TEDxChicago 2025: The Future is Human

About the Speakers

Dr. David Awschalom – Quantum scientist and engineer and Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, demonstrating how thinking small can unlock big change and shape America’s quantum future.

Professor Wendy Freedman – Astronomer and Sullivan University Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Chicago, pursuing a novel approach to resolve how we measure the expansion of the universe to unleash humanity’s next frontier of cosmic discovery.

Dr. Hareder McDowell – Community psychologist and Assistant City Treasurer of Chicago, reshaping how we communicate about intimacy and self-worth to dismantle the the walls of loneliness and foster rich connections, leading to more authentic and fulfilling lives.

Dr. Hossein Zargartalebi – Scientific innovator and NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University, developing protein biosensors, unleashing the next era in disease detection, prevention, and monitoring.

Tony Menias – National Geographic recognized photodocumentarian reveals a shared human rhythm, uncovering the deep connections that transcend our differences.

Meg Whitty – Sustainable aviation leader and LanzaJet Vice President, advancing global sustainability isn’t just a technological challenge, it’s a human one that brings economic opportunity to our rural communities, cities, and future generations.

Natasha Pearl Hansen – Comedian, creator, and community architect, harnessing the power of humor and storytelling, particularly in navigating life’s inevitable hardships like heartbreak and loss, to foster resilient communities.

Nisaini Rexach – Microsoft leader and empowerment enabler, championing the power of investing in your social wealth to create your next opportunity.

Dr. Heather Zheng – Computer scientist and Neubauer Professor at the University of Chicago, pioneering invisible safeguards to empower individuals to shape technology’s future instead of being shaped by it.