Theme: Progress Made Tangible

The future of our world is developing at an unprecedented rate. New innovations and ideas are being developed every second, and the young people of tomorrow are taking action. In today’s world we have millions of entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists all under the mere age of 18, actively developing the world of tomorrow. TEDxYouth@ABPatersonCollege aims to inspire the youth of tomorrow by showcasing inspiring examples of tangible progress made by the youth of today.

A.B. Paterson College
A.B. Paterson Drive
Arundel, Queensland, 4214
Australia

Isabelle Doo

Student

Isabelle has a keen intellect and talent for engineering solutions to local issues. She has recently been developing a new AI-based aid for Alzheimer's Disease. Isabelle has conducted academic research well beyond her current age group to develop an effective solution to this issue that could provide invaluable assistance to those who suffer from this terrible disease.

James St John

Associate Professor | Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University

Dr James St John is an incredibly talented and innovative professor who hopes to demonstrate the endless possibilities of science. Continuing the groundbreaking research of the 2017 Australian of the Year, Dr Alan Mackay-Sim, Dr St John and his team have developed therapies to treat acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury through the combination of advanced cell purification techniques and natural product drug discovery and engineering. Dr St John also investigates how bacteria can penetrate the brain and spinal cord via entry from the nasal cavity, in hopes to develop new therapies due to its associations with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Dr St John is also working on developing new therapies to repair the injured olfactory (sense of smell) system. The focus of these therapies is to identify natural products that stimulate the neural stem cells and glia, to regenerate the olfactory system after widespread injury or infection.

John Thomas

Senior School Teacher | Chemistry

Dr John Thomas is a passionate educator of chemistry who aims to educate … and entertain! Armed with the chemical understanding of fireworks, smoke machines and other exciting reactions, Dr Thomas is no stranger to the flashy and dramatic side of chemistry. In this presentation, Dr Thomas showcases some fascinating and explosive reactions, whilst teaching a thing or two about the chemistry going on! So, enjoy this educational and entertaining chemistry show!

Juliette Tobias-Webb

Senior Manager in Behavioural Economics | Behaviour Change Specialist

Dr Juliette Tobias-Webb is a former Gold Coaster that attended A.B. Paterson College and Bond University. She was recently awarded her PhD in Psychology from the University of Cambridge and has enjoyed stints as a lecturer and research officer at globally-renowned institutions including the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, the Brain and Mind Research Institute, the University of Sydney, and Bond University, Queensland. Juliette has published a number of journal articles in leading psychology and neuroscience journals, and currently works for Commonwealth Bank as a Senior Manager in Behavioural Economics. Outside of work, Juliette is an avid traveller and passionate about promoting diversity.

Justin Andrews

Head of Mackellar House | Senior School Teacher

A passionate educator who has a keen interest in the fundamental purpose of education, Justin hopes to deconstruct the implicit meaning behind the famous age-old question ‘Why do I have to learn this anyway?’ and offer both students, and educators, a new answer. Justin believes that despite the seemingly 'archaic' practices with which educators are encouraged or mandated to deliver content, there are still reasons why said content is 'mandatory'. And, despite some very legitimate arguments, there are still reasons why schools are important beyond just delivering 'information'.

Michael Beckton

Student

Michael is a dedicated student who has a strong interest and passion for scuba diving. He began diving at the mere age of 8, and as a result, is one of the youngest divers to ever approach the waters. Michael is also a passionate film student who spends much of his time developing documentaries of his diving journeys. Now, he is developing new campaigns for the protection of oceans from mass pollution and is using his combined talents of scuba diving, and film, to educate people on what we must do to protect our waters.

Navdeep Pasricha

CEO at iYouth Global | World Economic Forum Global Shaper

Navdeep is an incredibly successful 21-year-old social entrepreneur who is passionate about young people. Committed to making a difference, Navdeep founded iYouth – an innovative organisation that is tackling mental health through technology. Presenting to over 15 000 people in 5 countries, iYouth has seen some remarkable success, with clients ranging from High Schools to Chief Bank Executives. Navdeep has been named as a Future Shaper of Australia, and is a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum. Currently, Navdeep and iYouth Global are developing an online platform to reduce education inequity around Australia and the world.

Ryan Caldwell

Head of Academic Operations | Senior School Teacher

An educationalist by calling, Ryan is fascinated by learning design, complex systems and how they facilitate eudaimonia – human flourishing. In an age of technological innovation, dynamic social trends and perpetual change, Ryan seeks to understand how organisational systems can be designed as adaptive learning entities that effectively engage with environmental affordances. Drawing on systems theory, complexity theory and key concepts from the Learning Sciences, Ryan will highlight the power of systemic thinking for young people in embracing change and developing innovations.

Xinyue Alice Zhang

Student

Alice is an incredibly intelligent and dedicated student who has an intense passion for mathematics and science. She was selected to represent Australia in the 2018 European Girls' Mathematics Olympiad, and has also won numerous awards in national mathematics competitions. Alice regularly expands her learning outside the classroom by conducting her own research projects to develop a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts, so that they can be applied to the real world. She has been studying the electrical resistance of human skin and its applications towards transdermal drug delivery, with a particular focus on iontophoresis; and she aims to optimise this process by finding the ideal voltage to maximise the ease of drug delivery through skin, in hopes of revolutionising the modern medical practice. With a clear motive of inspiring others to make a difference, Alice hopes to share her experiences and promote the possibilities of experimental studies.