Theme: Mind the Gap

"Mind the Gap" explores the gaps in technology, society, and personal growth, asking critical questions about their causes,
impact, and solutions. Inspired by the familiar transportation warning, this theme urges us to be mindful of the spaces between whether they exist in our knowledge, access, or perspectives. We will have 10 amazing speakers (6 students and 4 professional speakers) who will help us to think and explore the gaps that exist in the world around us and how we can act in ways to bridge them.

Pope Building
University of Nottingham, Univeristy Park Campus
Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2TQ
United Kingdom

Ben Heason

Climber and Public Speaker

Ben Heason is one of the UK’s leading climbers, known for his daring ascents and pioneering big-wall expeditions across the globe. With over 25 years of full-time climbing experience, Ben Heason has truly pushed the boundaries of the sport. Born and raised in Snowdonia, Ben’s journey has taken him from the University of Birmingham to Sheffield, where he now calls home. Along the way, he’s delivered many talks around the world inspiring countless individuals with his passion for adventure and the mindset needed to embrace the unknown. In 2005, Ben completed the first-ever free climb of the 1,000m wall at Angel Falls in Venezuela—an achievement hailed as one of the finest by British climbers abroad. But his story goes beyond climbing. It’s about overcoming fear, bridging gaps between failure and success, and navigating the uncertainties we all face in life.

Brian Sanya Mondoh

Lawyer

Brian is a dual-qualified advocate, admitted to both the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago. Since beginning his legal practice in 2019, Brian has built a robust career specialising in civil, commercial, intellectual property law, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on emerging technologies like Web3, blockchain, AI, and digital assets. As the founder of Blockchain Lex Group and CryptoMondays Caribbean and Africa, he leads a global community of over 90,000 members, fostering discussions on legal tech, regulatory compliance, and tech risks. A recognised expert in legal tech, Brian has influenced policy development worldwide and has published extensively on topics such as Bitcoin, NFTs, DAOs, and data governance. His work has been featured by prestigious institutions like MIT. In addition to his legal expertise, Brian is dedicated to educating future leaders across the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa. In his talk he will share his insights into AI.

Chandrika Ghosh

Student

Chandrika Ghosh is a final year Philosophy Politics and Economics student at the University of Nottingham. Born in Kolkata India and raised in Singapore Chandrika is a passionate advocate for intersectionality, creative expression and the importance of fostering meaningful relationships within social spaces. Growing up she trained in Bharatanatyam classical Indian dance for 17 years, competed in track and field and was actively involved in her school drama society experiences that deepened her love for performing and connecting with audiences. With a strong belief in the power of storytelling Chandrika aims to inspire others to embrace authenticity, challenge social norms and drive meaningful change across communities. In her talk Chandrika will explore the power of code switching and what it truly means to be yourself in a world that often expects you to be something else.

Chris Udeho

Student

Chris Udeho is a third-year biotechnology student at the University of Nottingham, who brings a deep passion for songwriting and performing to everything he does. Starting his musical journey at the age of five, Chris has been writing poetry for years and gradually focused more on music, especially during and after the pandemic. He found in music a powerful medium for self-expression and connecting with others. In his performance, Chris will share his music, which is rooted in his personal experiences and beliefs, particularly around the theme of overcoming divisions. His songs explore the gaps that can emerge between people and how those gaps can be bridged. Through his music, Chris hopes to inspire a sense of liberation and happiness, encouraging unity and empowerment despite any barriers that might separate us.

Enoch Wong

Medical Student

Enoch Wong graduated in Biomedical Science from Durham University before commissioning into the Royal Air Force, where he validated field hospitals with surgical and intensive care capabilities worldwide. Inspired to pursue a medical career, he left the RAF to join the graduate entry medicine programme at the University of Nottingham and is now in his penultimate year. In addition to his studies, Enoch volunteers with East Midlands Ambulance Services as a Co-responder and serves as Vice-Chair on a school governing body. Early in his medical career, Enoch gained valuable hands-on experience and is committed to helping patients improve their health. During his talk he will explore the inequalities seen in society due to the wealth and education gap.

Faith Adeyemi

Student Speaker

Faith Adeyemi is a second year Politics and International Relations student. A passionate speaker, mentor, and content creator, she empowers young people to embrace their authenticity and unlock their potential. Faith holds leadership roles as a Peer Mentor, General Secretary of the UoN Handball Club, and Creative Director of The Karar Battalion (TKB), a dance ministry at Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC). She has spoken at events by the University of Nottingham, Breaking Educational Barriers (BEB), TNT, and The PERM Legacy Foundation, inspiring students to succeed academically and personally. In her talk she will explore the ‘illusion of inclusion’ and what it really means to truly include everyone in our society.

Jonelle Awomoyi

Journalist

Jonelle Awomoyi is a dynamic and influential journalist who has made a significant impact in the world of news reporting. As a BBC News presenter, Jonelle’s incisive and accessible storytelling engages millions across social platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, where she cuts through the noise to deliver truths that matter to today’s digital audience. Her work goes beyond the headlines, challenging world leaders at the United Nations and advocating for change, a commitment she first honed as a member of Youth Parliament. Jonelle's contributions to her community were recognized in 2020 when she was honoured with a mural in London for her work during the pandemic. She was also nominated for the 2021 Women of the Year Award. A graduate of the University of Nottingham with a degree in Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics, Jonelle served as Head of News for the university’s student television network, NTSV, where she led her team to produce award-winning content.

Mohammad Musa

Student

Mohammed Musa is a third-year product design and manufacturing student at the University of Nottingham, with an unwavering passion for public speaking. As the current Training Officer of the Public Speaking Society, Mohammed has set his sights on becoming the world champion in public speaking, with delivering a TEDx talk marking a key milestone on his path. Mohammed has always been someone who reflects deeply on life, particularly his own personal journey. This introspection led him to explore the universal pursuit of happiness which is a quest that we all share. Through his own journey, he uncovered a surprising truth about happiness, one that he’s eager to share with us today.

Phill Edmunson

Empowerment Worker

Phill Edmundson is an Empowerment Worker at Hope into Action, a charity dedicated to helping churches provide housing for the homeless. With over twenty-five years of experience spanning roles as a youth worker, church minister and now at Hope into Action, Phill has dedicated his career to making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The thread that connects all of Phill’s work is empowering individuals to discover their strengths and embrace change. Phill is passionate about bringing those on the edges of society into community with others around them. When he’s not working Phill can be found enjoying the three Rs: Records, Reading & Running. Phill's TEDx talk aims to see that our compassion is the invisible safety net that stops people falling through the gap.

Urzsula Jachimowicz

Student

Urszula is a final-year student of Modern Languages (Russian and Spanish) and Translation at the University of Nottingham. She has a particular passion for Russian language literature and poetry, as well as secondary language acquisition and constructed languages. In her talk she will focus on demystifying multilingualism and making language learning more accessible and achievable. As a multilingual person herself, Urszula aims to offer deeper insight into what it truly means to be multilingual discussing the process of language acquisition and how surprisingly simple it can be. Her goal is to inspire others to learn a second language and encourage them not to be afraid of acquiring new skills. She also hopes to provide British students with a better understanding of what life is like for their international peers.