How will advances in (AI) dramatically change what humans do and even what it means to be human? In this talk, I will briefly describe what AI is and how to expect it to develop in the coming years, how AI is similar and different from previous disruptive technologies, and what this means for human occupation and fulfillment. David Evans is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Virginia where he leads research on understanding and mitigating risks associated with machine learning. He is the author of an open computer science textbook (https://computingbook.org), a book on secure computation (https://securecomputation.org/), and a children's book on combinatorics and computability (https://dori-mic.org). He has SB, SM and PhD degrees in Computer Science from MIT and has been a faculty member at the University of Virginia since 1999. 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

Northern Virginia is a globally recognized internet and data center hub. Consequently, the region now faces a major energy system challenge. Can Virginia embrace AI’s prosperity promise while also tapping responsibly into larger energy supplies? The challenge is great and should inspire a bold stretch for innovative energy solutions. Let’s briefly consider the potential of enhanced geothermal systems to meet northern Virginia’s future electricity demand. Could geothermal be a devilishly disastrous or divinely inspired power source in northern Virginia for people and the planet? Northern Virginia is a globally recognized internet and data center hub. Consequently, the region now faces a major energy system challenge. Can Virginia embrace AI’s prosperity promise while also tapping responsibly into larger energy supplies? The challenge is great and should inspire a bold stretch for innovative energy solutions. Let’s briefly consider the potential of enhanced geothermal systems to meet northern Virginia’s future electricity demand. Could geothermal be a devilishly disastrous or divinely inspired power source in northern Virginia for people and the planet? 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 technological advancement fails to align with our ethical values? The talk examines the perils of rogue engineering by considering the career of fictional techno-scientist Victor Frankenstein. Despite his remarkable intellect and creativity, Victor’s pioneering work in bioengineering and AI technology gave life to a monstrous creature whose impacts he could neither predict nor control. Were Victor himself reanimated to address the innovators of tomorrow, what cautionary advice would he impart? Ben Laugelli is an associate professor of engineering and society at the University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science. His teaching and research emphases include STS (science, technology & society), engineering ethics, engineering education, sustainable design values, technology and science fiction, and the LEGO® Group’s design values and practices. 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 language models like ChatGPT learn to write essays, answer questions, or explain science? The secret lies not in magic, but in optimization: the math behind learning from mistakes. In this talk, I will unpack how these systems start with random responses and gradually improve through feedback and repetition. Along the way, you’ll see how machines, like people, get better by practicing, adjusting, and scaling up. Mingrui Liu is an assistant professor in the department of computer science at George Mason University. His research interests include machine learning, optimization, statistical learning theory and deep learning. He has published over 30 papers in leading AI venues such as NeurIPS/ICML/ICLR/JMLR. 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 if my identity isn’t the truth, but just a script I’ve rehearsed too many times? In this deeply personal and powerful TEDx Talk, I share how postpartum depression cracked open the performance of perfection I had been living and revealed the stories that were keeping me small. Through my 3-step process Recognize, Reframe, Rewrite. I invite you to question inherited beliefs, honor your ancestors without repeating their pain, and reclaim authorship over your own life. This talk is my rallying cry for anyone ready to stop performing and start becoming. Aleya Harris is an award-winning international speaker, strategic storytelling consultant, speaker mentor, and former chef who helps leaders break free from burnout by rewriting the internal narratives that hold them back. She is the CEO of The Evolution Collective and the creator of the Spark the Stage™ and Spark the Pitch™. With a background in marketing and a passion for transformational storytelling, Aleya blends practical insight with soulful strategy to inspire change from the inside out. 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

This talk is about creating a future beyond one’s past, beyond their background. By sharing their captivating backstory and evolution in thought process, this speaker encourages those around them to dream big. This talk shines light on the importance of hope and the bravery of perseverance; and the resulting potential of success for all. Amelia Young-Lawson Amelia Young-Lawson is a dreamer, never losing sight of their goals. They implement this into everything they do, working as hard as possible and refusing to give up. Amelia hopes to inspire others who grew up similarly to them to have a similar mindset, and be the role model they never had; becoming the change they want to see in the 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