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.

BIEA Shining Stars Feature Story

Guridit with Nikki Collins, CEO of BIEA at the Award Ceremony in London

Gurdit Singh, a remarkable Sixth Former from Featherstone High School, has had an extraordinary journey since participating in the 2023 BIEA STEM competition.

His project, Project Ecosystem, focused on addressing sustainability challenges in the city of Aleppo, which was heavily impacted by the devastating earthquake in 2023 in Turkey and Syria. By proposing innovative solutions in urban design, environmental conservation, and technological resilience, Gurdit’s project demonstrated both his creativity and commitment to global issues, helping him secure full scholarship offers from top U.S. universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Rice, and Georgia Tech.

Reflecting on his experience with BIEA, Gurdit expressed immense gratitude, noting how the competition provided him with the confidence and platform to showcase his ideas. This experience became a central part of his applications and interviews, distinguishing him as a standout candidate. “Presenting my project in front of esteemed scientists and engineers was incredibly inspiring,” Gurdit said. “BIEA gave me the opportunity to think outside my comfort zone and address real-world problems.”

Dr. Holmes, Head of STEM at BIEA, highlighted the unique aspects of the competition’s 2023 theme on city sustainability, stating, “This theme encouraged students to investigate cities outside their usual perspectives, prompting deeper and more meaningful explorations of global challenges.”

In 2024, Gurdit returned to volunteer at the BIEA STEM competition final, sharing his experiences with students from around the world. He became a role model, inspiring younger participants and his community with his story of perseverance and dedication. His presence and guidance exemplified the spirit of BIEA’s mission to nurture future leaders in STEM.

BIEA is proud to celebrate Gurdit’s success and looks forward to seeing him make a difference as he embarks on his journey at Harvard.