Theme: Tomorrow United?

TEDxDKU will delve into the pressing question that has become more relevant than ever before: "Tomorrow: United?" In an era marked by global challenges, it is imperative that we come together as a global community to confront these issues head-on.

Today, our world is grappling with a myriad of problems that transcend borders: climate change, inequality, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions, just to name a few. These challenges demand a united front and a collective effort towards finding innovative solutions.

"Tomorrow: United?" serves as a platform for inspired thinkers, visionary leaders, and passionate activists to share their groundbreaking ideas and foster a collective mindset that thinks originally. We aim to spark conversations that transcend cultural, political, and ideological boundaries, encouraging dialogue that challenges conventional wisdom and opens doors to new possibilities.

Through thought-provoking talks, interactive workshops, and engaging discussions, we will explore how we can recognize and heal the fractures in our societies, cultivate empathy and understanding, and build bridges that connect us. By embracing diversity and collaboration, we can harness the power of collective intelligence to reimagine our tomorrow and forge a path towards a more united and harmonious world.

In February of 2024, TEDxDKU will ignite inspiration, challenge assumptions, and discover new ways to shape our shared future. Together, we can create a world where "Tomorrow: United?" is not just a question, but a resounding affirmation of our collective will to build a better world for all.

Duke Kunahsn Community Center Theater
No. 8 Duke Ave. 杜克大道8号
Third Floor, Community Center East.
Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215316
China

Davit Kavkasyan

Undergraduate Student at Duke Kunshan University

Davit Kavkasyan is a Global Leaders Scholar at Duke Kunshan. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, he has been traveling the world since he was seventeen and is passionate about creative arts. Having lived in both Armenia and Israel, he has experienced the impact of conflict firsthand—and the importance of how we respond.

Dominika Wilczok

Undergraduate Student at Duke Kunshan University

Dominika Wilczok is a Behavioral Neuroscientist in training and sophomore undergraduate student at Duke Kunshan University. She is focused on biohacking ageism: looking not only at how we can live a long life, but also a healthy and happy one. She aims to bring the principles of healthy longevity to everyone.

James Miller

Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Initiatives at Duke Kunshan University

Dr. James Miller is the inaugural Professor of Humanities at Duke Kunshan University, Chair of the Faculty Assembly, and co-director of the DKU Humanities Research Center. Dr. Miller’s research is based in the study of Chinese philosophy, theology, and religion. Prior to his appointment at Duke Kunshan University, Dr. Miller served as the director of the interdisciplinary graduate program in cultural studies, and as the director of the School of Religion, at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Luyao Zhang

Assistant Professor of Economics at Duke Kunshan University

Luyao (Sunshine) Zhang is Assistant Professor of Economics and Senior Research Scientist at the Data Science Research Center at Duke Kunshan University (DKU). Her current research interests are at the interplay of computational and economic science around the application of groundbreaking technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and cryptography, and innovative computing. She has an abiding passion for interdisciplinary collaborations, especially for cutting-edge research of both profound insights and practical impacts, including computational economics and social science, crypto and token economics, behavioral and experimental economics, explainable and cooperative AI, and interdisciplinary big data.

Renee Richer

Associate Chair for Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Undergraduate Program at Duke Kunshan University

Dr. Renee Richer describes her work as a biologist in search of the mechanisms to life in extreme environments. Her work has taken place in some of the poorest countries to some of the richest countries in the world. From Armenia to Zimbabwe, her most important education came in the form of greater cultural understanding and appreciation. At a time when geopolitical tensions are on the rise and governments increasingly isolate themselves and their citizens, scholars and educators remain at the forefront of global cultural exchange. At times both poignant and preposterous, you witness personal growth through the experiences of a field biologist.

Rocco Li

Entrepreneur

Rocco Li is passionate about designing and implementing talent development projects, contributing to talent cultivation and business resource allocation. Rocco has a global perspective and cultural awareness, having lived and worked in the U.S., China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. He has a visionary and operational approach at the corporate, regional, and country levels.

Russell Cailey

CEO & Co-Founder of THINK Learning Studio

Russell is the Managing Director of THINK Learning Studio (TLS) in Dubai and is at the forefront of revolutionizing the educational sector with an approach he calls “inspired fusion”. THINK Learning Studio’s unique educational approach blends a project-focused innovative curriculum with learning grounded by travel. Russell is dedicated to fostering environments that deliver tangible, real-world learning experiences.