TEDxBGSU highlights the meaning of public good

After a four-year hiatus, Bowling Green State University held TEDxBGSU, an independently organized speaker series Wednesday, April 13, in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theater.

This year's theme was "For the Public Good," and 25 speakers from around the campus community shared stories and ideas that amplify the University's mission as a public university for the public good. Topics included science, diversity and belonging, education, art and the future. All talks are available to watch on the BGSU YouTube page. 

“Through TEDxBGSU, speakers truly demonstrated how individualized the call to create public good can be," said Kendra Lutes, TEDxBGSU organizer and assistant director of leadership programs in the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement. "BGSU students, faculty, staff and alumni spoke to a variety of topics that highlighted public good and how we can collectively move the University's mission forward. We are excited about the continued conversations these topics will drive at BGSU, in the region and the world."

University photographer Craig Bell and student photographer Peyton Butcher were on hand to capture the return of TEDxBGSU and the different ways people interpret public good.

Chien Tran Phuoc, a sophomore double major in biochemistry and data science, presented how BGSU scientists are using research to empower the human immune system to fight cancer.

Doctoral student Saleha Azmi spoke about her passion for tolerance and diversity of ideas and cultures and the need for schools in rural parts of India to help the next generation of learners to dig deep within their conscience.

People from around the campus community volunteered their time to help make the return of TEDxBGSU a success.

David Bixler, professor in the College of Musical Arts, spoke about the history of jazz music and the importance of acknowledging and honoring its roots in the African American community.

Arianna Bustos, a senior adolescence/young adult secondary education integrated language arts major, presented how educational disparities and inequities affect students of color and how a culturally responsive approach to teaching can improve student outcomes.