Tiphanie Raffegeau

Activist, Artist, Athlete, Buddhist, Connector, Explorer, Project manager, Scientist, Student, World traveler

My name is spelled differently because I was born in France. My life was changed when I traveled to India and Thailand, and I'll never be the same again (I even got a tattoo). I've been a part of the TED community for 5 years and have worked with TEDxPurdueU, TEDxRainier, and most recently TEDxUF. Currently a PhD student in the UF Neuromechanics lab.

Travel: the world is worth seeing. TED: a revolution in intellectualism. Art: never neglect the right-side of your brain. Healthy Aging: we'll all be old someday, live long and prosper. Recycling!

Sit on the floor more. Older adults in Thailand and India performed better on survey tests and physical function tests than older adults in America. Why? Between squat toilets and a lack of furniture, they are more comfortable sitting on the floor! Typical western older adults can't get up from the floor, a serious issue in case of a fall, so practice now- before its too late! Sit on the floor!

I found TED in college and it is fair to say it has changed my life. Since then, I have told everyone I know of the revolutionary gold mine that is TED.com, I've sent videos to professors they've used in class, and I've used TED videos to teach my classes as well. When I found out TEDxPurdueU was coming to my school for the first time, I was sure to try to get involved! As luck would have it, I was able to step in as the speaker coordinator, and worked with 16 speakers to perfect their TEDx talks. Then, I was nominated as curator, and was able to host our first TEDx conference. It was a blissful experience, and I enjoyed every moment of the hard work we put into the event. I got to go to TEDActive 2013, which was a life-changing experience (BTS at TED 2013, too!). I'm now a doctoral student at the University of Florida in Gainesville and I work with a phenomenal group of undergrads to organize TEDxUF, one of the biggest university-based TEDx organizations in the country, and love every second! I spend my spare moments doing the best parts of organizing TEDx events, mentoring student curators and coaching speakers. My TEDxUF role is incredibly fulfilling and makes every day better; I couldn't be more grateful for my part in the TEDx community.

Drawing and painting, specifically people. Its one of my favorite things that I never make time for. As well as Henna tattoos, something I tried in India once and have been hooked ever since.