Michael Heard
Michael is a fifth-year Psychology and Commerce student at the University of Auckland. However, that
isn’t necessarily how he likes to describe himself. A self-proclaimed change-maker, he strives to make a
positive impact on the world. His range of projects in the community space is focused on mental health
and youth development, serving this positive purpose. Obsessed with change and how society progresses,
today he will talk about understanding change as a concept, and how we can all actually “change the
world” through empathy and collaboration.
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Justin Sung
Dr. Justin Sung is a former medical doctor, research author, and certified teacher turned learning
coach. Over the last 10 years, he has taught his research-based, highly practical techniques to over
10,000 students and professionals from 120 countries. He is the co-founder of iCanStudy and is
passionate about giving people the skills to take control of their learning to achieve better results
with less stress. Dr. Sung will explain how many conventional approaches to learning result in anxiety
and inconsistent results, and how some research-backed alternatives can completely transform the
experience of learning.
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Maria Jose (MJ) Alvarez
Maria Jose is an experienced deep tech investor and operator, passionate about supporting entrepreneurs
through the process of investment, commercialisation, and growth. As a deep tech founder turned
investor, MJ sits right at the intersection of both worlds. She works with early-stage science and
engineering founders as the Investment Manager of WNT Ventures, a technology incubator and venture
capital fund. Additionally, Maria Jose is dedicated to increasing diversity among founders and funders.
For her impact in this field she was recognised as an NZ Woman of Influence 2021 finalist in the
Diversity category. MJ is an independent committee member in several organisations focused on science
and technology ventures in Chile and NZ. Bringing novel ideas to life requires connecting science and
innovation; her TEDx Talk focuses on how scientists and innovators can empower venture capital to make a
difference in the wor
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Emma Woodward
Dr. Emma Woodward is a leading expert in trauma-informed practice and child development. A respected and
sought-after trainer and facilitator, she is also a frequent media commentator on topics like child and
adolescent development and trauma-informed principles. Her passion lies in understanding how we can use
our knowledge of human behaviour to create a future fit for human flourishing for generations to come.
She has over 25 years of experience working with children, young people, their families, schools and the
community as both a leaving care social worker, and child and educational psychologist. She is the
Director of Psychological Services at the Child Psychology Service and the Clinical Director of NZIWR,
as well as a mother to four energetic boys. Her TEDx Talk focuses on healthy trauma-informed responses
that can benefit all ages.
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Joel Rindelaub
Dr. Joel Rindelaub is an analytical chemist specialising in air quality research. His love for tiny
particles floating in the air has pushed his face towards the forefront of Covid-19 messaging regarding
aerosol transmission. Tagged as the “new face of Covid” by the New Zealand Herald, Joel has used a mix
of comedy, writing, and rapping skills to push scientific literacy across the New Zealand media scene.
In his talk, he will describe a growing concern in air quality and inhalation risk: airborne
microplastics.
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Sehar Moughal
What does ‘success’ mean to you?
Sehar will explore how depending on your upbringing, that answer varies. Sehar is a registered
psychologist, a board-certified Behavior Analyst, a professional teaching fellow at the University of
Auckland, and a doctoral student. Sehar works with survivors of family violence belonging to Asian
communities, and her passion for work stems from her lived experiences.
Loredana Podolska- Kint
Loredana Podolska-Kint writes a poetry blog and has self-published two books: a nature poetry anthology
called “Reflections” and a children’s medical poetry book called “What Are You Made Of?” She believes
all children need poetry, and has been a guest on Starship’s Radio Lollipop for Children In Hospital.
She is also an avid Bird of the Year campaign manager, student club executive, and flautist. She is
studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Auckland. Loredana will be
speaking on the power of poetry for children, adults, and its potential to change the world.
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