A late-onset physics love story | Emily Costello | TEDxZurich

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. When physicists embrace the artist’s toolkit of creativity, abstract thinking, and emotional intelligence, we create a space in which anyone can find the beauty in physics. Students discover meaningful connections that make the hard work worthwhile. Physicists anchor their work in a world of human community. We all can appreciate that although the mysteries of the universe may be more marvelous than we can understand, art can help us to imagine.

At age 22, Emily Costello graduated with a Physics Bachelor’s degree and hopes to continue on to obtain a Ph.D. However, her path did not always appear to lead to a life in physics. Aged 9, she wrote her first 4-part music piece, which was performed by her school orchestra. At 11, she produced and directed a youth theater production and enjoyed quoting Shakespeare. At 17, she was profusely writing poetry, recording songs with her band, Toxic Shellfish, and selling her digital artwork online.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event 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)

[BullRonin]

She may not be able to smash protons together, but she has smashed beauty, brains, and creativity together.  Her enthusiasm made me really embrace her speech.

[pierce.the.sketch]

That's it I'm studying physics. F*** those thoughts I have about not being smart enough, I can do this!

[seenakakar]

she is very smart, intelligent and she doesn't watch kardashians for sure.
nice to see a young girl who is not dumb.
bless you emily

[WildHeartedChild]

I loved this! Not only does it relate to my life as a science nerd and art-lover, it was awesome to see Costello's daughter talk! (I have her dad as my photography teacher, their passion is much the same when it comes to expressing themselves it seems, her artwork is beautiful!)

[iskiinthefastlane]

This girl needs to make more videos. Just wow.

[emogirl]

fact that buzzfeed vids have more views than this has me worried

[stevendeguzman]

I’m a simple man, I see a beautiful physicist I click

[MichaelAlexander]

You are brilliant, & you give a very exciting talk! Thank you for inspiring me. You will make many people fall in love with science & art. You are definitely on a path to great success.

[MsGeekomatic]

Just fantastic. Thank you Emily & much success to you. You nailed it!

[SB-cdor]

She's like Bernadette of "The Big Bang Theory", matches voice, clothing but missing specs

[arx]

does she have any social media? this seems to be her only existence proof on the internet.

[drsayyadmasthanvali]

Wow. This is one of the extremely inspiring, intelligent and awesome speech..

[mindvus]

You're one of the universe's miracles. Thank you for this art!

[bobbywilliams]

This batshit crazy experience nearly damaged my brain.

[quantumheels]

Cute but I fail to see how this is at all a new idea. She showed us her art and told us she wants to pursue a PhD in physics while the description described some other accolades. Not bad, but not impressive or inspiring, in my opinion. Just sounds like a cleverly concealed self-advertisement, which is probably why this is a TEDx talk and not a TED talk.

I agree with the idea, though. Art is an important way to represent science. But good writing and overall communication is also crucial. Just not a new thought and not really presented in a terribly new way.

[manishaeyasmin]

Your voice sounds like an anime character.

[jimmicrackhead]

Cute and quirky, too bad about the intelligence level tho