Theme: On Another Wavelength

We've lined up seven local speakers and one or two of our favorite TED.com talks, modeled around the theme, "On Another Wavelength". We think the best ideas sometimes require us to think on a different level; a step change in how we view the world. We're hoping this group of scientists, storytellers, and social innovators can inform a new wave of conversation that shifts our individual thinking and sparks a sea change in our collective potential for impacting an ever-more challenging world.

McCarty Auditorium - UTK Art and Architecture Building
1715 Volunteer Blvd
Knoxville, Tennessee, 37916
United States

James Choo

Pain medicine specialist

James J. Choo, MD is a native of Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Emory University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, and received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2004 from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. After medical school, Dr. Choo completed his residency in anesthesia at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, LA. After residency, he attended the University of New Mexico and completed an ACGME-accredited pain fellowship. Dr. Choo is ABMS board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. Dr. Choo has been extremely active in advocating for solutions to the opioid crisis while at the same time protecting chronic pain patients’ needs.

James Rose

Architect, educator and industrial designer

James is a licensed architect, educator and industrial designer with a keen interest in the intersection of material and process. He has co-authored papers on emerging technologies with colleagues at ORNL and leads design-build studios in the College of Architecture and Design. He has recently been working with Phil Enquist, Governor's Chair for Energy and Urbanism, on a series of design studios combining the expertise of UT, SOM, and ORNL on regional projects with global importance including AMIE, the world’s first 3D printed polymer building. James is the recipient of numerous awards for his built work, research, and teaching, including a DesignIntelligence Most Admired Educator for 2016.

James Williams

Assistant professor at the University of Tennessee

Dr. Williams serves as an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee and is the owner of UNMASKYTP, LLC, training domestic and international leaders to dwell in joy while seeking curiosity in every endeavor. Dr. Williams is also a professional actor, performing as Uncle Tom in Into the Wilderness (SAG/movie) and starring as Waco Collins in Murder Chose Me. He wrote two books, From Thug to Scholar: An Odyssey to Unmask my True Potential and How to Get Abs like a Bodybuilder but Eat like a Fat boy. He has also published over 15 scholarly articles and delivered over 30 presentations on emotional intelligence, soft skills, sports, leadership, employee training, mentorship, hospitality pedagogy, human resource management, and personal and professional development.

Mehak Vohra

Personal Branding Consultant

Mehak is the founder and CEO of Jamocha Media a personal branding company focused on building the brand of C-level executives and venture capitalists on LinkedIn. Mehak was named #4 by Forbes on their Top 10 Gen Z Experts List. She's also been featured by Adweek, Huffington Post, SF Business Times, and more! She credits her career to taking the jump and dropping out of school and learning how to freelance.

Will Lifferth

Computer Scientist

Will Lifferth is a Senior studying Computer Science and Machine Learning. He is also the president of the UTK Machine Learning Club, and a Hackathon Coach with Major League Hacking. In the past Will has worked on Google Search, Amazon Alexa, and as a web consultant.