tedxgainesvillehighschool.com

Introduction

TEDxGainesville High School is excited to announce our first annual TEDx event which is being hosted in Fall 2024! Our conference encompasses the STEAM ideals of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. We are featuring dynamic speakers, engaging performances, and hands-on learning workshops. Our keynote speech topics range from cutting-edge research on the frontiers of microplastic toxicity on humans and developing novel solutions to creative problem-solving, sustainability, and self-confidence. Our speakers include myself, distinguished UF professors, industry professionals, and other GHS students. Each talk will have a Q&A at the end so please prepare your questions. There will also be captivating performances and workshops for attendees to explore the arts. Our writing workshops are hosted by award-winning authors. Our event will provide novel insights on adapting to the advancing world via STEAM education and we hope to inspire attendees to pursue their scientific curiosity. This event welcomes not only students but also parents and families. General admission pricing is $5.00 and includes the event ticket and refreshments. Our signature event t-shirt will be sold separately at the event.

Mission

Our mission is to create a dynamic platform for community members to share and celebrate groundbreaking ideas worth spreading and extend the curiosity of the captivating world of STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math.) for the advancing world. Our event serves as a catalyst, motivating individuals to harness their scientific and creative potential, cultivate critical thinking skills, and, most importantly, drive meaningful change on pressing global issues such as climate change and plastic pollution. Our event will function as an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to congregate, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in the applications of STEAM ideals. Our goal is to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation, and inspire the next generation to take action on global challenges through STEAM education. We intend to bring speakers from various industries, institutions, and professions to discuss the frontiers of their field and the future to motivate youth to take action and make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, we want to shine a spotlight on the efforts of students who are conducting novel cutting-edge research and developing solutions for pressing global issues such as microplastic pollution and advancements within academic sciences. By hosting this TEDx event at Gainesville High School we aim to enable networking opportunities between professionals and students in our community and allow new ideas to flourish in a collaborative and constructive environment where they can meet and engage in transformational efforts.

(TEDxGainesvilleHighSchool Initiative by Abhith Kasala: contact at abhithkasala@gmail.com)

About TEDxGainesvilleHighSchool

Our Story

Lead Organizer: Abhith Kasala

TEDxGainesvilleHighSchool was founded by Abhith Kasala (GHS student) in collaboration with the GHS administration with the mission to create a dynamic platform for community members to share and celebrate groundbreaking ideas worth spreading and serve as a catalyst in extending the curiosity of the captivating world of STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math.) for the advancing world.

Lead Organizer: Abhith Kasala

Abhith Kasala is a Senior at Gainesville High School. As a scientific researcher at the University of Florida and UPenn, and a United Nations Youth Parliamentarian, he is dedicated to advancing sustainable change through STEM, entrepreneurship, and public service. Guided by his belief that "Understanding the problem is half of the Solution," He applies this principle to his work in science, technology, and policy to address pressing environmental, educational, and health challenges. Over the past 7 years, he has conducted internationally recognized, award-winning research on Global Microplastic Pollution and developed accessible, sustainable, and scalable potable water purification systems recognized by NASA, NOAA, and the EPA, earning the 3rd Place Grand Award at the International Science and Engineering Fair. He has also presented evidence-based policy proposals on 8 UN Sustainable Development Goals at the UN General Assembly, UN ECOSOC Forum, and WEFTEC.

Co-organizer: Jeannine Dupler

Lead Organizer: Abhith Kasala

Co-organizer: Jeannine Dupler

Jeannine Dupler began teaching in 1996, and became an educator with Alachua County Public Schools in 2003. She currently works at Gainesville High School as a curriculum coordinator.

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxGainesvilleHighSchool, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxGainesvilleHighSchool event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.