About us
Nika Underwood
Founder, Executive Co-chair, CEO & representative for anglophone and francophone countries
At just 16, Nika Underwood has already redefined what it means to be a young leader in environmental conservation. As the Founder, Executive Co-chair, and CEO of TAFU (www.tafu.info), she is an unstoppable force advocating for personal responsibility towards nature and our planet. Driven by an extraordinary passion for the environment, Nika believes that a profound change in our attitudes towards nature, akin to our approach to personal health and well-being, can transform the world. Her dedication to this cause is nothing short of inspiring, urging everyone around her to embrace their role in protecting our planet.
Nika’s talents extend far beyond her environmental efforts. As a gifted musician, she captivates audiences with her beautiful singing and piano playing, seamlessly blending artistry with her passion for making a difference. Her ability to balance her creative pursuits with her commitment to environmental advocacy is a testament to her remarkable versatility and drive.
Nika’s achievements are nothing short of astounding. At just 11, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she completed her GCSEs. By the age of 14, she had already achieved three A-levels in Geology, Latin, and French. Not one to rest on her laurels, she, then two years ahead in her studies, pursuing an additional eight A-levels through a Sixth Form College. In 2023, at the age of 15, Nika began her undergraduate studies in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the university level. Her academic prowess and exceptional grades have quickly made her one of the most remarkable students in her cohort.
Nika’s ambitions reach far beyond her current studies. She plans to continue her education doing her second undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge as an affiliated student, studying Natural Sciences. Her goal is to fuse her expertise in AI and natural sciences to make groundbreaking contributions that will aid in the preservation and recovery of our planet, leveraging the latest scientific and technological advancements.
Despite her rigorous academic schedule, Nika remains deeply committed to her peers and her community. She actively participated in various student groups, including leading a conservation group and serving on a Student Voice group dedicated to mentorship. At her university, she runs and was part of founding the BCS & TAFU student chapters and AI club, and represents young people in her local BCS branch. She is also undertaking advanced training to become a teacher and completing a TEFL English diploma to teach English as a foreign language, all while engaging in numerous other professional courses from BCS, CIM, and the UN on sustainability, IT, and more.
Nika’s work with TAFU is equally impressive. She tirelessly manages all aspects of the organisation, from conducting extensive research and writing articles on nature conservation to organising global competitions and concerts to raise awareness about environmental protection. She leads clean-up initiatives, prepares and conducts interviews, and oversees the IT aspects of TAFU’s operations. Her project management skills and dedication are nothing short of extraordinary.
In the words of one of her teachers, Chris Dobie: “Nika is an exceptional individual. Her drive and capacity for work are unique amongst the students I have taught. She is relentlessly hardworking, deeply engaged in her studies, and a natural leader. Nika’s passion for her subjects, coupled with her curiosity and critical thinking, makes her highly suited to the study of science. Her leadership of TAFU is a testament to her commitment to making a difference. Nika is down to earth, sociable, and always willing to help others. People like Nika are rare, and it is a privilege to support her on her journey.”
Nika Underwood is not just a prodigy; she is a genuine inspiration, a rare blend of brilliance, empathy, and determination. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge, passion for environmental conservation, and commitment to helping others make her a true role model for all. She is a young woman with a vision, and her impact on the world is only just beginning.