What are lessons learned by an engineer who evolved into an academic leader? This talk gives some suggestions while telling one mechanical engineer's story. Dr. Tod Laursen is the Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), where he promotes excellence in education, research, and community engagement. With a rich background in academia and engineering leadership, he is committed to innovation and global impact in higher education. Under his leadership, AUS aims to provide world-class education, enhance its reputation for academic excellence and cultural diversity, and support sustainable development in the Middle East. Previously, Dr. Laursen served as President of Khalifa University and has made significant contributions to engineering education and research, being a respected scholar in computational mechanics with numerous publications to his name. 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

For centuries, the idea of a Mexican chef was almost unthinkable. Today, Mexican cuisine is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—and Ricardo Muñoz Zurita has been at the heart of this transformation. In his TEDxCalle Aldama talk, La Cocina Mexicana y su Revolución Imposible, he traces the extraordinary journey of Mexico’s culinary identity, from its marginalization to global recognition. As a chef, historian, and pioneer of this movement, Ricardo reveals how tradition, perseverance, and a deep respect for indigenous knowledge turned an “impossible” dream into a worldwide culinary revolution. Widely regarded as “the anthropologist of Mexican gastronomy,” Ricardo is a renowned chef, author, and culinary researcher dedicated to preserving Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. His passion for the diverse regional cuisines of Mexico inspired his groundbreaking work, including the acclaimed Diccionario Enciclopédico de la Gastronomía Mexicana. Trained at prestigious institutions like Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and The Culinary Institute of America in New York, he combines deep academic knowledge with hands-on expertise.In 2016, Muñoz Zurita established the Ricardo Muñoz Zurita Medal, honoring excellence in culinary education, research, and editorial contributions, alongside a scholarship to support emerging Mexican chefs. A 2017 nominee for the Basque Culinary World Prize, his work has cemented his legacy as a guardian of Mexican culinary heritage and a mentor to the next generation of gastronomes. 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 Widely regarded as “the anthropologist of Mexican gastronomy,” Ricardo is a renowned chef, author, and culinary researcher dedicated to preserving Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. His passion for the diverse regional cuisines of Mexico inspired his groundbreaking work, including the acclaimed Diccionario Enciclopédico de la Gastronomía Mexicana. Trained at prestigious institutions like Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and The Culinary Institute of America in New York, he combines deep academic knowledge with hands-on expertise.In 2016, Muñoz Zurita established the Ricardo Muñoz Zurita Medal, honoring excellence in culinary education, research, and editorial contributions, alongside a scholarship to support emerging Mexican chefs. A 2017 nominee for the Basque Culinary World Prize, his work has cemented his legacy as a guardian of Mexican culinary heritage and a mentor to the next generation of gastronomes. 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

What if the path to success isn't about following a straight line but embracing the twists and turns that make you uniquely you? In his talk "Find Your Way," Otmane Benamar explains how discovering your true purpose requires redefining success on your own terms. Drawing from personal experiences, he inspires us to trust our journey and create a roadmap driven by passion, resilience, and authenticity. Technology leader with extensive experience in the energy sector. As Chief Technology Officer of GE Vernova’s Gas Power division in EMEA, Otmane drives the development of innovative technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and customer value.With a strong engineering background, Otmane excels in leading teams, fostering innovation, and achieving impactful results. His expertise includes strategic planning, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement, allowing him to navigate dynamic environments successfully.Passionate about the future of energy, Otmane leverages technology to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable growth. He collaborates with industry leaders, mentors talent, and contributes to initiatives driving progress in power generation. 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

What if the future of ocean exploration depends on autonomous systems powered by advanced sensor technology? In "Why Unmanned Surface Vehicles?", Adnane ElSoussi highlights how USVs, equipped with cutting-edge sensors, revolutionize hydrographic surveying and maritime security. Examine their potential to enhance our sea operations' safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Adnane ElSoussi, CEO of Defuzzy Labs, drives technology innovation. With an engineering background, he leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to transform industries.He focuses on impactful, scalable solutions for real-world challenges, making Defuzzy Labs a trusted partner in optimizing operations and enhancing decision-making for sustainable growth.With years of leadership, Adnane blends technical expertise with business insight, fosters collaboration, and builds high-performing teams, keeping Defuzzy Labs at the technology forefront. 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

Growth begins the moment you stop waiting to feel ready. In this talk, I share how pushing past fear, embracing discomfort, and saying yes to the unknown transformed my career—and how it can do the same for you. Majdal Shahin, a forward-thinking engineer at Siemens Energy, is a Digitalization Consultant driving change in the energy sector with advanced technologies. She specializes in digitalization with regards to performance of gas turbine power plants. Her ability to link technical systems with business needs delivers measurable value and fosters innovation. 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

Hazan Günay, mühendislik, havacılık ve kadın girişimciliği üzerine deneyimlerini paylaşarak kadınların girişimcilikteki rollerinin desteklenmesi, bu süreçteki zorlukları, fırsatları ve keni yaşam deneyimlerini anlatan önemli bakış açıları sunuyor. Hazan Günay, Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi'nde Elektrik ve Elektronik Mühendisliği alanında lisans ve yüksek lisans eğitimini tamamlamış deneyimli bir mühendis ve liderdir. Türkiye, Japonya ve Almanya'da havacılık sektöründe 18 yıl üzerinde deneyim kazanmış ve Aviyonik ve Sistem Mühendisliği alanlarında uzmanlaşmıştır. Bu süreçte birçok liderlik pozisyonunda yer almıştır.2022 yılında HSB Solutions adlı havacılık mühendisliği hizmetleri sunan şirketi kurmuştur. Şirket, Uçuş Bilimleri, Uçak Yükleri ve Aeroelastisite, Aviyonik ve Sistemler, Güvenlik ve Sertifikasyon gibi alanlarda uzmanlaşmış olup, Türkiye ve Almanya'da ofisleriyle ABD, Birleşik Krallık, Japonya, Dubai, Suudi Arabistan ve Hindistan gibi ülkelerde faaliyet göstermektedir.Ayrıca, STEM (Bilim, Teknoloji, Mühendislik, Matematik) alanlarında kadınların güçlendirilmesine büyük önem vermekte, bu alanda kadınları teşvik etmekte ve mentorluk yapmaktadır. 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