Occupational Mismatch Among Immigrants

Sophia Pribus '20, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

9:15 AM - 9:35 AM

Sophia Pribus is a Senior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, originally from Riverwoods, Illinois. She loves biology and math and conducts research on Alzheimer’s Disease diagnostics at Northwestern University. The captain of her school’s Congressional Debate Team, Sophia enjoys researching public policy and particularly foreign affairs. As the daughter of an immigrant from Kazakhstan, Sophia is deeply passionate about immigration issues, and particularly the immigrant work experience following immigration. One aspect of this experience is occupational mismatch, a situation where highly educated immigrants find themselves in positions far below their skill level. In pursuit of solving this issue, Sophia founded Dialekt, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping immigrants achieve long-term, professional careers in the United States. Outside of this work, Sophia loves being with her parents, sister, and dog at home or traveling.

The Psychology Behind Negotiation

Ram Kakinada '21, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

9:35 AM - 9:55 AM

Ram is currently a junior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. He is an avid explorer of the indoors and loves to read mysteries, especially books written by Arthur Conan Doyle. When he does explore the outdoors he loves to play tennis and play a game of pickup basketball. He also likes to keep with current day politics around the world in order to use them as research for congressional debate. Ram is passionate about the growing field of the healthcare industry and loves to explore the new and inventive technologies that are coming out into the world. His interests lie in the health care industry and more specifically in cancer biology. In pursuit of those goals he gained experience in the field by joining an internship at Northwestern’s Robert H. Lurie building for cancer research in Chicago.

Gender Expression in Youth

Sydney Despe '21, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Sydney Despe 21’ is a storyteller who’s passionate about using her voice to help empower others. She enjoys discussing and speaking on topics such as gender expression, identity, and equality. Sydney believes using the power of creativity, vulnerability, and expression in storytelling can create a memorable experience for the audience. She would like to share her journey of gender expression with you today in hopes of empowering someone to begin expressing themselves.

Manipulating the Limbic System to Create Space in Our Schedules

Devraj Thakkar '21, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM

Devraj Thakkar is a Junior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. He was inquisitive from an early age. As he matured, his interests developed into a passion for Neuroscience and Psychology. He quickly developed a curiosity for conscious and subconscious human percepts that drive behavioral characteristics and manifestations. His neuropsychological fascinations naturally laid the foundation for Devraj’s passion for and entrepreneurship, which he manifested through spearheading his startup. Devraj is extremely passionate about giving back to his community, with his life goal being to leave the world better than he found it. In addition to regularly volunteering at Sherman Hospital and his local library, Devraj is the co-founder of One Brain Initiative, a venture that supports the neurological and psychological needs of individuals all over the world. Devraj is also an avid fan of cars and motorcycles. When he’s not working on school work or extracurriculars, he is often seen driving around his hometown – Bartlett Illinois.

Neurological Disorders and Developing Countries

Monika Narain '21, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

1:10 PM - 1:30 PM

Monika Narain is currently a junior at IMSA from Wheeling, Illinois. From a young age, she has been fascinated with the brain, dedicating hours of time to reading books, taking online classes, watching dozens of TED talks, and volunteering at the Congitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Monika plans to become a doctor who will practice and teach neurology in low-to-middle income countries in order to address disparities in medical care. In addition, Monika is her class representative on Student Council, one of the captains of the IMSA cross country team, a student tutor, and a member of IMSA’s acapella group. In her free time (although it is limited here at IMSA), Monika loves to cook, travel, and draw large zentangles with Sharpies.