Adult Speakers
Alexandre Bayen
Mechanical Engineer, Associate Provost for Moffett Field Program Development
Alexandre Bayen, a current EB parent, is the Associate Provost for Moffett Field Program Development at UC Berkeley and the Liao-Cho Professor of Engineering. He leads initiatives at CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, which are also generous sponsors of this year’s event. Professor Bayen’s research is anchored in the concept of change, spanning artificial intelligence, transportation systems, and sustainable infrastructure.
Sasha Schell
Investigative Reporter & Filmmaker
Sasha Schell is a documentary filmmaker and open-source investigative reporter, as well as an EB alumnus, born and raised in Berkeley. He works closely with the Investigative Reporting Program and the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley to run students programs teaching digital investigations to both undergraduate and graduate students. His most recent work examines land conflicts between indigenous groups and agro-industry in the Brazilian Amazon.
Before joining Berkeley Journalism and the Human Rights Center, Sasha worked as an assistant producer for PBS FRONTLINE where he investigated conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan with Rain Media.
Student Speakers
8th Grade
Anaïs Weiner
Anaïs is a creative spirit who loves to draw, write, and dance. She’s inspired by people who aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves and use their voices with confidence. Wanting to challenge herself and try something new, Anaïs decided to take the stage at TEDxEB to share her perspective and connect with others. Her talk explores the impact of bullying and how it shapes the way people see themselves and treat others.
Ella Zaks Rust
Ella is a dedicated ballet dancer who finds strength and expression through movement. Ella chose to participate in TEDxEB to speak openly about something deeply personal—mental health and anxiety. Through her talk, she hopes to raise awareness about the importance of accessible, effective mental health resources in schools and to encourage compassion and understanding among students and educators alike.
Leon Okreglak
Leon is a musician and music producer who loves creating and performing his own songs. Inspired by his hardworking brother, he chose to take the stage at TEDxEB to share a topic he is deeply curious about: artificial intelligence. In his talk, Leon explores how AI is being used in schools, why it matters for students and teachers, and how understanding this technology can help shape a better future for education.
Nyx Roberts
Nyx is a passionate soccer player and singer who loves both the energy of the field and the creativity she can express through song. She is inspired by the precision and teamwork of Formula 1, especially the mechanics who keep everything running smoothly. Nyx takes the TEDxEB stage to tackle a topic that is too often ignored: sexism. In this talk, Nyx explores how sexism shows up in schools, why it harms students of all genders, and how speaking up can help create a more fair and respectful environment for everyone.
Jad Al-Sady
Jad is a humorous soccer player, engineer, and drone builder who brings a big question to the TEDx youth stage: Is quitting really that bad? In his talk, Jad explores the topic of quitting, about how the fear of quitting is rooted deep in your mind, even if you deny it.
Wren Sutherland
Wren has visited every continent, fueling a deep curiosity about the natural world and the animals that live in it. Inspired by her mother, Wren chose to join TEDxEB to challenge the way people see one of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures: sharks. In her talk, Wren explores how Hollywood has demonized sharks, why these portrayals are unfair and harmful, and how changing our opinions can help protect both sharks and the ecosystems they support.
Aaron Bayen
Aaron is known for his kindness and his big enthusiasm for trains. Inspired by how trains can move so many people efficiently, he chose to join TEDxEB to share just how powerful this form of transportation can be. In his talk, Aaron explores why there are so few trains in many places today and how expanding rail systems could transform the way people travel, reduce traffic and pollution, and make transportation better for everyone.
Quentin Cruse
Quentin is a funny and engaging speaker who brings a sense of humor to big ideas. Inspired by political figures and the way their choices shape the future, he joined TEDxEB because he wanted to share his own perspective on what comes next for travel and the planet. His talk explores electric planes, how they could make flying cleaner and quieter, and why this emerging technology could be an important part of more sustainable transportation in the years ahead.
7th Grade
Elliott Nouri
Elliott is deeply inspired by trains, especially Japan’s impressive rail systems and how smoothly they move people every day. Fascinated by what great public transportation can do for cities and the planet, he joined TEDxEB to help others see what is possible when communities invest in better ways to get around. In his talk, Elliott looks at public transportation around the world and shares ideas for how it can be improved to become more efficient, more sustainable, and more accessible for everyone.
Julian Robertson
Julian is fascinated by how artificial intelligence actually works and the ways it touches everyday life. Inspired by his dad, as well as authors J.R.R. Tolkien and Amanda Foody, he brings together a love of complex worlds and big ideas in his thinking about technology. He joined TEDxEB because he believes his topic is not discussed enough: how AI is already shaping the world and why people need to set clear limits and responsibilities around its use . In his talk, Julian explores both the possibilities and the risks of AI, and calls for careful oversight so this powerful tool serves humans rather than the other way around.
Luisa Pingatore
Luisa is in love with the natural world and pays close attention to the living things all around her. Inspired by environmental leaders Jane Goodall and Greta Thunberg, she cares deeply about how human choices shape the future of the planet. She joined TEDxEB to share her concerns and ideas about the environment with her peers, especially around the powerful role new technologies can play. In her talk, Luisa explores how proactive biotechnology could be used to protect species that are currently at risk, instead of focusing only on bringing back animals that humanity has already allowed to disappear.
Declan Westover
Declan is fascinated by ships and the complex systems that keep goods moving around the globe. Passionate about how shipping really works behind the scenes, he joined TEDxEB to clear up misconceptions and share what he has learned with a wider audience. In his talk, Declan explores the hidden world of global shipping and reveals how this vast network shapes everyday life in ways most people never see.