TEDxUSI

Speakers

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

• April Nading

  April Nading (aka The Handstanding Grandma) began her handstanding journey at the age of 50 when she decided to learn how to kick up on her hands away from the wall — even though she’d never done a handstand in her life. Thus began a seven-year quest that included highs, lows, and overcoming numerous setbacks (rotator cuff surgery, two hip replacements), that culminated with the accomplishment of learning to handstand. Her presentation “It’s Not Too Late” is humorous and motivational, and inspires others who are struggling to pursue their own “later in life” passions.

• Lenny Dowhie

  Lenny Dowhie is an internationally known ceramic sculptor and Professor Emeritus at University of Southern Indiana (USI). Dowhie holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Indiana State University and a Bachelor of Art Education degree from Arizona State University.

• Rachel Borman

  Rachel is respiratory therapy student and the University of Southern Indiana from Ferdinand, IN. Her recent trip to Ghana to teach respiratory care fundamentally changed how she defines effective care, education, and impact. Inspired by her experiences there, her talk will explore how practicing respiratory care without assumptions reshaped my understanding of what healthcare truly means.

• Saif Abdrabu

  Saif Abdrabu was born and raised in Cairo during the Arab Spring, where he witnessed firsthand the psychological toll of systemic suppression. In 2020, Saif founded Intelligent Brains in Egypt, a social movement dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and accessibility, inclusion, human rights, and social justice. The initiative reached a peak of 33,000 members and was later established as a nonprofit organization in the State of Illinois. Saif continued his education in 2024 at the University of Evansville, where he is currently a senior psychology student.

• Spence Farmer

  Spence Farmer is an Instructional Designer at the University of Southern Indiana, where he partners with faculty to build engaging online courses. A recipient of the 2023 IACTE Outstanding Future Educator Award, he brings experience in teaching, training, and project management to his work in advancing accessible, high-impact learning. Spence is committed to shaping the future of online education through thoughtful, learner-centered design.

• Zachary Goldman

  Dr. Zac Goldman is a faculty member and academic leader in the College of Business at the University of Louisville where he prepares learners for a world reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Raised in Southern Indiana, he's a proud alumnus of USI and West Virginia University. As a chair, director, accomplished researcher in communication, and proud parent of three, Zac blends research, teaching, and storytelling to create powerful growth-minded communities. In this talk, Zac will explore the profound importance of human relationships, stories, and motivation behind learning and leadership in a lifetime of AI.