SPEAKER LINEUP
TEDxTEMPLE UNIVERSITY 2025 Conference
Rebecca Neckritz
Rebecca Neckritz is a creator, entrepreneur, and community-builder whose journey reflects the power of saying yes to new opportunities. Her idea, “ Start your own something: Stories from a Gen Z entrepreneur ,” is inspired by her own path—co-founding Philly Food Ladies as a Temple student, growing it into one of Philadelphia’s largest food media pages, and launching a theatre company, called ” Floorwork arts collective” that is now featured in the Philly Fringe Festival.
Through her talk, Rebecca highlights that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for business majors or those with resources—it’s for anyone willing to take a leap. She shares lessons on balancing creativity, academics, and side projects, showing that discovery in college isn’t only about career paths but also about uncovering the courage to build something of your own. In a changing job market, she encourages students to embrace a DIY mindset, create opportunities rather than wait for them, and trust that every step can spark growth, possibility, and independence.
Dr. Teh Lin
Teh Lin is a medical physicist, researcher, and educator whose work bridges engineering, healthcare, and cutting-edge technology. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering and clinical training in radiation oncology physics, Teh brings both technical and clinical expertise to advancing cancer care. She has shared her insights at international conferences, led professional gatherings as a chapter president, and delivered invited talks to medical students at Temple University and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Her talk explores how artificial intelligence is transforming radiation treatment for cancer patients, offering the public a scientific yet accessible look into the future of healthcare. By connecting her discoveries in AI and medical physics to the theme of “Discovery Takes Flight,” Teh illustrates how innovation can reshape treatment, improve patient outcomes, and redefine what is possible in medicine.
Torin Michael Johnson
Torin is an engineer, educator, and Temple alumnus whose work bridges sustainable development, mentorship, and global impact. As an Project Manager and longtime member of Engineers Without Borders, he has partnered with communities across the U.S. and abroad to deliver projects from clean water systems to new schools—always designed with sustainability and collaboration in mind.
Beyond engineering, Torin inspires audiences through storytelling, including at Temple Days, where he shared how his Temple journey shaped his professional growth. His TEDx talk reflects “Discovery Takes Flight” by showing how stepping outside one’s comfort zone sparks innovation while uplifting communities. For Torin, discovery is about building pathways that empower others for generations.
Rachel Barnes
Rachel E. Barnes is a corporate attorney, educator, and advocate whose work focuses on leadership, empowerment, and innovation. As former National Chair of the National Black Law Students Association—the largest student-run nonprofit of its kind—Rachel represented over 2,000 law students across the U.S. and Canada, amplifying voices and driving impactful conversations on leadership and equity. Today, as an Adjunct Professor at Temple’s Fox School of Business, she continues to mentor and inspire future leaders. Her TEDx talk challenges audiences to give themselves permission to release limiting expectations, embrace change, and pursue discovery without hesitation. For Rachel, true freedom—and true discovery—begin with granting yourself the power to expand.
Dr. Rashonda Harris
Dr. Rashonda Harris, a proud Temple alum, is a national speaker, author, and CEO whose career is rooted in transforming invisibility into undeniable leadership. With deep expertise in research administration and higher education leadership, she has facilitated workshops for organizations like NCURA, where she infused technical training with inclusive leadership and lived experience—impacting professionals nationwide. She is known for delivering talks that go beyond policy and metrics to spark connection, courage, and transformation. Through her speaking, writing, and leadership, Dr. Harris demonstrates that discovery is not merely knowledge—it is courage, reclamation, and the power to rise beyond imposed limits.
William Geoffrey Wright
William Geoffrey Wright, PhD, is a professor, researcher, and entrepreneur whose work bridges cutting-edge science with real-world impact. His research focuses on developing virtual reality–based balance assessments to reduce fall risk across the lifespan—an innovation that recently earned him the Best Podium Talk Award at RehabWeek 2025 in Chicago. With over two decades of R&D, he has transformed academic discovery into a spin-out company through Temple’s Innovation Nest and Tech Transfer office, proving that faculty-led startups can change patient care. His journey embodies “Discovery Takes Flight,” showing how breakthroughs move beyond the lab when paired with entrepreneurship, translating research into accessible, scalable solutions that improve health worldwide.
Samik
At just 13 years old, Samik Balayan is already carving out his place in the world of music and creativity. Known as DJ Samik, he discovered his passion for DJing at eight and has since transformed it into a growing entertainment brand. With dedication and curiosity, he has progressed from a beginner’s controller to producing original tracks set to release on major platforms. Beyond music, Samik explores visual storytelling through photography, contributing to his school’s yearbook. His journey embodies the spirit of “Discovery Takes Flight”—showing how pursuing passions early can inspire others to dream big, work hard, and fearlessly create.
Mohit Misra
Mohit Misra is a pragmatic thought leader in global talent strategy, leadership development, and organizational transformation. With senior leadership roles at McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Novartis, and The Chemours Company, Mohit has shaped people and performance systems for some of the world’s largest organizations.
As Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, he partners with Fortune 500 executives to design and implement people, talent, and learning strategies aligned with business growth. Previously, he served as Global Head of Talent Management at Chemours Novartis and Bank of America.
Educated at Harvard University and the Asian Institute of Management, Mohit blends business insight with behavioral psychology to deliver impact at scale. He has worked at the cutting edge of Generative AI in leadership development, reimagining how organizations build and scale talent.
Beyond corporate leadership, Mohit is a published author and certified coach, recognized for his ability to translate complex talent challenges into pragmatic, data-driven solutions that elevate leaders and strengthen organizations.
Terrill Haigler
Terrill Haigler, known for transforming his role as a Philadelphia sanitation worker into a platform for civic action, has become one of the city’s loudest voices on urban beautification. Over the past five years, he has built a national brand through social media and community-driven initiatives, using visibility to spark dialogue on litter, illegal dumping, and their deeper impacts on public health, safety, and morale.
Terrill believes “Discovery Takes Flight” when communities reclaim pride in their neighborhoods. By advocating for initiatives such as paying youth to clean their streets, he shows how beautification can address issues from gun violence to workforce development, offering hope and tangible solutions.
