You wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating and when caring for someone who is sick. But what about the object you touch thousands of times a day?After witnessing healthcare workers use smartphones during the births of both his children, molecular biologist Dr Lotti Tajouri began investigating an overlooked hygiene risk hiding in plain sight. His research uncovered thousands of microorganisms living on mobile phones, including bacteria, viruses and drug-resistant pathogens capable of causing serious infections.Drawing on research spanning hospitals, international travel and biosecurity, Lotti reveals why smartphones may be quietly undermining modern hygiene practices — and makes the case that if we treat our phones like a third hand, we should be cleaning them like one too. Dr Lotti Tajouri is a molecular biologist whose work focuses on infectious disease, biosecurity and the unseen microbial worlds humans interact with every day. His research spans public health, forensic microbiology and infection prevention, with international collaborations addressing emerging biological risks.Lotti is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Associate Professor in Molecular Biology at Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, and is a long-standing member of the Dubai Police Scientist Council, contributing scientific expertise to global biosecurity initiatives. Across his work, he is interested in how everyday behaviours intersect with invisible biological systems — and how small, overlooked habits can carry disproportionate consequences.By translating complex microbiology into accessible insight, Lotti challenges assumptions about cleanliness, risk and the environments we move through every day. 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

In this talk, Eddie shares how he found the sense of community for both himself and his daughter through coaching jiu jitsu. Born and raised in Southern California, Eddie Wang has been living and working in Shanghai since 2006. Eddie Wang is a partner at a family office. In his spare time, Eddie mentors social enterprise entrepreneurs in his capacity as a fellow to the Patagonia China Fellowship. Eddie is also actively involved in growing the local Brazilian jiu-jitsu community in China. 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

Raise your hand if you want a cookie! Stella Jaffe, a high schooler and baking enthusiast, explores why we love treats so much and the ripple effect of joy. Stella Jaffe is a high school student at Riverdale Country School with a passion for baking. She has worked at Levain Bakery for the past four years and was even featured in their 30th anniversary book. She also volunteers weekly at the Association to Benefit Children, teaching a baking class. With her free time, she frequently bakes on her own, bringing baked goods into all her classes and gifting treats for her friends’ birthdays. 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

How do you find connection to the music of the past? Renaissance history comes alive in Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, one of history's first operas, in this heartfelt talk by high schooler Dylan Oh about the power of love. Dylan Oh is a student at Riverdale Country School. During the 2025-2026 school year, he pursued an independent study on Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo and examined how one of the earliest operas uses music to express grief, longing, and the emotional complexity of human life. At Riverdale, he co-leads the Flume Ensemble, a student-led musical group that performs regularly at school and senior homes, and he is also a staff writer on the Riverdale Review. Outside of school, Dylan studies cello at Juilliard Pre-College and has a profound passion for exploring and sharing the historical and contemporary interpretations of classical music, particularly music from the Baroque Era. 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

Feeling overwhelmed by money? Saving and investing can feel complex, but simple and unconventional solutions might be just what the next generation needs. Scott Yamamura explains personal finances and how to grow your money in a way anyone can understand! Scott Yamamura is a financial educator and author of Financial Epiphany, guiding people to make sense of money without intimidation, shame, or complexity. With over 25 years studying the art of communication inside a Fortune 15 company, Scott considers himself an imposter in the world of finance—bringing simple, creative explanations that help everyday people handle money with the confidence they’ve always wanted. 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

What happens when you go from front line amputee to Ironman finisher? You put your best foot forward! Eric McElvenny shares the four keys of resilience that allowed him to go from the frontlines serving in Afghanistan to finishing an Ironman under two years later. Eric McElvenny is an engaging communicator and an expert in teaching resilience. In 2006, Eric graduated from the United States Naval Academy, preparing to serve as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer. Eric was injured on a deployment to Afghanistan after stepping on an IED. The blast resulted in the amputation of his right leg. This injury marked the beginning of a new journey. Determined to overcome his physical challenge, Eric made a promise to himself to finish an Ironman Triathlon. He went on to complete nine Ironman distance triathlons, including the prestigious World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and became a two-time Paralympian proudly representing the United States in both Tokyo, 2021 and Paris, 2024. Throughout this journey, Eric discovered that the adversity he faced and the strategies he employed could be applied to the challenges we all encounter in life. When not training, racing, or inspiring others, Eric can be found with his wife and children in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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

