TEDxUWLaCrosse

Explore the Driftless through land, air and water
TEDxUWLaCrosse returns in fall 2026

The next TEDxUWLaCrosse event will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in The Bluffs, UWL Student Union. Stay tuned for ticket information coming soon.

This year's event explores the Driftless Region through land, air and water. Attendees will hear from a UWL art professor who explores how creative practice in nature can cultivate a meditation-like state of flow, a UWL geography and environmental science professor who demonstrates how drones can reveal subtle environmental changes, and a nationally-recognized songwriter who reflects how the Driftless Region’s rivers, streams, coulees and ridgetops have influenced his compositions and approach to music-making.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At TEDxUWLaCrosse, TED Talks video and live speakers will come together to spark deep discussion and connection. 

2026 TEDxUWLaCrosse speakers

The Driftless by air: Measuring a changing world, one flight at a time

Niti Mishra, UWL professor of geography and environmental science

A few years ago, Niti Mishra realized that some of the most important environmental changes aren’t dramatic—they’re quiet, patchy and easy to miss until it’s too late. In Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, that might be the hidden pulse of cold groundwater that keeps a stream alive; in Nepal’s Himalaya, it might be the subtle structural thinning of forests near treeline or melt patterns across debris-covered ice.

In this TEDx talk, Mishra shares the story of how drones—paired with modern 3D mapping like LiDAR point clouds and thermal sensors—are changing what we can know about landscapes, and how quickly we can know it. He will share vivid visuals, field moments, and the “aha” of turning flights into evidence that communities and conservation groups can use. The message is simple: when we upgrade our ability to observe the world, we upgrade our ability to protect it—and the same tools that help us understand the Himalaya can help us make better decisions right here at home.

The Driftless by land: Finding creative flow in nature

Jennifer Williams, UWL professor of art

In a world of smartphones, social media and constant demands on our attention, many are searching for ways to slow down and be present. While meditation is a familiar path, Jennifer Williams explores another: the state of creative flow.

Creative flow is a deeply immersive state in which focused attention quiets distraction and suspends the sense of time. Through her artistic practice in the landscapes of Wisconsin's Driftless Region, Williams demonstrates how drawing, painting and close observation of trees, stones and the natural world can cultivate this same mindful presence.

Creating art outdoors becomes more than making an image — it's a way of recording the sights, sounds and sensations of a moment without relying on a photograph. Through stories from her creative process, Williams invites audiences to rediscover curiosity, slow their pace and see the world with renewed attention. As she describes it, the experience is "part performance, part memory, all intuition."

The Driftless by water: How rivers, streams and more inspire song

John Smith, songwriter and performer

John Smith is one of the Midwest's most respected folk singer-songwriters, celebrated for music that weaves poignant storytelling, memorable melodies, and a deep sense of place. Based in the Driftless Region, his songs are rooted in the landscapes and communities of the Upper Mississippi River Valley while resonating with audiences across the country.

A prolific songwriter, Smith has earned national recognition as the winner of both the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition and the Great Lakes Songwriting Contest. In his TEDx presentation, he will explore the Driftless landscape — how its rivers, streams, coulees and ridgetops have influenced his compositions and approach to music-making.

For nearly four decades, Smith has toured extensively as a solo artist and with longtime musical partner Dan Sebranek. He also teaches songwriting at festivals nationwide and leads immersive musical travel experiences in Ireland and on Idaho's Salmon River.

TEDxUWLaCrosse history

A small group of people from UW La Crosse got together in 2012 to brainstorm about programming a TEDx show on campus. We scoured the TEDx rules, applied for a license, invited speakers, and hosted the first of many shows and salons. 

More than ten years later, we have maintained our presence by upping our game, sending a team member to a major TED show, and TEDx organizational workshops, which now allows us to host bigger and better shows, and continue to spread good and important ideas to the UWL campus and La Crosse community. 

Preparing a TEDx show is not for the light hearted. We're proud of what we've accomplished over all these years, and we hope the enthusiasm and momentum continues to bring campus and community together for more TEDxUWLaCrosse events.

Although our TEDx organizational team fluctuates, we think that's good because it brings diversity in ideas and perspectives. We have a solid group of committed TEDx team members, some of whom have been involved since the beginning, and are always open to new members looking to become involved. 

We'd like to thank the continuing support of the Provost's Office, Murphy Library Administration, and last but not least, videographer Jeff Kerkman, (and his students) for their invaluable and professional work bringing the videos to life. 

Our independent TEDx events are operated under license from TED.