Theme: Discovery Takes Flight

At TEDxTempleUniversity, we believe that every discovery—no matter how small—holds the power to take us somewhere extraordinary. Discovery Takes Flight invites thinkers, dreamers, and doers to share the pivotal moments when curiosity became courage, and ideas evolved into impact.

From breakthroughs in science and technology to personal transformations and cultural innovation, this year’s speakers will explore how discovery—when given wings—can reshape not only our future but the way we see ourselves.

Join us for a day of bold ideas, untold stories, and conversations that lift off.

The Innovation Nest (iNest) at Temple University
3223 North Broad Street, Suite 490, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140
United States

Dr. Rashonda Harris

Founder of Purple Sheep Consulting

Invisibility isn’t a lack of presence—it’s the refusal of recognition. But when you stop shrinking to survive and start standing in your truth, you don’t just become visible—you lead.

Dr. Teh Lin

Associate Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center

AI has been invading our daily life including health care. I am going to use a scientific angle to explain my insight on how future radiation treatment works with AI influence to everyone.

Mohit Misra

Coaching in the Age of AI

In an era where AI can analyze, prompt, and even coach us, what remains uniquely human? In this talk, Mohit Misra explores the timeless thread of coaching- from Socrates’ probing questions to today’s algorithms shaping our choices. Drawing on his personal encounter with an AI coach, Mohit reveals why empathy, presence, and authentic connection are the human edge no machine can replace. The future of coaching isn’t man versus machine- it’s about making both better, together.

Rachel Barnes

Startup Advocate | Corporate Attorney | Professor | Board Member

In order to engage in discovery, you have to be open to the possibility of change, failure, redirection, etc. Many people cannot push their discoveries because they are too busy doing what they “should” do or being what they “should” be. True discovery requires you to give yourself permission to release the parts of yourself, your life, and your thinking that do not/no longer serve the next version of you. I hope to inspire and encourage people to do the scary thing and give themselves permission to do more than just what they “should” in order to find the best version of themselves and discover their full potential.

Rebecca Neckritz

Philly Food Ladies

From accidentally becoming an influencer to starting a theatre company at a clown party, Rebecca Neckritz has lived the messy, joyful process of creating something from nothing. In this TEDx talk, explore a fresh Gen Z perspective on rewriting the entrepreneurship script.

Samik Balayan

Student in Middle School

Samik Balayan is a 13-year-old DJ and record producer whose passion for music and creativity is already making waves. Born and raised in New Jersey, Samik discovered his love for DJing at just eight years old when he was captivated by the energy and artistry of live performers. Samik’s story reflects the power of following your dreams early, working hard, and believing in what you love. Whether behind the decks or behind the camera, he is committed to inspiring others to uncover their own passions and pursue them fearlessly.

Terrill Haigler

Former Philadelphia Sanitation worker turned Community Activist

My idea is to make the beautification of Philadelphia our priority and speak on how it can solve some of the epidemics that Philadelphia facing such as gun violence, drugs, workforce development, and teams, not having positive outlets

Torin Michael Johnson

Award-Winning Engineer and Project Manager

I spoke honestly about how I struggled academically when starting out, but it was great coworkers and faculty that stuck with me and helped me power through to graduation. I spoke about how Temple University was also responsible for introducing me to Engineers without Borders (a non-profit) and the Philadelphia Water Department (my first internship and full-time job out of school), and how those experiences made me the man I am today. During my five minute speech, I used these points to show the audience why Temple University isn't like any other school, but it's an institution that can help you find your calling in life.

William Geoffrey Wright

Professor at Temple UniversityDirector, Neuromotor Science Graduate Program

Turning Research into Real-World Impact: How VR Can Transform Health—and Why Academia Needs to Think Like a Startup.