University of Georgia faculty member, Dr. James Porter, is a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor of Ecology and Marine Sciences. His research interests include Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation Biology. He is also interested in the human health effects of the naval bombardment of coral reefs on Vieques, Puerto Rico. He has secondary interests in coral taxonomy, the history of coral reef science, and the distribution of tropical butterflies in Costa Rica. Dr. Porter is the speaker behind the "lecture that will change your life" on climate change, and is known for being a riveting presenter. In addition to his position in the Odum School of Ecology, Dr. Porter is also a faculty affiliate of the Water Resources Institute and the Conservation Ecology Program. Dr. Porter earned his Ph.D. at Yale University.

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)