Our Speakers
Inspiring thinkers and doers sharing ideas that will ignite change
More speaker bios being added soon
Jonah Khoshabe
"AI Can Predict Performance, But Not Heart"
Jonah Khoshabe is a sophomore at Barrington High School (Class of 2028) from South Barrington, Illinois, where he splits his passion between academics, athletics, and the pursuit of meaningful ideas. In his talk, "AI Can Predict Performance, But Not Heart," he challenges audiences to imagine a future where technology enhances opportunity without replacing the human grit, resilience, and spirit that define true potential. Jonah's perspective was shaped while interning at a sports agency, where he witnessed firsthand how data can illuminate talent - but never fully capture the heart behind it. Guided by curiosity, ambition, toughness, and an uncommon work ethic, he is active in FCA and has been consistently recognized for both his athletic performance and his leadership on and off the field.
Henry Hamel
"Why Horror Media Can Terrify Us"
Henry Hamel is a Barrington High School Junior (Class of 2027) from Barrington, Illinois, where he participates in numerous clubs along with studying and volunteering. In his talk, Why Horror Media Can Terrify Us, he invites listeners to explore why media like movies, books, shows, or video games can have such a terrifying effect on so many people. Through his time spent with numerous pieces of horror media, he hopes to use both personal anecdotes and modern research to see why pixels on a screen or ink on a paper can leave such an impact. Lead by curiosity, an open mind, and a love of stories and art, Henry is an active member of the BHS Mock Trial Team, Speech Team, and writers block, as well as volunteering at a variety of organizations.
Jackson Curttright
"Finding Enough Without Doing It All: Lessons From A Life In The Pool"
Jackson Curttright is a junior at Barrington High School (Class of 2027) from Barrington, Illinois, where he balances academic dedication with a deep commitment to competitive swimming and service-driven leadership. In his talk, “Finding Enough Without Doing It All: Lessons From A Life In The Pool”, Jackson invites audiences to reconsider the pressure to be everything at once, sharing how life as a committed swimmer sometimes led to feelings of isolation—but ultimately taught him that commitment itself shapes identity, purpose, and success. Through years in the pool, he has learned that fulfillment does not come from doing everything, but from fully embracing what matters most. Guided by perseverance, self-reflection, and a passion for giving back, Jackson is an active member of the Youth Advisory Counsil, Dance Marathon, and other philanthropic initiatives, driven by a genuine love for supporting people through difficult times and making a meaningful impact in his community.
Dr. Justine S. Rovin
"Beyond the Scroll: The Vulnerability to Step into the Feedback Arena"
Dr. Justine S. Rovin is a veteran educator, Post-Doctoral Researcher, and Apple Learning Coach who has spent 16 years at Barrington High School questioning why some feedback "sticks" while most is ignored. A National Board Certified teacher with an Ed.D. from the University of Illinois, her research focuses on the "Relational Dimension" of feedback, the critical bridge between a teacher's words and a student's growth. Dr. Rovin's talk explores how to fix the broken feedback loop in our schools by moving from directive teaching to dialogic, student-centered design that honors the diversity of every learner.
Sana Goyal
"The Line Between a Comment and a Crisis"
Sana Goyal is a sophomore at Barrington High School (Class of 2028), who is deeply interested in the unseen ways that social media shapes teen mental health. In her talk, she discusses the emotional toll of cyberbullying, constant online comparison and how repeated digital harm can escalate from anxiety and isolation to devastating outcomes, including suicide. Sana became interested in the topic as "It became evident how easily cruelty is normalized online". She is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Parents Just Say No, working with 13+ school districts across the nation to educate families and students on ways to encourage responsible device use while striking a balance between digital engagement and in-person interactions. In her talk, Sana places center stage raw emotions from those who suffer in silence and those who don't feel heard until it's too late. With empathy and honesty in conversation, Sana hopes to challenge audiences to reconsider how they engage online and understand the influence their words have to work toward a healthier society.
Deven Ramakumar
"The Science of Why We Love Music"
Deven Ramakumar is a senior from Barrington, Illinois, who enjoys blending problem-solving with creativity. He began playing guitar at twelve, which helped spark his interest in psychoacoustics, the study of the perception of sound and music. In his talk, "Emotional Resonance: The Science Behind Active Listening" Deven explores how the science and perception of sound can help navigate a life full of stress. He also explores that understanding how people connect with music has a powerful effect on not just the mind, but the body as well. Deven wants to explore how active listening can be extremely important in a post-pandemic society. He was inspired by the powerful emotions from Linkin Park that helped him navigate the stress of the many changes he experienced. Outside the classroom, Deven participates in Scholastic Bowl and Physics Club and is currently working with the mental health organization BStrong Together on organizing a concert.
Efe Yagci
"When Algorithms Rule: The Future of Governance"
Efe Yagci is a junior at Barrington High School (Class of 2027) from Barrington, Illinois, where he is a strong advocate for geopolitical literacy and political understanding within his school community. With a deep interest in global systems and power structures, Efe challenges his peers to think about how societies are governed and how those systems may change in the future. In his talk, "When Algorithms Rule: The Future of Governance," Efe explores a provocative question: can artificial intelligence truly run an entire country—and if so, to what extent? By examining the growing role of algorithms in governing bodies, he invites audiences to consider both the promise and the risks of AI-driven governance, as well as the human values that must remain at the core of leadership. Dedicated to fostering political awareness and civic engagement, Efe is an active member of Model United Nations and Thorn's 2024 Youth Innovation Council, among other initiatives. With a drive for informed dialogue and responsible leadership, he seeks to empower others to better understand the forces shaping the modern world and their role within it.
Speaker Resources
FOR TEDXBARRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH SPEAKERS ONLY
Find all the resources, guidelines, and materials you need to create an amazing talk for TEDxBarrington High School Youth. Our shared drive includes presentation templates, speaker guidelines, technical requirements, and more. If you missed a meeting, you can access recaps here.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out to our organizing team.
tedxbarringtonhs@gmail.com
