Theme: Innovating Tomorrow

Join us for TEDxBASIS Independent McLean Youth: Innovating Tomorrow on Jan 31, 4-6 pm. This TEDx is a continuation of our successful TEDx event last year, and we hope to maintain this tradition here at BIM.

This is an event where faculty and students will share their insights on the future in the context of today's evolving society. Faculty speakers Dr. Blaney and Dr. Isquith, along with selected student speakers Cyrus, Shayan, and Shaun, will present on topics that examine innovation and change across various fields and aspects of life. This opportunity is precious for learning about students’ and faculties’ stories and opinions outside of classroom settings. RSVP below to hear their speeches! Limited to 100 spots.

BASIS Independent McLean
8000 Jones Branch Dr.
McLean, Virginia, 22102
United States

Cyrus Soltani

Student at BIM

Cyrus is a freshman at BIM and will speak about public education reform.

Dr. Blaney

Subject Expert Teacher at BIM - History

Stockton University, B.A. in Political Science | University of Connecticut, M.A. in International Studies: Western Europe | London School of Economics and Political Science, M.A. in International History | London School of Economics and Political Science, PhD in International History After starting his professional career in academia, Dr. Blaney found that teaching was his true passion; mentoring young minds as they engage with the past, present, and potential futures. Dr. Blaney has taught on three continents (Europe, Asia, and North America) and brings those experiences to his classroom, as he believes strongly in the need to prepare students for our diverse world. When not at school, Dr. Blaney spends his time with his wife and his daughter (who is entering Kindergarten at BIM this year). Besides history, Dr. Blaney enjoys music playing the guitar, photography, and traveling.

Dr. Isquith

Subject Expert Teacher at BIM - Biology

Colegio Odontologico Colombiano, Bogota, Colombia, Doctorate of Dental Medicine | Before joining BASIS Independent McLean, Dr. Isquith was the director of the science department and Spanish teacher at Edlin School, in Reston, VA, where she worked for 14 years. During her time at Edlin, Dr. Isquith started the school’s first Spanish language program. Her students consistently won top positions at state and national levels. She also developed and introduced an annual trip to Spanish-speaking countries where students and their families could experience language immersion and enjoy the rich culture and history of each country they visited. Over the last 10 years, she has taken her students to Costa Rica, Spain, Peru, Argentina, and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Dr. Isquith has a passion for teaching and brings her love for nature and her native language by connecting Spanish and nature. Dr. Isquith enjoys photographing birds in their natural habits and loves dancing salsa and merengue.

Shaun Mansur

Student at BIM

Shaun is a freshman at BIM.

Shayan Shaibani

Student at BIM

Shayan is in his Junior year of high school and will speak about the definition of mass.