Free Educational Topics in Dallas-Fort Worth
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Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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The Science of Happiness
Mike Bromberg, M.A., Professor, UT Dallas
Request This Free SpeechLearn about positive Psychology from the perspective of a communication studies professor at UT Dallas. What is the relationship between one's happiness and our family, hobbies, and daily activities / work life? Are we obligated to be happy? Is happiness merely an emotional state... or something more? This program shares psychology data, stories, and often Mike's experiences as an educator on why happiness should be at the forefront of your daily activity and mindset.
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Multi-scale AI Modeling of Small-scale Turbulence Above Ocean Waves
Kianoosh Yousefi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, UT Dallas
Request This Free SpeechWinds and waves constantly exchange mass, momentum, and energy, shaping everything from daily weather to long-term climate. A key part of this process is the small-scale turbulence that forms just above and below the ocean surface. Despite its importance, scientists still know relatively little about how these turbulent motions work, mainly because they are so difficult to observe and measure. MORE >
Our work combines carefully controlled laboratory experiments with artificial intelligence (AI) tools to better understand these processes. Using a custom wind–wave tunnel, we created detailed measurements of airflow over surface waves. We then trained an AI model to recognize patterns in the turbulent flow and to link them with wave properties that can be measured more easily. This approach allows us to reconstruct the small-scale turbulence that drives air–sea exchanges. By capturing this missing piece, our work opens a pathway to more accurate forecasts of weather and climate, while also helping us understand how the ocean and atmosphere interact at their boundary. -
Healing Voices, Silenced Histories: Oral Testimonies of Sexual Violence in Post-Conflict Societies – The Case of El Salvador
Paula Cuellar Cuellar, PhD. LL.M., Assistant Professor of History and Fellow, “Jacqueline and Michael Wald Professorship on Human Rights, Genocide, and Holocaust Studies”, University of Texas at Dallas
Request This Free SpeechMy research explores the transformative role of oral history in documenting sexual violence during El Salvador’s armed conflict (1981–1992) and in shaping processes of memory, healing, and transitional justice. Drawing from over sixty testimonies of women who endured rape by both state security forces and guerrilla combatants, the research underscores how oral narratives disrupt dominant, elite-driven accounts that have historically silenced victims’ experiences. MORE >
Many women who participated in this study had never publicly shared their stories before. For most of them, the interviews became a space of recognition, agency, and release from long-carried burdens of trauma. By voicing their lived realities, survivors not only reclaim ownership of their narratives but also challenge the partial truths or half secrets preserved in official records, including the Salvadoran Truth Commission, which frequently marginalized, neglected or intentionally excluded women’s testimonies.The presentation highlights oral history as a methodology that fosters empathy, inclusivity, and social accountability. It also emphasizes the ethical imperative of preventing re-victimization and epistemic extractivism by ensuring that knowledge production returns to and benefits the communities involved. This commitment is illustrated through the process of filming and disseminating the award-winning documentary Añil (Indigo), which extended research findings back to victims and broader audiences. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how oral histories of sexual violence enrich collective memory, deepen our understanding of democratic transitions, and contribute to more authentic and gender-sensitive accounts of El Salvador’s recent past.
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Early Childhood Literacy Will Save A Child from a Later Life of Poverty and Crime
Richard Rosen, Rotarian and Literacy Chair, Rotary District 6440
Request This Free SpeechThere is a clear cause to effect relationship between literacy versus crime and poverty. No matter what income level those who can read at 4th grade reading levels upon entering 5th grade, over 90% will graduate high school, many go onto college and end up as productive members in our community. On the other hand statistics show that 2/3 of those who cannot read at 4th grade levels will end up in poverty and/or crime. MORE >
This presentation focuses on lower income families located within many of our communities. With program ideas, this presentation will show how you can directly make a difference and impact these households who lack books and to parents who lack the know how to teach their child essential literacy skills before entering kindergarten.Richard lives in the Chicagoland area and is available in DFW for virtual presentations.
