TEDxSouthlandsSchools

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Adam Zheng

  Adam Zheng is driven by a deep curiosity for neuroscience, engineering, and hands-on creation. As President of the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Laboratory, he considers it a profound honor to lead his peers in exploring the frontiers of the human mind. An avid reader of scientific journals, Adam enjoys transforming theoretical knowledge into tangible projects. His hands-on work ranges from building practical electronics, such as custom AC remotes and lamps, to designing, engineering, and operating his own fully functional BCI device. Beyond his workshop, Adam is a dedicated researcher. He authored the study “Neural Signatures of Excitation: A Comparative Study of Alpha and Beta Wave Fluctuations” and earned a Global Silver Award in the British Physics Olympiad (IPC). Ultimately, Adam hopes to innovate at the intersection of engineering and neuroscience, using accessible technology to solve real-world problems and improve human lives.

• Bella Pengpeng Xing

  Bella Pengpeng Xing is the president of the TED Ed Club at Southlands Christian Schools. As a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and the ASB student government, she is passionate about exploring how hands-on creativity shapes the way we think and maintain focus.Her curiosity begins in the tangible world—whether performing in the school musical Newsies, creating handmade crafts, or engineering force-feedback systems for surgical robots as part of her biomedical research. She believes that whether on stage or in the lab, creativity cultivates a unique kind of mental discipline. Driven by this idea, Bella recently experimented at her school, investigating how smartphone notifications disrupt cognitive focus. Her study found that even a single alert can trigger a “sensory hijack,” costing students more than two minutes of mental momentum. She hopes to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, inspiring her peers to use technology with greater intention and awareness.

• Brandon Rickabaugh

  Brandon Rickabaugh, PhD, is a philosopher and author specializing in the philosophy of consciousness, the soul, and spiritual formation. As the founder of NOVUS, he directs projects exploring the intersection of AI applications, the soul, and human flourishing in contemporary life and culture.

• Isabella Lin

  Isabella Lin is a 9th-grade student at Southlands Christian Schools with a strong interest in law and justice. Her TEDx talk was inspired by the injustice caused by misinformation and its lasting impact on society, informed by her own experiences. She has competed on a national Mock Trial team for over a year and has received multiple awards for her excellence as a witness. Through Mock Trial, Isabella has developed strong skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and legal reasoning. Beyond Mock Trial, she has been creating digital art for four years and participates in theatre. In the future, Isabella hopes to pursue a career as a prosecutor, working to support victims of corruption and advocate for justice within the legal system.

• Joey Zhaoyi Zhu

  Joey Zhu is a 10th-grade student at Southlands Christian Schools with strong interests in robotics, computer science, and exploring how artificial intelligence can improve daily life. He is currently enrolled in the Lumiere Research Program, where his research focuses on STEM fields, particularly the development and application of robotics. Joey has achieved notable success in robotics competitions. He earned second place in the seeding category at the Botball World Championship and placed second in the Skills Challenge at the VEX AI World Championship as a programmer. In addition to his competitive achievements, Joey serves as the president of his school’s Robotics Club. He works to inspire interest in robotics among his peers by guiding students in building and programming robots, helping them develop both technical skills and enthusiasm for engineering.

• Kimberly Kralowetz

  Mia Kralowetz is an alumnus of Southlands Christian Schools. She currently serves as the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Upside, a financial technology company transforming how people earn cash back on everyday purchases. In her role, she helps shape technology strategy, drive organizational change, and guide the adoption of emerging technologies, such as AI, while balancing innovation with responsibility. Prior to this, Mia built and led information security programs, transforming them from compliance-driven functions into strategic enablers of the business. She is known for her ability to navigate complexity, build trust across teams, and turn ambiguity into action. Combining her experience in technology leadership with a background in coaching, Mia brings a human-centered perspective to the future of work—exploring how imagination, adaptability, and agency will define the next generation of leaders.

• Zara Zhao

  Zara Zhao is a 9th-grade student at Southlands Christian Schools whose primary interests lie in art and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in creative fields. An artist since the age of five, she is passionate about exploring how technology influences artistic expression and the future of human creativity. Zara is currently developing her art portfolio at Pasadena Art School. With the rise of AI-generated art, many artists have begun to question how technology will shape the future of the creative industry. Zara’s research focuses on examining both the ethical and creative implications of AI in art, while exploring ways it can be used responsibly, preserving the unique value of human artists.