus and slaying her goals! Her children Jalen, Josiah, and Jael are her inspiration and her joy