TEDxStThomasAquinasHS

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Ben Hicks

  Ben Hicks is a South Florida based photographer who has journeyed across the Americas and adventured to exotic locales spanning the globe. Hicks composes profoundly diverse collections of fine-art photography that truly captures the majestic beauty of the natural world using a combination of action and serenity that are pleasing to the creative eye. A self proclaimed “adventure boy,” Hicks is known to take big risks to capture the most complex, often dangerous situations like hurricane-sized waves and exotic animal encounters to share his admiration and respect for Mother Nature’s creations. Whether shooting the tropical beachscape of Deerfield Beach’s coast, the serene movements of sea turtles, or the power of a magnificent wave, Ben’s unique vision and approach to photography captivates viewers, reflecting his deep love and enjoyment of nature.

• Diane Enten

  Diane F. Enten has over 30 years of experience in the Medical Device Design and Manufacturing Industry. She has worked with Biocomx and the National Institutes of Health to bring COVID-19 and other diagnostic innovations to market through the RADx Program. Diane has held roles in Marketing, Sales, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Program Management in the Medical Diagnostics field, introducing hundreds of new products and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Her expertise includes Cellular and Biochemical Medical Diagnostics, Lean Six Sigma, and cost reduction strategies. She also ran a S.T.E.A.M. educational business for five years as CEO. She holds a Bachelor’s in Medical Technology from Florida State University and a Master’s in Research Development and Data Analysis. Diane has earned certifications in New Product Innovation (Wharton School), Leadership and Innovation (FIU), and others from NOVA Southeastern University. Diane is a nationally and state-licensed Medical Technologist through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science, with extensive laboratory research experience.

• Dr. Natalia Malina

  Dr. Malina researches the fate of organic contaminants in aquatic environments, focusing on their transformation processes and their impact on ecosystems and human health. Through laboratory experiments, field studies, and toxicological assessments, She develops strategies to mitigate climate change effects and protect water resources for drinking and agriculture. She has been recognized for her leadership in strengthening Auburn University’s Postdoctoral Community (2022) and was awarded the DAAD Individual Research Award for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics (2018). She is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), International Humic Substances Society (IHSS), and Association for Women in Science (AWIS).

• Dr. Tiffany Troxler

  Associate Professor; Associate Director of Science, Sea Level Solutions Center Earth and Environment

  Tiffany Troxler is a Research Scientist and Associate Professor at the Southeast Environmental Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University. Her research focuses on wetland ecosystems ecology, and informs management and restoration of coastal and freshwater wetland ecosystems. She is also the project collaborator and working group co-lead in the Florida Coastal Everglades LTER program. Troxler is Director and Associate Director for Science of the Sea Level Solutions Center. Troxler is the author of over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She has also served as a visiting researcher and wetland expert with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories based in Japan at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

• Joseph Farrell III

  Joseph Farrell III (STA Alum) is the Chief Executive Officer of Resolve Marine, bringing 18 years of field operations and business experience to the role. He joined the company in 2006 as a salvage officer and quickly advanced to naval architect and project manager, leading high-profile salvage projects globally. In 2018, he was appointed Director of Business Development, where he managed the company’s U.S. West Coast and compliance divisions, shared resources, marketing and communications, and Resolve Academy. In April 2022, Joe was promoted to Deputy CEO, and in January 2023, he became Chief Operating Officer. In February 2024, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Farrell oversees emergency response, special projects, shared resources, HSEQ, business development, human resources, and finance and administration.

• Laura Aluka

  Laura is a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, inspired by her Haitian and Ewe Togolese heritage, her parents’ immigration journey fuels her passion for research. She is Twirler Captain and Auxiliary President of the STA Raider Regiment, lead alto saxophonist and vocalist in the STA Raider Blues Jazz Band, and co-coordinates the St. Helen Youth Ministry. In her TEDx Talk, she discusses bioremediation of eutrophication, emphasizing its global economic impact.

• Mia Medrano

  MIA MEDRANO is a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the Historian of Student Council, Vice President of Raiders for Life, and Junior Class Representative for Best Buddies. She is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. Mia’s TEDx Talk focuses on the increase of invasive species and the forms of eco-technology that can be used to detect their rise and spread. Her favorite TED Talk is “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator” by Tim Urban.

• Ryan Shea

  Ryan began his career with Right Management in 2009, joining the accounting team where he played a key role in implementing an updated accounting system. In October 2019, Ryan was promoted to President of Right Management Florida/Caribbean, where he is responsible for driving the growth and development of the region. Under his leadership, the Florida/Caribbean division has experienced significant expansion in the outplacement business, leading to the addition of team members and the creation of innovative consulting solutions to meet the increasing demand. Ryan is known for his inspirational leadership, consistently driving impactful activity and delivering successful outcomes for both associates and clients.

• Sylvia Rodriguez

  Sylvia is a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a Silver Knight Nominee for Digital and Interactive Media, founded Raidernauts (NASA Club) and InterTech. InterTech repurposes technology to support low- income students in Broward County and Colombia while reducing e-waste. Silvia has helped create three computer labs in Colombia, repurposing 41 Chromebooks, three computers, and a robot.

• Wanda Drodovitch

  Director of Choral Activities at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

  Wanda Drodovitch studied at the Glier College of Music in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she graduated with Honors in Piano Performance and Pedagogic. She holds a Master’s Degree of Arts in Music. She performed concerts on Vladimir Horowitz’s piano, i.e., Noon Concerts at the Troy Music Hall, NY. She played as a soloist with the Youth Symphony for the United Nations under the direction of J. Eger. She is in her 9th year as a director of choral activities at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Under her direction, STA Chorale performed at Carnegie Hall and Epcot Candlelight Processional. Her choirs consistently earn Superior Ratings at the District and State Music Performance Assessments. In 2018 St. Thomas Aquinas Chorale was named a Choir of Distinction of the State of Florida.