Theme: Odyssey

Embark on an extraordinary journey with us at TEDxUF, as we delve into the profound depths of human experience with our theme, "Odyssey.” Odyssey serves as a beacon guiding us through the labyrinthine passages of existence, where every twist and turn offers an opportunity for growth, discovery, and transformation. Through impassioned narratives and thought-provoking discourse, our speakers illuminate the essence of the odyssey: the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the courage to venture into the unknown, and the resilience to overcome adversity. We reflect on the contemporary epics of modern life, recognizing that each journey is a tapestry woven with threads of hardship and triumph. As we navigate the currents of change and navigate the seas of uncertainty, we are reminded that the true essence of the odyssey lies not in reaching a destination, but in the beauty of the voyage itself—the endless exploration of the human spirit and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Join us on this transcendent odyssey of the mind and soul, as we seek to inspire, enlighten, and unite in our shared quest for meaning and purpose.

University Auditorium
333 Newell Drive
Gainesville, Florida, 32611
United States

Abram Abdou

PhD Canidate

Abram Abdou is a Physicist who focuses on the intersection of physics and healthcare, specializing in Medical Physics. He received his Bachelor’s from the University of Florida and a Master’s from the University of Miami, where he is also pursuing his PhD. His research focuses on Stereotactic Radiosurgery—a technique that uses precise radiation to treat medical conditions. Through tutoring students, he noticed the often misunderstood nature of radiation, leading him to advocate for a more informed perspective. Abram challenges misconceptions and highlights radiation’s healthcare benefits, advocating for a balanced view that recognizes its advantages and risks.

Christine Sylvain

Founder and Executive Director of the Path to College Fellowship

Christine Sylvain is the Founder and CEO of Path to College, whose vision is to create a world where genius, leadership, and excellence are cultivated in the most overlooked communities. Christine believes deeply that the best of these communities often fall through the cracks and her mandate is to answer and address one of society’s most urgent educational inequities: access to higher education. Christine realized her passion for educating and mentoring adolescents through her experience running the Journalism Department at a charter high school in Riviera Beach, Florida. Since then, Christine has been on the front lines of guiding and encouraging bright, under-resourced students to apply to selective universities. Most importantly, she has a deep understanding of some of the systemic challenges holding our best and brightest back from achieving the highest levels of their academic potential.

Frankie Russo

Entrepreneur

Frankie Russo is a visionary in innovation and authenticity. A serial tech entrepreneur with a proven track record for using authenticity and purpose to foster innovation. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth of his tech company culminating in acquisition by a Fortune 500 entity. Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate and grow through massive change. In his latest work Russo shares the critical unlocks for thriving in the face of unprecedented change by leading with authenticity, imagination and generosity. He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate innovation. Frankie’s highest calling is his family, and he happily lives with his wife and six children in Louisiana.

Keelyn Taylor

Professor

Dr. Keelyn Taylor, a sociologist, began her academic journey at Tarleton State University, earning a B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies. At Tarleton, Keelyn conducted research under the USDA-funded grant “Green Thumbs, Green Plates, and Green Attitudes for a Well-Fed Future: Addressing Food Sustainability through Campus Multidisciplinary Education, Research, and Outreach,” served as a Supplemental Instructor for Social Science Statistics, and was named Outstanding Graduate. Driven by a passion for education and the desire for a freer world for all, Keelyn pursued her M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Florida, specializing in Women’s and Gender Studies. During her time at UF, Keelyn conducted doctoral research exploring how Instagram users negotiate fatness, anti-fatness, and feminisms on the platform and taught courses on Marriage and Family and the Sociology of Gender.

Lauren Douma

Professor

Lauren Douma, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine, specializing in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her journey into the world of science began at Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a B.S. in Biology in 2010 and discovered her passion for scientific research. Driven by curiosity, Lauren pursued her Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics at the University of Florida, graduating in 2016. However, her thirst for discovery did not stop there. As an American Heart Association Post-Doctoral Fellow, she delved into the intricate dance of circadian clock proteins, unraveling their role in regulating kidney gene expression. In 2021, Lauren’s journey led her back to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UF. Here, she continues her captivating exploration of circadian rhythms, driven by a dual passion for research and teaching.

Rana Ezzeddine

Professor

Dr. Rana Ezzeddine is an Astrophysicist and professor at the University of Florida. She studies stars in the Milky Way to understand their chemical and dynamical evolution in our Galaxy. In her research, she utilizes observations and computational modeling of large samples of stars to answer outstanding questions about their role in the formation of the chemical elements we find in the Periodic Table today. She is a proud first generation college graduate, who holds a PhD degree from the Université de Montpellier in France, and a masters degree in Astrophysics from the Notre Dame University and Université Saint Joseph in Lebanon. Her work is supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation, and has won several fellowships including a Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics Fellowship and a Heising Simmons Fellowship for women in Physics which she took to MIT as a postdoctoral scholar. She has also recently been named a 2024 Kavli Fellow by the National Academies of Sciences.

Shelby Thomas

Founder & CEO

Shelby Thomas is a PhD candidate in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida. Receiving her masters in Marine Ecology, she has a diverse background in marine restoration having worked with various restoration projects including coral, seagrass, oyster, sea-urchin, and scallop restoration. She now has worked with over 25 different restoration projects and continues to conduct research in this field. She also founded the Ocean Rescue Alliance International, a marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that artificial structure to enhance marine environments, build marine habitat, conduct restoration, protect coastlines and connect communities through art. She is an environmentalist and marine conservation advocate who hopes to inspire others to protect our environments. She is passionate about preserving our natural ecosystems and creating a foundation for their appreciation.