What If the Key to Saving Earth Is Building on Mars? | Christos Athanasiou | TEDxAtlanta
What if the answer to climate change, rising seas, and dwindling resources… isn’t just on Earth?Materials scientist and Georgia Tech researcher Christos Athanasiou invites us to imagine a future where innovations for building on Mars can unlock sustainable solutions here at home.From modular architecture made of Martian soil to AI-optimized structures and microbial bioreactors, Christos offers new perspectives on the climate crisis, and why our next great leap may begin 140 million miles away. Christos Athanasiou is redefining how we build for Earth and space.A mechanician, physicist, educator and inventor, he envisions a future where sustainable materials drive construction, reducing carbon emissions and supporting net-zero goals. His research focuses on designing structures using renewably sourced and
recycled materials, advancing both sustainable communities and space exploration.His work has been featured in Forbes and MIT News, and he served as a guest editor for the Journal of Mechanics of Materials on machine learning applications.Born in Athens, Greece, Christos believes education and innovation are catalysts for social change. He holds a doctorate in photonics from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a master’s in applied physics from the National Technical University of Athens. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 5:51Nature's Internet - The Intelligent Network Beneath Our Feet | Arshika Kanna | TEDxOlathe North HSUnder your feet right now, a living, breathing network more complex than any human-made system stretches for miles. Fungal threads weave through soil, connecting trees, plants, and ecosystems in a giant net that has existed long before humans walked the Earth. This talk explores the secret life of mycelial networks—nature's original communication system. From packaging that grows itself to computational models that mimic fungal communication, this talk reveals the untapped potential hidden beneath our feet. Arshika is a junior at Olathe North with a passion for science and technology. Outside of school, she enjoys volunteering at local initiatives, playing piano and guitar, and crocheting. With a strong drive for learning and innovation, Arshika strives to advance healthcare in an increasingly technology-driven world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:35Why a Father Thanked Me—His Child's Prosecutor | Rishabh Barve | TEDxOlathe North HSIn "Why a Father Thanked Me—His Child's Prosecutor," Rishabh Barve asks, "Why?" Why would a father thank the prosecutor sanctioning his son? And how might young people volunteering in diversion programs continue to inspire such gratitude? This TedX talk explores both questions, uncovering a lesser known impact to restorative justice. Rishabh Barve is a high school senior who serves as a student attorney for Johnson County Youth Court in Kansas City. From Anaheim to D.C., and convention halls to courtrooms, he has competed as an orator to hone his skills as a public speaker. A dabbler in novel writing and a policymaker in training, Rishabh looks forward to speaking at his first TEDx event. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:53How Perfectionism Leads to Procrastination | Avery Davenport | TEDxOlathe North HSThe Ted Talk, "How Perfectionism Leads to Procrastination," examines the pitfalls of perfectionism, its causes, and developmental implications. It explores procrastination's connection to perfectionism and offers strategies for overcoming both. Aligning with the "Inspiring Change" theme, the presentation aims to educate, motivate, and equip the audience with solutions to enhance productivity and success. Avery Davenport is a student at Blue Valley Northwest High School. She is a varsity cheerleader and is a member of DECA, FBLA, and Yearbook. She loves to do arts and crafts in her free time and spend time with her family. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:13The bystander effect | Paritosh Patel | TEDxOlathe North HSOne anecdotal experience that shaped a lifeline, and a new perspective on taking action - Paritosh Patel retells a personal story that impacted his viewpoint on the nature of inaction. By analyzing the truths and misconceptions of the “Bystander Effect”, his Tedx talk explores the nature of why we choose not to act - an account involving both sides of taking initiatives. A senior at Blue Valley North High School, Paritosh Patel has integrated, to the highest levels, his sense of community with a passion for science through his involvement in Student Council, and a state-winning Science Olympiad team. Outside of school, he pursues and develops his professional skills, whether through his intellectual curiosity for biomedical studies at the UMKC School of Medicine, or in Anaheim as an international-level DECA presenter. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:18Embracing Discomfort | Michelle Ngatara | TEDxOlathe North HSComfort leads to conformity. When unchallenged we have no reason to create change. Michelle will discuss how inspiring change begins in discomfort, it stimulates the brain by creating healthy challenges. By pushing one outside of their comfort zone they can finally be in a position to make a change. She will explore political activists such as Carey Nation, an unforgettable feminist who thrived during temperance. She will also relate her topic to literature such as the playwright Henrik Ibsen and his famous play A Doll’s House. Michelle plans to explore how discomfort is the perfect environment for ingenuity. Michelle is a junior at Olathe North High School. She is part of the Medical Professions Program and she aspires to join the medical field as an epigenetics researcher. She is co-president of the Black Student Union & African Student Association and VP of Feminist Club. She also participates in Red Cross Club and HOSA. Outside of school, she helps coach volleyball and volunteers to help feed children who aren’t able to afford meals. She spent last summer at Children’s Mercy as a research intern where she gained many lab skills. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:07Cuts, Sutures, and Oops | Niveditha Sudheer | TEDxOlathe North HSDid you know medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States? This speech unravels a somewhat hidden, yet scandalous part of the healthcare system. It examines both its history and general standpoints and the implications of malpractice, especially on women and minorities. Misconduct in medicine includes various twists and turns that go unobserved. Even today, many sectors of research and healthcare tend to be skewed, disproportionately affecting particular groups of people. This speech displays the need for a new outlook in medicine and how the upcoming generation can help enact it. Niveditha is a senior at Blue Valley High School who holds an avid interest in public speaking, STEM, and service. She is an active Speech & Debate team member at BVHS and has taken part in various science-related clubs and competitions. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, creative writing, doing science research, and binge-watching Netflix (especially "Grey's Anatomy"). Niveditha plans to take her interest for medicine and healthcare throughout her secondary education, hoping to foster connections with a diverse group of like-minded individuals. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
