TEDxDCGS Youth

Speakers

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

• Alexander Deakin-Radkov

  Studying English Literature, History and French has allowed me to explore how ideas, cultures and perspectives intersect, an interest shaped in part by living in both France and Switzerland. I am particularly interested in medieval and gothic literature and French cinema, alongside legal history, explored further in my EPQ on how integral justice was to the 1215 Magna Carta. As a regular participant in the debating society and founder of Sapientia, DCGS’ student newspaper, it has been excellent building a platform for discussion. Outside academia, I write extensively and love playing squash. I hope to study English Literature at university, with ambitions to go into the legal world.

• Audrey Kay

  Hello, my name is Audrey Kay, a Year 12 student currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and German for my A levels while taking German a year early - an incredibly rewarding experience. Alongside my academic studies, I am also a very creative person who enjoys many other hobbies, including producing and writing songs using FL studio and synthesised vocals with the program Utau. I also play bass, violin and piano and I am passionate about digital art, providing me with much needed balance in my stressful week. I aspire to become a doctor and be able to help create a tangible difference in people’s lives. It's really important that my job would be fulfilling and if I could lighten someone’s load who is struggling due to a medical issue that is taking away from their quality of life, then that would be incredible.There is also an overlap between the arts and medicine where skills like fine motor control and precision are essential.

• Aviral Agarwal

  I'm Aviral, a Year 12 student at Dr Challoner's Grammar School studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Computer Science. I've always been into technology, and recently I've become really interested in data science and AI, and I'm currently aiming for a career in it, and I've been working on a few coding projects on the side to keep building on that. Outside of school I play guitar, go hiking, and play tennis. I'm looking forward to speaking at TEDxDCGS and getting to talk about some of the things I think are going to matter most going forward.

• Hediyeh Khaleeli

  I currently study Art, Drama, and Maths A-level. I have always been passionate about the creative arts, and have loved drawing from a young age. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in either architecture of acting. Architecture surrounds us throughout our lives, I am particularly interested in the profound impact buildings have on our psychology. Meanwhile, theatre inspires me to push past my limits, while also getting to know myself in more depth throughout the process. Between revision and an obscene amount of art coursework, I love to read, DJ, and run. At the moment I’m invested in Madeline Miller’s ‘Circe.’ I am a member of the National Youth Theatre, a lifeguard, and a cat owner.

• Isha Bazaz

  I am an academically driven aspiring law student with a strong interest in Politics and Human Rights. I am particularly motivated by the role of law in promoting justice, accountability and social change. I am keen to develop a career that combines rigorous legal analysis with meaningful societal impact. I take Maths, Politics and History A-Levels as well as an EPQ, researching differences between countries criminal justice systems. I enjoy Acting and Public Speaking as I have previously performed on a West End stage for an awards show. I am also passionate in self defence as a Black Belt in karate.

• Jason Richards

  I am a Year 12 student studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A Level. I chose these subjects because I enjoy problem-solving and understanding how things work, which has led to a strong interest in engineering. I am hoping to pursue a career in mechanical or aeronautical engineering, where I can combine creativity with technical thinking to solve real-world problems. I am currently focused on building a strong foundation through my A-level studies. Outside of studies, I enjoy playing the piano, keeping active and playing football. I am currently captain of the King’s Church U17 football team where I enjoy the competitive spirit, as well as the teamwork and discipline it requires.

• Kit Wolsey Pont

  I am currently taking English, Drama, RS and Politics A Levels. My passions are acting, writing, playing video games and reading. In an ideal world I would work in either the creative sphere of film and theatre, or further pursue academia and in turn law. I have played roles such as The Groom in Lorca’s ‘Blood Wedding’, Andrea in Brecht’s ‘The Life of Galileo’, Mrs Wilberforce in ‘The Ladykillers’ and most recently O'Brien in ‘1984’ . My interest in theology originated from religious connotations within literature like the Amber Spyglass, and poetry such as that of Ted Hughes. I enjoy writing scripts and prose, and am currently Senior Prefect for Lectures at Challoner's.

• Lochana Suraneni

  I am Lochana Suraneni, a Year 12 student at Dr Challoner's Grammar School studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths. For my EPQ, I investigated the extent to which COVID-19 accelerated workforce shortages in the NHS, building insight through interviews with over five consultants and engagement with professors. I hold a diploma in public speaking and am currently pursuing a post-diploma in classical dance. Beyond academics, I have contributed to published books and been featured in local newspapers for charity dance performances at Parliament and Trafalgar Square. My interests include long-distance walking, speed skating, acting competitions, archery, singing and violin. I aspire to study medicine, seeking a career of lifelong learning where I can form empathetic, compassionate relationships while contributing to a dedicated team delivering high-quality patient care.

