In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Watchung Hills Regional High School
108 Stirling Road
Warren, New Jersey, 07059
United States

Aadya Bhushan

Student

Aadya Bhushan is a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Along with participating in TEDx, she is a member of the school’s Tri-M Music Honors Society, marching band, and Academic Team. Outside of school, she is a part of the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s Flute Forum. She has a passion for playing the flute and also enjoys other forms of art such as visual art and reading. Her love of music, visual arts, and reading inspired her talk: Art: By Humans, For Humans. Join Aadya as she discusses the often-overlooked significance of art to humanity, and the potential impacts of artificial intelligence in artistic fields.

Aarish Patel

Student

Aarish Patel is a high school junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School interested in the intersection of engineering and environment. He has worked on a number of research projects focused on engineering with the goal of tackling environmental issues. Aarish serves as the captain of the high school’s Robotics Team, and is on the RoboCon committee, which hosts a STEAM convention to help build interest in the field throughout the community. In the talk, Aarish discusses why we need to look in the direction of humanity’s largest asset, the ocean, for energy. He describes the methods needed to convert the waves of the ocean into renewable energy. Aarish hopes his audience understands the growing importance of a shifting climate, and why we need to look elsewhere for alternative sources.

Advaith Busa

Student

Advaith Busa, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, delves into the complexities of biculturalism and identity, offering a unique perspective on navigating two distinct cultural worlds. Growing up as a child of Indian immigrants, he explores how the pull of tradition clashes with the push for modernity. Through personal anecdotes and research, he highlights how biculturalism fosters adaptability, creative problem-solving, and empathy—qualities that empower individuals to thrive in any environment. Advaith hopes his audience walks away with a deeper appreciation for the richness of duality and the understanding that identity is not a binary choice but a blend of values, experiences, and perspectives that can shape a more open and connected world.

Atharv Gupta

Student

Atharv Gupta is a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School who has long been fascinated by the challenges and excitement of adapting to new environments. Having lived in multiple countries throughout his life, Atharv has learned firsthand the significance of small, intentional changes to success. In his talk, he connects his passion for Formula 1 Racing, where split-second decisions and teamwork can lead to monumental outcomes, with his experience adapting to countries across the globe. Atharv will explore the power of seemingly insignificant changes in personal development and solving global challenges. By embracing adaptability, deliberate action, and collaboration, he highlights how anyone can overcome obstacles and create a lasting impact in a fast-past and ever-changing world.

Jia Khandagale

Student

Jia Khandagale, a senior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, has grown into her leadership roles through steady involvement and dedication over the past four years. As president of the Economics Club, she helps lead discussions, organize events, and foster collaboration among her peers. She has also been a dedicated member of the cross-country, swim, and track teams for all four years, where she has learned the value of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. As a Peer Leader, Jia enjoys supporting and guiding younger students, and her involvement in WALT (Warrior Athletic Leadership Team) allows her to help build a more inclusive school community. Jia’s high school journey has been one of personal growth, self-discovery, and lessons learned both on and off the field. Looking back, freshman-year Jia would have never believed she’d one day give a TED Talk titled “You Don’t have to Shout to Stand Out”, encouraging others to embrace their potential and step into leadership roles.

Kate Griffin

Teacher

Ms. Griffin graduated from New Jersey City University in 2009 with a B.A. in Drawing and Painting as well as her K-12 teaching certificate, and from Kean University in 2016 with her Masters in Studio Art. She has been teaching Fine Arts at Watchung Hills Regional High School since 2009 and has taught almost all of the visual art electives, from the foundations to the Advanced Placement levels. She has been the advisor for the National Art Honor Society since 2019. Ms. Griffin is a working artist, primarily a painter, but also a writer and musician, and is always looking for ways to challenge herself in her creative endeavors.

Kenneth Lin

Student

Kenneth Lin is a sophomore at Whippany Park High School. As an innovator, entrepreneur, and author, he is always working on his next startup and invention. In the past, he has developed a pharmaceutical product, published six research papers, and authored three books regarding innovation, creativity, and technology. In his talk, Kenneth will be discussing the barriers to innovation and strategies for developing, branching out, and turning one's weaknesses into strengths.

Lilla Bellish

Student

Lilla Bellish is a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School interested in data science, which inspired her talk, “The Data Disparity”. Lilla is a member of the tennis team as well as Waksman Molecular Biology Club, Academic Tournament Team, Environmental Club, and Science Bowl. She hopes to pursue a career in geoscience. “The Data Disparity” explores the impact of gender inequality in data, how it affects our lives, and how it can be remedied. She hopes her audience will question the biases present in the data we use.

Sai Bhavsar

Student

Sai Bhavsar is currently a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Sai is a member of The Economics and Finance Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Cross Country, and Spring Track. In his free time, he enjoys photography and long distance running with his friends. He is passionate about car independence - the idea that people can live their lives in the suburbs without needing a car. In his talk, Sai explains how using viable alternatives to cars for short trips can improve an individual’s health, happiness, and community. Sai hopes that people will walk away from his talk understanding that there are alternatives to using cars for every little trip. Sai strives to change both the culture and the infrastructure of the world by encouraging alternatives to driving.

Shaan Dave

Student

Shaan Dave is a seventeen-year-old high school junior. He swims competitively and has a passion for fitness and longevity. He also has experienced the overwhelming anxiety and apprehension inextricably tied to starting a new project or chasing a new goal. These two points may seem unrelated, but together, they led to his discovery of the power of a cold shower. While he initially took them for health and fitness, the ritual taught and continues to teach him daily about the power of thinking ahead. After nearly three years of consistency, he has discovered the impact of cold showers in facing challenges and starting new adventures.