Storytelling in Science: Rik Myers at TEDxCoconutGrove

Rik Myers holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Iowa State University (paid for by playing guitar in rock bands) and a M.S. and Ph.D. from University of Illinois. He was post-doc at the University of Oregon (while playing with a popular African rock band) and worked at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. In 1997, Rik joined the University of Miami's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, where his honors include the Stanley Glaser award for outstanding research productivity and achievement (1999), recognition as an "outstanding student mentor" (2002, 2005), and the 2013 Faculty Senate Outstanding Teaching Award. His lab studies genetic recombination in stem cells and bacteria and develops innovative genetic systems for studying human diseases. Rik consults in the biotechnology industry and is co-inventor on patents for genetic engineering technologies. His classes discuss ethics and public service to balance the excitement of scientific discovery with its impact on society.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)