TEDx: Interpreting the Role of Research in Accelerating Societal Good

Michelle Y. Burke, Teaching Assistant Professor, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences  

“Put Your Phones Away: The Value of Tech-Free Time in the College Classroom” 

Abstract: For most of my career as a teacher, the 10 minutes prior to the beginning of class wasn’t just about getting my notes in order or setting up my technology; it was about chatting with students. We talked about our day, notable world events or recent upsets in sports. Today, students are more likely to ignore the people sitting next to them in favor of scrolling on their phones. But this comes at a cost: In our technology-driven world, the ability to converse and build social connections is as important as ever, but it seems to be a dying art. In this talk, we’ll explore creating tech-free spaces and how that opens up new possibilities for engagement, learning and pleasure.  

Jennifer J. Kang-Mieler, Ph.D., George Meade Bond Endowed Professor, Department Chair and Professor of Biomedical Engineering 

“Saving Eyesight, One Injection at a Time” 

Abstract: A recent survey reported that individuals prefer 4.6 years of life in perfect health over 10 years of life with complete vision loss. Many fear loss of sight more than losing memory, speech, hearing, or even cardiac infarction and cerebrovascular accident.  What if there are medications that can save or preserve eyesight? The only downside is that it requires a direct injection into the eye — not just once, but every four to six weeks, potentially for the rest of one’s life.  This treatment burden is significant on the patients, their families, physicians and our healthcare system. This presentation will introduce biomaterial technology designed to reduce the treatment burden and enhance treatment durability. We aim to extend the effectiveness of each injection for eyesight preservation, one injection at a time. 

Sara Klein Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs 

“The Case for Being a Mess” 

Abstract: College is often portrayed as the best time of your life, but sometimes it can feel like a chaotic, overwhelming mess. Have no fear, because being a "hot mess" during your college years is actually a beautiful thing. Embracing imperfection allows students to learn, grow and discover who they truly are. Grounded in the psychosocial, cognitive and moral developmental theories, this talk will highlight how the messiest moments are at the heart of a college education. By encouraging and embracing the mess, we can better understand how it plays a critical role in a transformative college experience.   

Erin McGee, 4/4 Undergraduate Physics Student and Researcher  

"Interesting Interferometry” 

Abstract: Interferometry is a measurement technique taught in nearly every introductory optics and modern physics course. Although it is a seemingly simple experimental setup to work with, it has been the backbone of several major discoveries in physics, including relativity and gravitational wave detection. In this talk, we will discuss the underappreciated role interferometers have played in physics and the possibilities for their use in the future. 

Jordan Suchow, Assistant Professor of Information Systems  

"Coincidental Generation"  

Abstract: Generative AI has transitioned from a niche laboratory curiosity to a tool used by millions, raising new questions about digital privacy. But most conversations about privacy in AI focus on two groups: the people whose data were used to train the system, and the people who use it. However, there is a third group we often forget—people who never interacted with the system at all. This talk introduces the idea of coincidental generation—when an AI generates an image, video, or other output that by chance looks or sounds so much like a particular person or organization that it causes confusion. No data was stolen. No prompt was malicious. It just happened. And that raises big questions about what privacy means in an AI-powered world.  

Wei Zheng, Associate Professor of Management & Richard R. Roscitt Chair Professor of Leadership 

“How to Do Inclusion: Why It Matters and What It Looks Like” 

 Abstract: Inclusion practices that help everyone feel seen, heard and empowered to fully participate aren’t just a “nice-to-have” — they’re essential for the thriving of individuals, relationships, organizations and communities. In this talk, I’ll spotlight the “why” of inclusion, share deliberate and concrete practices exemplars use at the workplace, challenge common misconceptions and offer actionable guidance to help everyone become a contributor and beneficiary of inclusion.