OSU Inaayat, founded in 2016, is The Ohio State University’s premier Indian Classical Dance Team. Meaning "grace" in Hindi, Inaayat celebrates Indian Classical Dance by providing students a space to continue their practice. With backgrounds in Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, members bring diverse experiences to culturally rich performances. The team choreographs thematic pieces for the university and Columbus community, using dance to promote cultural awareness and empower the Ohio State community. OSU Inaayat, founded in 2016, is The Ohio State University’s premier Indian Classical Dance Team. Meaning "grace" in Hindi, Inaayat celebrates Indian Classical Dance by providing students a space to continue their practice. With backgrounds in Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, members bring diverse experiences to culturally rich performances. The team choreographs thematic pieces for the university and Columbus community, using dance to promote cultural awareness and empower the Ohio State community. 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

A traditional Chinese dance organization at The Ohio State University dedicated to celebrating and preserving the beauty of Chinese culture through the art of movement. Through elegant and expressive storytelling, they bring history and tradition to life, blending grace, emotion, and technique. Their performances incorporate classic elements such as silk fans, water sleeves, and oil-paper umbrellas—hallmarks of traditional Chinese choreography that have been cherished for generations. A traditional Chinese dance organization at The Ohio State University dedicated to celebrating and preserving the beauty of Chinese culture through the art of movement. Through elegant and expressive storytelling, they bring history and tradition to life, blending grace, emotion, and technique. Their performances incorporate classic elements such as silk fans, water sleeves, and oil-paper umbrellas—hallmarks of traditional Chinese choreography that have been cherished for generations. 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 the age of ten, Rebka Lile made the long, emotional journey from Ethiopia to the United States, beginning a new life, with a new family in Akron, Ohio. Now a junior at the Ohio State University, Lile reflects on her experience as an international adoptee, sharing the unseen and nuanced challenges she has faced. Through moments of doubt and resilience, Lile explores how she has come to embrace her multifaceted identity, weaving together the influences of her heritage and upbringing. Her talk offers a heartfelt exploration of the ongoing journey of self-discovery in the face of change and uncertainty. My name is Rebka Lile, and I'm a third-year student studying International Relations and English with a minor in Studio Art. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I plan on going to law school with hopes of one day working for the International Justice Mission or another justice-oriented field. I have a passion for books, art, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, as I believe that engaging with others is one of the best ways to learn about 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

Public safety is often talked about as a top priority, but the health and well-being of those who keep us safe are sometimes overlooked. Dr. Jaclyn Caccese is shining a light on the hidden effects of concussions in law enforcement officers. These invisible injuries can have a big impact on their lives and how well they do their jobs. She’s calling for a change—one that focuses on protecting the minds of those who protect us, with better care and proactive steps to tackle these silent challenges. Dr. Jaclyn B. Caccese is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and a member of Ohio State’s Chronic Brain Injury program. She is a leading expert in concussion research, with a unique focus on law enforcement officers. She led the development of the nation’s first return-to-duty protocol for law enforcement officers with concussions, advancing recovery and safety in this high-risk profession. In her TEDx talk, Dr. Caccese will share insights into concussion recovery challenges for law enforcement and the importance of specialized, evidence-based protocols for their safe return to duty. 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

While creating the iconic “Script Ohio” with DNA Origami, Dr. Michael Hudoba, Department Chair of the Department of Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics at Otterbein University, took on the role of a scientist and band director. Learn about how his impressive, but seemingly impractical, Guinness World Record is a prime example of the power and process of science. Dr. Mike Hudoba grew up in northeast Ohio and moved to Columbus in 2005. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, his M.S. in ME with a focus in user-centered product design, and a Ph.D. in ME with a focus in DNA nanotechnology, all from The Ohio State University. Currently, he is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics at Otterbein University, and is on the Otterbein Board of Trustees. When not at work, Dr. Mike can be found in the kitchen, at the bowling alley, on the golf course, or playing video games. 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

Dr. Terrance Hinton examines how education challenges conventional boundaries and fosters transformation in overlooked spaces, including prisons. Drawing inspiration from the Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project, his talk highlights the power of shared learning experiences between incarcerated individuals and outside students. Through these interactions, Dr. Hinton illustrates how education promotes healing, personal growth, and meaningful social change in unexpected contexts. As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Hinton’s work intersects across the criminal justice, public policy and administration field. His research and scholarly contributions have focused on topics important to the criminal justice reentry field such as education and workforce development. He has instructed, mentored and assisted over 4,000 justice impacted citizens both in and out of the prison system for reentry assistance. His contributions in the criminal justice field have been highlighted within peer reviewed journals, op-eds and magazines for corrections professionals. His work has also been featured in the Columbus Dispatch, NBC4 WCMH-TV News Columbus and WOSU Public Media Radio. 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