This talk explores the concept of music as a universal experience, extending beyond human expression to encompass the sounds and potential musicality of flora, fauna, and future synthetic consciousnesses. There’s a very short poem by Kobayashi Issa that says,“On a branchfloating downrivera cricket, singing.”I believe this perfectly encapsulates our shared predicament of being alive on Earth. I wanted to be a part of TEDxKU to illuminate the many surprising, unseen, and astonishing ways in which life sings on this planet, as we all “float downriver” together. 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 does it truly mean to feel “at home”? In this TEDxUF Talk, Design Scientist Dr. Lisa Sundahl-Platt examines how our environments profoundly influence our sense of safety, comfort, and well-being—especially during unexpected life changes. Drawing on over 25 years as a licensed interior designer and her advanced degrees in Psychology and Systems Engineering, Dr. Sundahl-Platt demonstrates how thoughtful, resilient design can transform not just a space but a life. Through her early experience redesigning a care facility room for Anna—a woman grappling with the loss of independence—we witness the remarkable impact of intentional choices: ergonomic lighting, personalized color palettes, and accessible controls that restore dignity and joy, even in the most challenging circumstances.Yet, resilient design goes far beyond aesthetics. Dr. Sundahl-Platt delves into the science of interior living environments, revealing how materials, lighting, acoustics, and spatial planning can either support or undermine our health. She introduces the “5S” framework—Safety, Support, Sustainability, Symbiosis, and Salutogenesis—a holistic approach inspired by engineered and natural systems. 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 can studying fish teach us how to live? Dr. James C. Liao, a biomechanist and neuroscientist, reveals how the underwater world of fish holds surprising insights into truth, curiosity, and resilience. Through three powerful lessons—from coral reefs to childhood bullying to fishing with his father—Dr. Liao shows how his scientific discoveries mirror human experiences. At the University of Florida, Dr. Liao leads a lab where fish behavior, fluid dynamics, and neuroscience intersect. But it's not just data and experiments that drive his work—it's a deeply personal connection to the animals and environments he studies. Whether it’s parrotfish filtering misinformation, trout finding shelter in turbulence, or a child navigating life through questions, Dr. Liao makes a compelling case that science and life are not separate journeys, but reflections of each other. Dr. Liao challenges us to listen more carefully to others and the natural world—and to trust that the most meaningful breakthroughs often come from curiosity-driven science. In a world that increasingly values deliverables, Dr. Liao argues that open-ended exploration can lead to the most transformative insights, and that a deeper understanding often emerges when we move with the current rather than against it. 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 you could create the life of your wildest dreams? Would you be able to love your current life in the process of getting there? In her Ted Talk, Kaylin Ingram explores what it means to truly create and to understand that we have the power to create the lives we want. Not only is this our biggest responsibility, but as the artist of our lives, this is our biggest masterpiece. As a Brand-Strategist and Co-Founder at Hang Ten Creative Agency, an author of her children's book, When Being Blew Through, a muralist in her hometown, and a former adjunct professor of graphic design at the University of Tampa, Kaylin Ingram has tapped into her creative potential and wants to help others do the same. Through all of these creative acts however, she has realized that her LIFE is the most important masterpiece and that maybe, through trial, error, some good books and therapy, she can learn to love the process of creating, just as much as the finished product itself. You can follow along Kaylin's creative life journey on instagram (@kaycoastal) or online at kaycoastal.com. 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

At just 21, a cancer diagnosis profoundly reshaped Zack's perspective on life. Over the coming years, it also deepened his understanding of healthcare and the unique value of healthcare to rural communities. At just 21, a cancer diagnosis profoundly reshaped my perspective on life. Over the coming years, it also deepened my understanding of healthcare and the unique value of healthcare to rural communities. 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 our built environment engaged all our senses, not just sight? Imagine a world where spaces were designed to be fully inclusive where architecture didn’t just serve the visually abled but embraced the needs of the visually impaired as well. In this talk, we explore how sensory-centric design can transform education, public spaces, and daily life, creating richer, more accessible environments for everyone. By rethinking the way we design, we can foster deeper connections, greater independence, and a more inclusive future for all. Nilou Vakil is an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Kansas (KU) School of Architecture and Design, a licensed architect, a LEED BD+C accredited professional, and Principal of in situ Design, an award-winning, community-oriented architecture and urban design firm she has led since 2010. With two decades of national and international professional experience, Vakil brings a deep commitment to community-engaged design, inclusive pedagogy, and design justice to both her academic and professional work.Originally from the Middle East, Vakil’s formative experiences during the regional wars and witnessing the destruction of thriving cities deeply shaped her belief that communities must have a voice in shaping their built environment. This belief grounds her teaching, research, service, and practice, all of which center on the intersection of participatory design, equity, and social impact. 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