TEDxArden University Manchester

Speakers

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

• Dr Ellie Appleton-Pinto

  Dr Ellie is a scientist working in cancer research. Her work mainly focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. In particular, she is interested in understanding why some people respond well to immunotherapy treatment, and why others do not. Initially trained as a mathematician, Ellie then sought to apply her computational skills to biomedical problems. After gaining a PhD from the University of Manchester, Ellie worked as a postdoctoral scientist in Stockholm, Sweden, where her work focused on identifying biomarkers for the early detection of Parkinson’s disease.

• Firdaus Khalid

  Firdaus Khalid is a creative educator, speaker, and multidisciplinary practitioner working across game art, animation, immersive storytelling, and emerging technologies. His work explores how digital creativity, artificial intelligence, and worldbuilding are reshaping culture, education, and human interaction. With experience mentoring students in games and animation, he advocates for accessible creative tools and the democratisation of storytelling. Firdaus is also known for developing bold TEDx concepts that connect technology, philosophy, creativity, and the future of humanity through engaging and thought-provoking narratives.

• Hannah Johnson Toyne

  Hannah Johnson Toyne is an English Language Lecturer and Neurodiversity Network Co-Chair at Arden University, as well as a psychology researcher and neurodiversity advocate. With a background in language teaching, linguistics, and psychology, her work explores the intersection of lived experience, education, and neurodiversity. She is particularly interested in late-diagnosed neurodivergence, identity, and strength-based approaches to autism and ADHD. Through her research, teaching, and advocacy work, Hannah challenges traditional ideas of “normal” and is dedicated to improve greater awareness, inclusion, and accessibility for neurodivergent people.

• Jenn Rigby

  Jenn is an experienced Delivery professional specialising in Delivery and Transformations within Technical Delivery. Using her wide experience of delivery methodology, Jenn’s niche is “delivery optimisation” whereby she focuses on the best approach to deliver the highest value, fastest. Jenn believes change management is a dying art and in a world of technology, AI, and automation, the human element is often overlooked, forgotten, or considered too late.

• Johnson Agbaje

  Jay Agbaje is the Students’ Association President at Arden University and an advocate for student voice, leadership, and meaningful action. Alongside his work in higher education and representation, he is also involved in entrepreneurial and innovation-focused projects centred around impact, sustainability, and future-focused thinking. Jay received a Police Public Bravery Award and a Commissioner’s Commendation following his involvement in a critical real-life incident.

• Kyle Collins

  Kyle Collins is a technology consultant at IBM Consulting, where he helps organisations explore AI, digital transformation and practical innovation. He is Chair of IBM UK&I’s Gen AI Society, leading initiatives that have supported thousands of professionals, students and clients to build confidence with emerging technology. A multi-award-winning professional, Kyle is passionate about making AI accessible, inclusive and useful for people who may not see themselves as “technical”. His work focuses on bridging the gap between technology, confidence and opportunity.

• Lauren Hamilton

  Lauren Hamilton is a Head of Department and an interdisciplinary researcher and academic with a background in Critical Disability Studies and Education. Lauren advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of disability discourse with an emphasis on achieving universal inclusion and acceptance. With over ten years’ experience in higher education, specialising in inclusive pedagogy, accessibility, and widening participation practice both Laurens personal and professional identity is rooted in the belief that education is transformative, that knowledge is power, and that equitable access to inclusive education is a fundamental human right.

• Pearl Moses

  Pearl Moses is Compliance Director at Setfords Law Ltd and a solicitor with several years’ experience in regulatory compliance, legal publishing, and private practice. Formerly Risk and Compliance Lead at the Law Society of England and Wales, she has held senior regulatory roles and serves on the Law Society’s Legal Compliance Bulletin’s editorial board. Pearl is a sought after speaker and is author of Owning Up to Mistakes, an ethics and culture focused book published by the Law Society of England and Wales.