This isn’t Thad Starner‘s first TEDx rodeo and we’re so excited he’s joining us on October 17th! Another speaker hailing from Georgia Tech, Thad is ready to challenge our ideas of what is possible.

Is this your first time speaking at a TEDx event? What are your thoughts on presenting?

This is my 4^th time. I have done several regional ones before.  However, I’m very excited by the opportunity to work with the TEDxPeachtree coaches to improve my presentation skills! The best research can not be effective without communicating it to others, and TEDxPeachtree invests in supporting its speakers more than any other venue at which I’ve spoken.

At the end of the day, what is it about your work that keeps you going?

Being at the bleeding edge of innovation is exhilarating. To discover something new in science or to uncover new problems that can change people’s lives is a thrill that is hard to describe. Sharing that thrill with students – watching them get hooked on the process of discovery – is a privilege.

What is one place you’ve visited that you’ll never forget?

Snorkeling on the continental shelf off the Bahamas from the research vessel Stenella. A pod of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins was playing “keep away” with a scarf Dr. Denise Herzing [of the Wild Dolphin Project] had brought (see her TED talk). Denise was using our CHAT wearable computers to try to associate certain whistles with the scarf, to see if the dolphins might mimic the tones. While we didn’t get any mimics, seeing the graceful way the dolphins transferred the scarf from rostrum to fin to tail and passing it between them – all while trying to “fool” Denise into thinking she had a chance of getting it – was magical.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing piano. I’m expecting our MMT Glove to help me with that one.

What is your motto?

“Do the stupid thing first.” When looking at a new challenge or creating a new product, we often overthink it. Instead, try the simplest and fastest approach and deploy it in as realistic a scenario as possible. Doing so forces a better understanding of the problem and may reveal another, related challenge that is more compelling.
So what are you going to try after hearing that? Join us for TEDxPeachtree and see what Thad will illuminate!