In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

North Carolina School of Science & Math
1219 Broad Street
Durham, North Carolina, 27705
United States

Janora McDuffie

Janora McDuffie is an actress, host, voice over artist and fellow Unicorn originally from Durham, North Carolina. She’s part of NCSSM’s Class of 1995 where she was a proud resident of 1st Beall, member of the Gospel Choir and served as the first black female SGA President. After graduation, Janora attended UNC-Chapel Hill as a Morehead-Cain Scholar. While a Tarheel she was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, crowned Miss University of North Carolina and delivered the commencement speech for her class. Following Carolina, Janora joined the corporate ranks as a Consultant for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Georgia. It only took a year before she made the decision to leave her cubicle behind and pursue her childhood Hollywood dreams. Since relocating to sunny southern California Janora has landed numerous tv appearances, most notably recurring as “Social Worker Janet” on seasons 7 & 8 of Grey’s Anatomy. As a host, she’s most proud of her work on No More Down Low TV, an award-winning web series which showcased out and proud LGBT people of color. And as a voice, she’s booked ads for companies including McDonalds and Nike and video games such as Saints Row and God of War. Recently Janora voiced her biggest role yet: she was the official Announcer for the 2022 Oscars.

Leonard Williams

Dr. Leonard L. Williams currently serves as Director of the Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies (CEPHT) located on the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC. A member of numerous professional societies, Williams is widely recognized as a leading scholar and researcher focused on food safety and understanding the use of plant-derived nutrients to reduce peanut allergy. His most recent publications examine how specific polyphenols from peanut skins can be an effective strategy for reducing hypersensitivity to peanuts in targeted populations. He is co-author of one textbook, as well as, 101 peer-reviewed journal articles, 6 extension or outreach publications, 14 book chapters and more than 200 presentation papers and abstracts. In 2017, he was awarded the Partnership Award, along with his collaborators, for research excellence from United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Animal Health Science from North Carolina Agricultural Technical State University, a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University, and a PhD in Food Science and Technology, specializing in microbiology and immunochemistry from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Linda Xue

Originally from Greenville, North Carolina, Linda is a junior at the North Carolina School of Science and Math and hopes to pursue a career as a psychiatrist and conduct clinical research. In addition to playing instruments, Linda enjoys singing, listening to music, and playing tennis.

Sheerabdhi Niranjan

Sheerabdhi is a junior at NCSSM, and a previous attendee of Ardrey Kell High School in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the world from differing perspectives and lenses. To explore his passion, he is considering a future in the world of computer science and technology. Sheerabdhi believes that computer science is a gateway to building community, connection, and amazing works of art such as that in video games, television, and more!

Sutharsika Kumar

Sutharsika is a junior at NCSSM, and a previous attendee of South Iredell High School in her hometown of Mooresville, North Carolina. In her spare time, she likes to dance Bharatanatyam, draw, and bake. She hopes to inspire others to share their stories through identifying things that make them special, and wants to continue her exploration into individual expression.