Why would a toxicologist wrangle an alligator? North Carolina researchers are seeking to understand the effects of exposures to elevated Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; aka forever chemicals) by studying the impacts found in the wildlife inside high exposure areas. These species serve as sentinels to infer and reflect potential adverse impacts that might be found in human populations under similar exposures. Observing American alligators, a resilient keystone species, findings show hindered immune function in these usually robust creatures and other aquatic species. This evidence reveals how unregulated PFAS pollution has impacted the entirety of the ecosystem, highlighting the need for more chemical toxicity testing and regulation to protect environmental and human health. Researchers are simultaneously sharing through traditional peer-reviewed publication and K-12 education by developing the findings into statewide secondary curriculum. This active community engagement and outreach aims to share the insights of these studies with those most vulnerable to these impacts. Scott Belcher is an endocrine toxicologist and an expert on the actions of hormones, endocrine disruptors (EDs), and adverse health impacts of EDs and other environmental toxicants. His research program has made seminal discoveries that have defined the molecular processes involved with adverse health impacts caused by very low levels of EDs across all levels of biological complexity. Current research efforts focus on identifying adverse health impacts resulting from exposure to EDs, toxic metals and per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. The high-level focus of his research efforts is to improve public and environmental health by discovering ways to limit harmful exposures to man-made toxic chemicals. He is also an ED science expert serving on numerous global science-policy and advisory panels related to the safety and sustainability of toxic chemicals and pollutants. 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

In a special performance, comedian Hoody brought laughter and amazement with his unique take on mind reading. Blending sharp humor with unexpected surprises, he kept the audience engaged and guessing. His act wasn’t just about tricks—it was a hilarious journey into the power of perception and comedy.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 Hoody, an engineer-turned-magician, masterfully blends stand-up comedy and magic. His diverse acts include card tricks, close-up magic, illusions, pickpocketing, and mentalism. With fluency in five languages, he captivates audiences across demographics. Having performed 300+ shows in 40+ cities worldwide, he’s entertained millions, including top Tollywood and Bollywood celebrities and cricket stars. 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

In my Ted X talk, I'll be attempting to find an answer to how we can break free from this cycle and win at this game we call life. In my opinion, the key lies in confronting the laziness that holds us back-not by blaming ourselves as inherently lazy people, but by analyzing and addressing the root cause of our inaction. We are a culmination of every single choice we make, and hopefully today I can help you start a path to making the ones that bring you closer to where you want to be. Hi, my name is Dylan Puri, and I am a grade 11 student at Newton's Grove School. The meaning of life can never truly be answered-it's deeply personal and unique to every individual. Yet, one constant we share is the pursuit of fulfillment: Finding a purpose that brings us true satisfaction. As I've reflected on the world around us, I've come to see how it's filled with misinformation. People spread lies and overpromise shortcuts to success. They'll eagerly tell you how to get motivated, but rarely explain why motivation isn't enough. 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

Since fourth grade I have loved public speaking. I participated in yearly competitions and became enamoured with the effect my words had. I love presenting, performing and sharing my ideas on stage, and each year pursued this passion of mine. As I’ve spent years refining this craft, I am excited to share it with you at our event. In my talk titled: “Why Are You Listening to Me?”, I will explore what makes a strong speaker. Breaking down my journey to growing my own confidence, and how I went from being introverted to a proud presenter. I hope to share my unique approach to confidence and equip my listeners with the power to control a room. Hello! My name is Naveed Yusuf Alli and I am a grade 12 student at Newton's Grove School. I love public speaking and collaborating among people. Understanding those around me and taking in new ideas has always been fascinating for me. I know that no matter where I go in life, I want to work with people. 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

Hello, my name is Anvi Babbar, and I am a Grade 12 Student at Newton’s Grove School. I am deeply passionate about understanding and improving the world around me. My ambitious and curious nature seeks new challenges and situations to accelerate my growth on my journey through life. This led me to grow a profound respect and fondness for medicine and its implications in society. I have loved public speaking and advocating my thoughts from a very young age, with my first competition being at 10 years old. I learned of the impact that words can have on people’s lives, and how I can use my words to pursue my ultimate goal: helping people. Each year I speak about something new, unexpected, and oftentimes hard to swallow; hard truths are usually the most necessary ones. Through my love of the art of speaking and of improving humanity one speech at a time, I have grown to become who I am today, and I can’t wait to share that with you. In my TED Talk titled: “Beautiful Lies,” I will challenge the power that the concept of beauty holds on society. Rather than redefining beauty, I will propose to abolish it completely. Societal standards limit our potential and trap us in a cycle of comparison and insecurity. Together we’ll break down the myths that have held us hostage, and begin to see ourselves and each other as something much more than appearance. 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

In my talk, “The Paradox of Hope”, I will be analyzing the idea of hope as a whole. Focusing on the fact that not all hope is good and it does have a dark side to it. By discovering this, this is how we can think and process our emotions in a way that benefits us and helps us move though life without holding on to false hope and unfulfilled promises of the future. Although hope can be dangerous, I believe that there is a way we can use it to the best of our ability, and this is what I will be sharing with you in my talk.My name is Isabella Thompson, a grade eleven student at Newtons Grove School. I am interested in finding new and unique ways to improve the new generation’s way of thinking and processing. Helping others feel okay has always been something that interests me, psychology has been a major passion of mine for years now.I grew up on a small island in the Caribbean called St. Kitts and Nevis where public speaking meant standing in front of a class of 6-8 students that you were close and friendly with and speaking. Moving to Canada in grade nine challenged me to go outside of this comfort zone, speak to more people, engage in conversations, and develop my skills as an individual. Public speaking is certainly not something that comes naturally to me, its been a challenge that i've been working on and overcoming, but I am excited to test myself in front of all of you at our event! 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