Theme: Facing Forward

What does facing forward mean? Facing forward means making an active decision to enact change by focusing on what you can do in the future, not what has already been done. We invite you to experience our TEDxUHSP event and hope that you will make a conscientious effort to face forward, towards the future.

TEDxUHSP
4573 Children's Place Univ. Health Sciences and Pharmacy
St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
United States

Bear Wood

Student Speaker

Jessica “Bear” Wood is completing her fourth year at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. Here she is an athlete on the Women’s Soccer and Softball teams, an Undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Jean Escudero’s laboratory, the school’s newspaper “Pharmakon” Editor in Chief, a Leadership and Summer Immersion Coordinator, and a Peer Instructor. After completing her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences she is planning on pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology. Throughout her four years at the University Bear’s presence in her research laboratory is what she is the proudest of. This has led her to start on a first-author manuscript. Bear has always emphasized the continued curiosity for learning in higher education. She plans on continuing to educate others on the want to learn no matter what career she ends up in.

Benjamin Jellen

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

Ben is an Associate Professor at the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis. His research focuses on animals and how they interact with one another and within their natural environment. A dedicated lifelong learner, he believes everything is interrelated and enjoys looking for connections between the arts, science, and nature. And bacon. He particularly enjoys bacon.

Maya Hartig

Student Speaker

Maya Hartig, a sophomore at UHSP, has been on stage plenty of times before. With 7 years of experience in theatre, 10 years of band, and a State Championship in Speech, stage fright is no match for this Bigfork, Montana resident. Her experience working with low-income and underprivileged kids from her hometown has taught her so much, and she is excited to share everything she has learned with her fellow TEDx enthusiasts. Currently majoring in Interdisciplinary Sciences with a minor in Mental Health, Maya is thrilled to be giving her first (and hopefully not last) TEDx Talk.

Simeon Robinson

Student Speaker

Simeon is a 3rd-year professional student in the UHSP doctor of pharmacy program. Originally born in London, England, but spent the majority of his childhood in The Gambia. Moving to Atlanta GA at the age of 10 growing into an inspired entrepreneur and an advocate for underserved youth. He has a passion for helping others and loves playing soccer, which he has played since the age of four. He previously played on the intercollegiate level for four years at Dalton State College where he studied as a chemistry major. Currently, he is the founder and president of Royalty Initiatives foundation, a mentor program that provides youths in troubled communities’ initiatives for not only academic success but also success in a positive direction in life. In his spare time, he enjoys drinking tea, learning new things, and relaxing in nature.

Stephanie Lukas

Interim Director, Global Health and Equity Education; Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences

Stephanie is a faculty member at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. She loves to teach and mentor, and her research is focused on global health through pharmacy and public health lenses. She has traveled in more than 50 countries and enjoys working with global health partnerships.