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How a Serial Killer Just Walked In
Shannon Dion, Director, Secure Our Seniors' Safety (SOSS)
Request This Free Speech"How a Serial Killer Just Walked In” tells the story of Billy Chemirmir, a convicted murderer, indicted for 22 homicides in the DFW area. In 2016 - 2018 the murderer stalked, smothered and stole jewelry from elderly women in their homes. The majority of the homicides occurred in independent living establishments which advertised state of the art security. MORE >
Shannon will share her experience and knowledge including how the victims were targeted, agencies’ responses, criminal trials, pending legislation and what to look for when evaluating senior living communities. -
How to Give Away Money
Elizabeth A.M. Searing, PhD, CNP, Associate Professor and Fellow, Venise Stuart Professorship in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, UT Dallas
Request This Free SpeechThe word “philanthropist” might make you think of monocles and Monopoly. But anyone can be a philanthropist – you just give away money! And though it may sound easy, doing it the right way can be confusing. How much should you care about efficiency? How does a nonprofit measure effectiveness? What control do you have over where your pennies (or your millions) go? This program talks about the best things you can do to help your money help others. MORE >
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Quiet Valor: Unsung Voices of Courage, Past and Present
Larry Nouvel, Author, Quiet Valor
Request This Free SpeechIn this engaging talk, author Larry Nouvel introduces audiences to his Quiet Valor series, a body of work dedicated to telling the stories of everyday Americans whose acts of courage, compassion, and principle shaped lives and communities. Larry will share the journey behind the published volumes and give a preview of works in progress, offering insight into how hidden figures are researched, honored, and brought to life on the page. MORE >
Listeners will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the quiet strength that has always been a cornerstone of the American promise — and inspiration for recognizing and honoring it in their own lives. -
How Philanthropy Builds Skills, Networks, and Opportunities for Your Career
Daniel Busby, Director of Development, Longhorn Council, Scouting America
Request This Free SpeechDiscover how giving back can propel you forward! This presentation explores how involvement in philanthropy — whether through volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy — goes far beyond making a difference in the community. Students and young professionals will learn how philanthropic engagement builds valuable career skills like leadership, communication, and project management, while also expanding personal networks and opening unexpected doors to new opportunities. MORE >
Through real-world examples and practical takeaways, we’ll show how aligning your passion for service with your professional journey can set you apart in a competitive job market and create a lasting impact on both your career and the world around you. -
From Panic to Poise: Master Your Message and Your Mindset
Mike Bromberg, M.A., Professor, UT Dallas
Request This Free SpeechIn a post COVID world many are dealing with speech anxiety. Not sure how to clean up your slides and make your presentation stand out? Are you working on a speech for work, school, or your association? As a current professor in communication studies, I have worked with students on making themselves the best speakers of the room. Speech anxiety is common and often terrifying, so how do we approach a presentation if we are hardcore nervous and/or trying to impress important people in the audience? MORE >
This presentation gives great action tips, tricks, and tools to make your next speech better than all the others in your room. This is no-nonsense, fun, interesting, and promotes the mindset needed to become the best presenter you can be! -
What Does Resilience Mean? The Nonprofit Edition
Elizabeth A.M. Searing, PhD, CNP, Associate Professor and Fellow, Venise Stuart Professorship in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, UT Dallas
Request This Free SpeechThe new buzzword of “resilience” is everywhere, but what does it mean for nonprofit organizations? During COVID, many nonprofits were forced to suspend or readjust their programs, cancel fundraising events, and/or lost contracts. Even though there are many reports on what happened to employment and loan programs, we don’t know much about why and how nonprofits chose how to react. MORE >
So what do nonprofits say about what happened and what helped them get through the COVID pandemic? We asked nonprofits to describe their organization’s capacity -- finances, board structure, etc. Then, we asked how they responded to the pandemic. The biggest influence on how nonprofits react will surprise you!