Theme: What is...?

In a world that is rapidly evolving, with groundbreaking technologies emerging every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and question one’s ability to make a difference. TEDxTexasTech 2025 invites you to pause and reflect on “What is…?”—a theme designed to provoke thought, inspire action, and spark meaningful conversations.

This event will explore the essence of innovation, identity, and progress in a time of unprecedented change. Our speakers will delve into the world’s most pressing “what is” questions—unpacking revolutionary technologies, rethinking societal norms, and challenging us to reimagine our role in shaping the future.

Through inspiring talks, cutting-edge ideas, and thought-provoking perspectives, this event aims to educate and empower you to think deeply about your own “what is” and take meaningful action in shaping the global narrative.

Join us on March 9, 2025, for an event that promises to inspire, challenge, and connect individuals who are passionate about creating impact and shaping the future.

Frazier Alumni Pavilion
2680 Drive of Champions
Lubbock, Texas, 79409
United States

Bengu Mete

Chemical Engineer & Sustainable Materials Researcher

Bengu Mete is a chemical engineering researcher with expertise in materials science and bioengineering. Her work explores the complex role of plastics in modern society, from their essential applications in medicine and technology to their environmental impact. With a focus on sustainable materials and innovative solutions, she challenges conventional narratives around plastic use, advocating for smarter, climate-conscious strategies. Through her research, Mete aims to bridge the gap between sustainability and practicality, shaping a future where materials science drives positive change.

Bernie Mullin

Sports Business Trailblazer & Leadership Strategist

Dr. Bernie Mullin is a renowned sports business leader, strategist, and author with a career defined by transforming struggling teams into thriving franchises. The first foreign-born CEO of a U.S. major league sports team, he has led at the highest levels of MLB, NBA, NHL, and international hockey, setting attendance records and driving billion-dollar growth. As the creator of the NBA’s groundbreaking TMBO consulting group, he helped teams generate $250 million annually in new revenue. He later founded The Aspire Group, which has generated over $1.75 billion for 300+ global organizations. A Sports Business Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Mullin continues to shape the future of sports, leadership, and the American Dream through consulting, philanthropy, and his best-selling book, Reimagining America’s Dream.

David Cho

Orchestral Conductor & Musical Visionary

David In-Jae Cho is an internationally acclaimed conductor and music director, known for his dynamic leadership and artistic excellence. Born in Seoul and immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, he trained at Oberlin Conservatory, the Peabody Institute, and Rice University, launching a career that has taken him to Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and the Kennedy Center. Cho has collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Renée Fleming and has conducted major symphonies across the U.S. and beyond. As Music Director of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, he is passionate about using music to inspire, connect, and bring communities together.

Erik Bucy

Media & Technology Scholar

Dr. Erik Bucy is a leading expert on media, technology, and human behavior, specializing in misinformation, digital literacy, and visual communication. As the Marshall and Sharleen Formby Regents Professor of Strategic Communication at Texas Tech University, his work explores how emerging media shape public perception, creativity, and democratic engagement. A Fulbright Scholar and former editor of Politics and the Life Sciences, Dr. Bucy has held research fellowships at Oxford, LSE, UCLA, and Dartmouth. He is the award-winning co-author of Image Bite Politics and a sought-after voice in global discussions on media influence, misinformation, and digital culture.

Jessica Alquist

Social Psychologist & Self-Control Expert

Dr. Jessica Alquist is an Associate Professor of Social Psychology and the Experimental Program Director at Texas Tech University. Her research explores self-control, agency, and how people navigate uncertainty, shedding light on the psychological mechanisms that shape decision-making and behavior. With a Ph.D. from Florida State University, Dr. Alquist has published extensively on topics such as free will, executive function, and the impact of uncertainty on human motivation. Beyond the lab, she has personally embraced the unpredictable—putting her research to the test through real-life experiences.

Lahib Jaddo

Multidisciplinary Artist & Cultural Storyteller

Lahib Jaddo is an Iraqi-born artist, architect, and educator whose work spans painting, sculpture, and storytelling. Born in Baghdad to a Turkmen family, she spent her formative years in Iraq and Lebanon before immigrating to the U.S., where she earned a Master of Architecture and a Master of Fine Arts from Texas Tech University. Jaddo's art explores themes of memory, displacement, and cultural identity, blending her Middle Eastern heritage with her deep connection to the American landscape. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally and is the subject of the award-winning documentary Jaddoland.

Mark Johnson

AI & Innovation Strategist

Mark Johnson is a technology leader and co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, where he helps businesses develop cutting-edge software solutions. A LinkedIn Top Voice in AI and Forbes Technology Council member, he is a recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence and innovation. Mark’s passion for technology began at age 11 when he taught himself to code and sold his first website. He holds an MBA from Cornerstone University and a leadership certificate from Harvard. Beyond his work, he is committed to fostering innovation, building relationships, and creating a culture of excellence. When he's not shaping the future of AI, Mark enjoys sports, community engagement, and time with his wife and four daughters.

Meredith Bradley

Youth Advocate & Community Changemaker

At just 16 years old, Meridith Bradley is proving that leadership has no age limit. As the founder of Safe and Seen Lubbock, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering young women, she has turned passion into action—challenging the way we think about service and impact. Beyond her advocacy work, Meridith is a dedicated student, a big sister, and an animal lover. Through her efforts, she is inspiring others to take bold steps toward change, no matter their age or resources.

Renee Exelbert

Psychologist, Mind-Body Expert & Cancer Survivor

Dr. Renee A. Exelbert is a licensed psychologist, certified elite personal trainer, and author dedicated to exploring the mind-body connection in healing and empowerment. She is the Founding Director of The Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change, where she integrates psychotherapy and exercise to help individuals regain control of their bodies and minds. A four-time cancer survivor, Dr. Exelbert has turned her personal battle into a mission—guiding others through resilience, strength, and transformation. She previously served as a Staff Psychologist at NYU Winthrop Hospital Cancer Center, working with pediatric cancer patients, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at NYU Steinhardt. A sought-after speaker and media expert, she shares her insights on mental and physical well-being in her book, Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned from Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Patient.

Stas Tiomkin

AI Researcher & Computational Scientist

Dr. Stas Tiomkin is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Texas Tech University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Reinforcement Learning, and Human-AI Interaction. He holds a Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley’s Robot Learning Lab. His work focuses on building AI systems that are not only intelligent but also aligned with human values, exploring areas such as intrinsic motivation in AI, control of robotic systems, and safe human-AI collaboration.

Yehia Mechref

Biotechnology & Genomics Pioneer

Dr. Yehia Mechref is a renowned expert in biotechnology, analytical chemistry, and genomics, specializing in cutting-edge research on disease diagnostics and biomolecular analysis. He is the Paul W. Horn Distinguished Professor, Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology & Genomics at Texas Tech University. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases through advanced mass spectrometry and glycomics, leading to breakthroughs in cancer research and personalized medicine. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and multiple NIH-funded projects, Dr. Mechref's contributions have reshaped how we analyze biological processes at a molecular level. As a global leader in bioanalytical innovation, his research continues to drive advancements in healthcare, disease detection, and biotechnology solutions.