Introducing the TEDxUTAustin Team

The TEDxUTAustin 2025 team is an eclectic blend of passionate individuals driven by diverse aspirations and talents. History major Aidan Dresang is channeling his love for storytelling into community-centric mini-documentaries, while Akshitha Venkataraman, an informatics student, embraces user research and design. Anuar Yutani, with his dual interests in civil engineering and communication, enriches the team’s outreach through his translation work.

Neuroscientist Austin Dornak and public relations advocate Terrance Thomas bring fresh perspectives from their unique fields. Callie Brady, an aspiring lawyer and running enthusiast, and Christopher Lopez, a photography and marketing aficionado, infuse creativity into every project. Business-minded Daniel Simbeck and math enthusiast Drew Conner tie analytical skills to visionary thinking.

Eleanor Mullen, passionate about psychology and nonprofit film, and Emily Nejad, an international policy aspirant, embody advocacy and inclusivity. Law-driven Eric Draeger and aspiring broadcaster Grace Gates share the spotlight with Grace Park, a design major exploring technology’s intersection with ethics.

Finance and psychology senior Hedy Zhang and bioastronautics enthusiast Iris Rafferty showcase dedication across finance and biomedical frontiers. Accounting student Isabella Galindo adds an international twist with her love for travel, mirrored by Isam Ahmed, who combines environmental science with paleobiology.

Young scientist Jennifer Chuang and engineering major Jesse Marasigan ground the team with STEM expertise, while Grace Lai merges research with dance and Katherine Chao merges computer science with fashion. Multi-talented Kha-Tu Phan and human-focused Lydia Harris both embody community engagement. Finance and music lover Mason Ibrahim alongside creative storyteller Max Chen brings fresh perspectives through their artistic hobbies.

Miranda Ye, bridging tech and sustainability, pairs with Mollie Walters, a speech advocate and aspiring writer. Public health advocate Naimisha Vunnam and business-driven Nandini Mangalapalli champion health and entrepreneurship. Finance major Noel Martinez and design innovator Shriya Atreya add strategy and creativity.

First-year student Sophia Bongiovi dives into global government with an open heart, paralleled by tech enthusiast Tejas Bagad, who explores AI in automobiles. Finally, business visionary Sarina Ghaderi rounds out the team with her passion for tech-driven business solutions while also crushing long runs throughout the city. 

Together, these 36 members form a vibrant tapestry, each bringing unique threads of passion, skills, and experiences to TEDxUTAustin 2025.