If humans remain human in war, it’s not a miracle - it’s institutional memory at work. In her talk "What Ukraine Teaches Us About Resilience" Dr. Vlasenko explores how institutions and humans cultivate resilience. Dr. Anastasiia Vlasenko is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Harriman Institute at Columbia University. She is also a recent HURI Research Fellow at Harvard’s Ukrainian Research Institute and a recent Postdoctoral Fellow at the NYU Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia. She studies war-time resilience and democratization with specialization in politics of Ukraine. Her book project, ‘Ukrainian Resilience: Institutions, Society, Economy, and Culture in Times of War’ investigates why Ukraine has remained remarkably strong in the face of a full-scale invasion. Using a Comparative Politics framework, the book argues that Ukrainian resilience originates in the long history of political reforms and institutional (trans)formation. Vlasenko is particularly interested in the study of political resilience, transitional period reforms, propaganda, electoral politics, and forecasting. 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

Human dignity is what makes us human — and it survives only when we choose to pause and see one another. The Honorable Deidra R. Moore, an elected judge in the Bronx NY, shares stories from the bench and what it means to choose dignity in every interaction. Hon. Deidra R. Moore is an elected New York Civil Court Judge in the Bronx, a former trial lawyer, and a nationally recognized speaker on dignity, humanity, and leadership. Before taking the bench, she spent two decades in private practice, representing people at their most vulnerable moments—when their freedom, families, or futures were at stake. Those experiences shaped her belief that justice is not only about what the law allows but also about how people are seen and treated throughout the process. On stage and in the courtroom, Judge Moore is known for her powerful use of “the pause” to create space for truth, reflection, and human connection. She is the author of From Me to You: The Power of Storytelling and Its Inherent Generational Wealth. Her work invites audiences to slow down, listen more deeply, and recognize dignity as the foundation of our humanity. 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

The pickleball court isn't just a place to play - it's a place where bridges are made. Betty Ng shares her experiences as a pickleball enthusiast, bringing this popular game to unexpected places. Betty Ng is a purpose-driven leader, social impact entrepreneur, and former corporate executive who empowers individuals and communities to transform their identity into a superpower for success.She is the creator of the Pickleball Positive methodology and the Founder and President of a nonprofit that uses pickleball as a platform to build confidence, connection, and essential life skills—on and off the court—in underserved communities. As a result of her impactful leadership, Betty has been recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a Notable Asian Leader and honored by organizations such as the Chinese-American Planning Council, NYC SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), and the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth Foundation. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Bustle, Thrive Global, Fairygodboss, Fox 5, and PIX11 News. 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

The skills people need are changing faster than the systems designed to develop them, and most responses add complexity rather than capacity. Drawing on a world-first national upskilling program and fresh research on AI in education, this talk offers three leadership shifts that set apart the systems which genuinely develop capability from those that merely simulate it. The question is not what we build, but how we lead.  Dr Christopher McCormick is an international education specialist with over 30 years of experience in developing global competence. He helps professionals build trust, cultural sensitivity, and skills for intercultural communication.Christopher has designed and delivered training solutions with a global dimension for clients across a range of sectors.As a lifelong explorer and the spouse of a diplomat, Christopher shares his passion for discovery as a facilitator and coach to encourage curiosity.Christopher grew up in Texas, then later studied and worked in New Orleans, Paris, Monterrey, Austin, Boston, Shanghai, London, Zug, Lucerne, Colombo, Phnom Penh, Beijing, and Bangkok. He obtained a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin, and he has served over 25 years in executive roles for EF Education First and as an adjunct faculty member of Hult Ashridge Executive Education. He is currently Chief Academic Officer of the Efekta Education group, focusing on innovation in learning design and technology for large scale language instruction. He also holds a Certificate and Diploma in Coaching from the University of Cambridge, where he taught on the coaching qualifications.Christopher is based in Bangkok and London. 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