Invisible Waves: How Microplastics are Shaping Our Future | Ananya Iyengar | TEDxWoodcreek HS
What if the plastic we use every day never really went away? From sea salt to human cells, microplastics are silently infiltrating our planet — and us. In this talk, student researcher Ananya Iyengar shares her journey from a high school biology lab to publishing her own study on how microplastics harm aquatic life. Through science and innovation, she reveals how curiosity can spark real solutions to one of today’s most invisible environmental crises — and how even the smallest actions can make the biggest ripples. Ananya Iyengar is a senior at Granite Bay High School with a passion for healthcare, research, and community service. She has conducted original research on microplastics and their impact on marine ecosystems, while also designing an innovative filtration system to combat this issue. She is also filing a U.S. patent for a device designed to safely cut avocados and prevent kitchen injuries. Ananya volunteers at Mercy San Juan Hospital and with SEWA International, where she helps prepare meals and serve those in need. She also leads GBHSHFH, a student-run volunteer club, and works with children as a tutor at Kumon, camp counselor, and a varsity water polo player. With experiences ranging from a volunteer abroad at a major hospital in India to local community leadership, Ananya is dedicated to combining science, service, and global citizenship in her future career as a physician. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 14:58How to Embody Fungi's Wisdom | Harriet Trower | TEDxCabareteHarriet Daisy Trower is the heart and soul behind Glorious Regeneration. A regenerative guide, visionary leader, and wisdom keeper, Harriet weaves together nature-based education, embodied compassionate communication, and permaculture design to help people reconnect with the living world. Her work invites us to move at the speed of nature – gently, deeply, and with reverence. Today, she’s here to share fungi-inspired wisdom for a more connected and regenerative future. Harriet Trower of Glorious Regeneration is a Regenerative Leader, Permaculture Design Consultant, and Holistic Outdoor Educator devoted to restoring ecosystems and reimagining how humans live in relationship with themselves, each other, and the Earth.Drawing from over a decade of experience, she weaves together ecology, culture, mindfulness, embodied compassionate communication, and nature connection to cultivate resilience, collective care, and a remembrance of our place within the web of life.Her work, guided by the wisdom of living systems, bridges ecological restoration with human wellbeing. Through mentoring, experiential education, and hands-on projects, she empowers others to design regenerative systems that nourish both people and the planet. With a vision for a thriving, interconnected world, she dedicates her energy to cultivating a regenerative future for all living beings.You can explore her offerings and join upcoming online courses at www.gloriousregeneration.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:11Jobs that last, skills that lift | Maanika Kaur | TEDxTarneit YouthUnemployment is not just a statistic but lost potential, untapped skills, and broken lives. By reforming our education system, providing opportunities for skill development, and supporting startups within our community, we can break the cycle. This speech is about recognising that unemployment is not just a statistic but lost potential, untapped skills, and broken lives. By reforming our education system, providing opportunities for skill development, and supporting startups within our community, we can break the cycle. Maanika is a student at Wimba Primary School. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