• Matthew Tharaniyil Goerge

  My name is Matthew Tharaniyil George, attending Dr Challoner's Grammar School. I do 4 A -Levels, being Maths, Physics, Economics and Politics. I have a vested interest in how our global economy works and how each person can contribute value while bettering themselves in the process. As someone who believes in maximising efficiency and leaving welfare decisions up to the people they impact, I have explored how an economist reasons and creates solutions to problems in the present day, drawing on skills such as maths, politics and social science in order to find solutions myself. This talk is only the start of my journey in putting my newfound skills into practice and hopefully leave our future in a better place than it had been.

• Pranshi Gupta

  I am a sixth-form student studying History, English Literature, Mathematics and Economics and I am currently completing an EPQ exploring how cognitive bias influences the application of justice in law, an interest that reflects my aspiration to pursue a career in international arbitration or commercial law. Alongside my academic work, I am a Grade 8 classical guitarist and also play piano for enjoyment. I enjoy reading, baking, watercolour painting and writing short stories and I have even had the opportunity to fly a two-seater aircraft. I previously competed at county level in both swimming and hockey and I also designed and made my own prom dress at sixteen.

• Rishi Singh

  Hi, I'm Rishi, an aspiring engineer, mathematician, entrepreneur and a proud Arkwright Scholar. Currently in Year 12 at Dr Challoner's Grammar School, I study Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Electronics. Outside of academics, I love playing squash and badminton (with more enthusiasm than ability!), I'm interested in cars and technology, and I'll always get stuck into anything building-related. I also love to bake and cook, recently I've been experimenting with making Neapolitan style pizza, with varying degrees of success… Some things I've been up to recently include helping build a robot to represent our school for the Student Robotics competition, working on a few coding projects, learning to drive and trying to get better at pool, going pro, obviously. Somehow, in between all of that, I've found something I'm passionate to share with the world in our upcoming TEDx Talk!

• Rishi Vinod

  My dream is simple: to bring the works of fantasy into reality. As an aspiring engineer, Arkwright scholar and recipient of the Blomfield Entrepreneurship Award, I’ve spent my time in Year 12 so far turning that dream into something tangible: from competing in Student Robotics, to designing modular robotics systems, to pushing the boundaries of edutainment! Outside of the workshop, I like to play piano (to questionable degrees of success) at Grade 8, have entered more game development competitions than I can ever finish projects for, and consider losing a tabletop game to friends a mortifying wound. I can proudly say I’ve attempted sports like badminton and rock climbing; whether any success has been made is a different story entirely. I study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Electronics: I just enjoy the challenge of a difficult problem, what can I say! But somewhere between the equations and the unfinished code, I found something worth sharing. And that's what I'm here for today.

• Shaunak Gupta

  As a future physicist and engineer, I love seeing the logic behind things. Rather than just accepting things as they are, I prefer looking beyond the surface, tinkering and asking questions. I'm Shaunak, a year 12 student, studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. I love to read, my latest obsession being chaos theory - the explanation behind something as small as a butterfly's wings being able to stir up a hurricane. Outside of the classroom, I play badminton for a club and at tournaments. Although I haven't won any yet, I'll keep trying until I do! I am also an experienced tabla player, having recently passed my Grade 7 and played at multiple venues in front of crowds. I hope to study Physics at university and dive into the world of engineering - ready to implement some changes in the wider world!

• Shivabalaji Nakka

  Hi, I am Shiva, a Year 12 student at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School with a strong interest in economics, mathematics, and how data shapes real world decision making. I study Maths, Further Maths, Economics, and Physics, and I am particularly drawn to econometrics, productivity, and economic policy, developed through LEAF MoM. Beyond the classroom, I explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries and economies. I have worked on a research project on AI and the future economy as a Non-Trivial RFP alumnus, written articles, and developed my TEDx talk. Outside academics, I enjoy staying active, playing guitar, and working on small projects. As a Wharton Global Youth Scholar, I am excited to share a perspective combining economics and technology, and to explore how today’s decisions will shape the future AI economy.

• Verity Leon

  When choosing my subjects at DCGS, I was drawn to the logic of the sciences. Biology and Chemistry are the essence of life on Earth and Maths is puzzling, challenging and fun and is inextricably linked to technology and innovation, which opens doors to aid humans within our planetary biosphere. My interests are numerous, and I love projects. I am curious about how people think and how that shapes society. For example, Darwin's Origin of Species created a social storm that still prevails today in the ideas of religion, science, politics and within the wider society's ideology. My other interests are wide, from playing multiple instruments, which led me to taking Music A level to tennis coaching. I aspire to be a social researcher, I am fascinated by society's trends and statistics with innovations in Natural Sciences such as Neuropsychology and I am exploring different areas that pique my interest such as becoming Gold DofE Ambassador or taking a level 3 diploma in microbiology.