BIEA Shining Stars Feature Story
Hiran and Daniel presented their project to judges at the 2024 international final.
Hiran Raghavan and Daniel Cross, both Sixth Formers at Cheam High School, have made an impressive impact with their work on sustainable fashion as part of BIEA’s 2024 STEM project. Under the team name Carbon Cancel Culture, Hiran and Daniel explored innovative textile solutions aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Their project combined jute with synthetic hair, creating a unique, eco-friendly composite material suitable for PPE and other applications.
Hiran’s dedication to sustainable innovation has earned her recognition as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ellison Scholarship. If successful, she will be the first student from Cheam High School to attend Oxford University, a milestone that has already inspired her school and local community.
In addition to her project work, Hiran represented young voices on sustainability at the BIEA Youth STEM Forum 2024, where she spoke to an international audience about the importance of sustainable practices in fashion. Her insights on responsible consumption inspired students worldwide to rethink their relationship with fashion and reduce waste.
Thandie Banda, an award-winning chemistry teacher and mentor to Hiran, praised the students’ efforts under this year’s theme, Sustainable Fashion: Threads of the Future. “The 2024 theme encouraged students to rethink fashion consumption and find innovative ways to reduce fashion waste. Hiran and Daniel have mobilised the whole school to take action against fast fashion, sharing their knowledge by holding STEM showcases and speaking at assemblies. Their dedication has brought awareness to the issue beyond the school boundary, inspiring the wider community to make a change.”
Hiran and Daniel’s journey in the BIEA competition has not only showcased their commitment to environmental solutions but also positioned them as role models for younger students. Their work embodies the spirit of BIEA’s mission to inspire innovation and drive sustainable progress.
