TEDxUGA 2017: Student Idea Showcase
TEDxUGA Student Presenters are chosen annually through the TEDxUGA Student Idea Showcase. Though the following students were not selected to present at TEDxUGA, their talks demonstrate outstanding qualities and embody true, original ideas worth sharing.
Khadesia Dexter
Khadesia Dexter is a second-year undergraduate from Augusta, GA studying International Affairs. She is involved in the Air Force ROTC program as a cadet and serves as the current President of the Colonel L.G. Duggar Chapter of Silver Wings, a national organization dedicated to developing leadership skills and education about national defense. After college, she plans to pursue a career in the military. Dexter strives to educate the audience about the relationship between black hair and professionalism while reflecting on her own experiences.
Manny Elsar Jr.
Manny Elsar Jr. is a fourth-year undergraduate studying Economics and International Affairs from Union, NJ. Elsar is involved in several organizations at UGA and in the Athens community, including African Student Union, Athens Clarke County Mentorship Program, and in the summer of 2016, he served as an Orientation Leader for the class of 2020. Elsar is passionate about the intersection between education and business in the developing world and after graduation, he plans to work in business consulting or education.
Breanna Troutman
Breanna Troutman is a fourth-year undergraduate studying International Affairs. She has been involved with campus organizations such as the Arch Society, Relay for Life, Camp Kesem, Oasis Católico, and Service Ambassadors. Outside of class, Breanna enjoys hiking, long walks on the beach, and drinking unnecessarily large amounts of coffee.
Luke Hendon
Luke Hendon is a fourth-year undergraduate studying International Business and Marketing. On campus, he is involved with UGA Miracle, UGA Relay for Life, International Student Life, and Greek Life. Off campus, he spends time backpacking, playing guitar, and traveling. Hendon and Troutman present as a duo to encourage audiences to engage in an open dialogue about important issues such as race.
David Newton
David Newton is a fourth-year undergraduate studying Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry. He currently works as the Clinic Manager at Mercy Health Center, a free clinic for uninsured Athens residents. Research has been a cornerstone of his undergraduate career, and he has spent the last two summers developing burn care research studies and evaluating financial benefits of preventative primary care respectively. While David has interests in medicinal chemistry and drug design, his focus on opioid physiology stems from his desire to prevent future patients from suffering the consequences of addiction. After graduation, David plans to attend medical school.