keynote speakers
Abhith Kasala
Dr. Bill Slayton
Dr. Bill Slayton
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 Soluti
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.
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Dr. Bill Slayton
Dr. Bill Slayton
Dr. Bill Slayton
A pediatric oncologist, musician, and writer who has spent his career caring for children with cancer and supporting their families. He is passionate about the healing power of compassion and service, and about helping young people find purpose in their lives.
Sandhya Kasala
Dr. Bill Slayton
Dr. Layla Schuster
Sandhya Kasala, an ambitious mother of two vibrant children with a background as a GIS/CAD/Multidisciplinary Engineering design specialist and a development As-builts reviewer in the Stormwater Engineering & Planning division, City of Gainesville. She brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She was also an entrepreneur of a restaurant a
Sandhya Kasala, an ambitious mother of two vibrant children with a background as a GIS/CAD/Multidisciplinary Engineering design specialist and a development As-builts reviewer in the Stormwater Engineering & Planning division, City of Gainesville. She brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She was also an entrepreneur of a restaurant and a convenience store. Her life is inspired by aspirations. She actively encourages children to explore their passion in scientific research, believing it ignites a lifelong passion for learning and discovery.
Dr. Layla Schuster
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Dr. Layla Schuster
Dr. Layla Schuster is a research scientist at the University of Florida studying how bacteria control their genes. Her work uses AI to uncover the rules that govern gene expression across diverse bacterial species with the goal of making it easier to engineer bacteria for diverse applications.
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Kathryn Christine Cammack is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 3rd congressional district. As a conservative fighter and former deputy chief of staff, she represents North Central Florida, focusing on regulatory reform (REINS Act), technology, and border security, notably as one of the youngest Republican women in Congress.
Aradhya Kasala
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Aradhya Kasala is an 8th-grade student at Howard Bishop Middle School and is dual-enrolled at Gainesville High School. She is a two-time Grand Award winner at the Florida State Science Fair. She has also been a passionate singer since the age of three and is deeply fascinated by science and the arts.
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Dr. Walter Balser
Christopher Marais
Dr. Walter Balser
Dr. Walter Fernando Balser is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Florida. Dr. Balser examines the changing education ecosystem from the standpoint of decentralization, including evolving education marketplaces and organizational models, and how all of this may intersect in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Dr. Kevin Bird
Christopher Marais
Dr. Walter Balser
Kevin Bird, Ph.D., serves as the Center's Experiential Learning Coordinator and Lecturer. He selects and works with students in the local CiviGators internship, the Tallahassee Internship, and the Washington Internship programs.
Christopher Marais
Christopher Marais
Christopher Marais
Christopher Marais is a computational biologist and PhD researcher at the University of Florida who designs artificial intelligence models to solve complex biological problems. His current research focuses on training specialized machine learning models to identify invasive bark and ambrosia beetles.
Ethan Farrah
Ethan Farrah
Christopher Marais
Junior at GHS in the Cambridge program who has a deep passion for the Space Sciences.