All Topics in Dallas-Fort Worth

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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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  Winds 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.

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  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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  My 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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  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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  The 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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  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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  The 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!

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  80/20 – The Sustainable (and Fun!) Approach to Weight Management

  Lindsey Ray, MS, RD, LD, Registered Dietitian & Founder, Eat Pray Lift Nutrition Coaching

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Health & Fitness

  Forget everything you think you know about “dieting.” Registered Dietitian Lindsey Ray breaks down her 80/20 approach that’s helped thousands of busy people achieve lasting weight management without giving up their favorite foods or their sanity. This isn’t about restriction or spending your weekends meal prepping. It’s about understanding the science behind what actually creates sustainable weight management and creating a lifestyle that actually works with your real life — complete with dessert, busy weeknights, and those moments when pizza is the only dinner solution that makes sense. MORE >

  Key Takeaways Your Audience Will Walk Away With:

  🎯 Macro Mastery Made Simple - Understand what macronutrients actually are and why they’re your secret weapon for weight management
  🍕 The 80/20 Blueprint - Learn exactly how to balance nutritious foods with fun foods in a way that supports your goals without triggering the restrict-binge cycle
  ⚖️ Sustainable vs. Diet Mindset - Discover the crucial difference between creating a lifestyle and following a diet—and why this shift changes everything
  🧠 Real-World Application - Get practical strategies for navigating social events, busy schedules, and those “imperfect” food moments without derailing your progress
  🎉 Permission to Be Human - Leave with the tools and confidence to enjoy food again while still moving toward your health goals

  Your audience will finish this presentation feeling empowered, informed and excited to try a different approach to weight management — one that actually fits into their messy, beautiful, real lives.

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  Feedback that Fuels Growth: How to Say Hard Things with Clarity and Care

  Pamela Flores, Executive Coach & Consultant, Townsend Leadership Program

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  Feedback is one of the most powerful tools a leader has—yet it’s often avoided, delayed, or delivered in ways that create resistance instead of results. In this session, participants will learn how to turn tough conversations into opportunities for growth by giving feedback that is both clear and compassionate. Drawing on proven leadership and emotional intelligence principles, we’ll explore practical strategies for saying hard things in a way that builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires lasting change. MORE >

  Attendees will leave with tools they can immediately apply to lead with confidence and influence.

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  The Mental Fitness Advantage – How Positive Intelligence Unlocks Peak Performance

  Pamela Flores, Executive Coach & Consultant, Townsend Leadership Program

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  What sets high-performing leaders apart isn’t just IQ or EQ—it’s PQ: Positive Intelligence. This session introduces the science of mental fitness and equips leaders with tools to shift from self-sabotage to self-command. Learn how to strengthen your Positive Intelligence muscles, reduce stress, and make clearer, wiser decisions that inspire trust and results. MORE >

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  How Philanthropy Builds Skills, Networks, and Opportunities for Your Career

  Daniel Busby, Director of Development, Longhorn Council, Scouting America

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  Discover 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.

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  Shaping Lives, Strengthening Communities: The Impact of Scouting

  Daniel Busby, Director of Development, Longhorn Council, Scouting America

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  For 115 years, Scouting has shaped generations of leaders, built stronger communities, and instilled timeless values of character, service, and adventure. This engaging presentation will journey through the legacy of Scouting, highlighting inspiring local stories and impactful data that showcase its reach and relevance today. MORE >

  From outdoor skills to STEM exploration, from service projects to leadership development, we’ll illustrate how Scouting continues to transform lives in our own backyard. Most importantly, we’ll look ahead to the exciting future of this movement—how innovation, inclusivity, and vision will ensure Scouting remains a vital force for youth and communities for the next century and beyond.

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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

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  There 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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