HCC student team wins national community college Innovation Challenge
Jul 6, 2023
A Houston Community College (HCC) team has won the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Community College Innovation Challenge.
The HCC team was pitted against community colleges from across the nation, competing to develop ideas for useful and innovative devices using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The students – Kaitlin Asch, Nyah Lovick and Neeko Phelps – presented their idea known as “Project Eagle Rescue,” a hands-free sensor array that might be attached to gear carried by firefighters to allow better visibility and safety. As envisioned, their hands-free device would allow firefighters to “see through” smoke and haze to observe structural hazards or obstacles that might be a danger to themselves or others.
Each individual team member received a $3,500 prize in the contest that was held in partnership with the National Science Foundation.
“I think the greatest thing about being a part of this team is affirmation for me about going a non-traditional route: staying home and studying at a community college presents great opportunities,” Lovick said. “I loved my HCC experience and the support of my fellow students and HCC’s great faculty. It was a perfect choice for me.”
Lovick studied in HCC’s Honors College and graduated with highest honors in May with an associate degree in chemistry and will move to the University of Texas at San Antonio this fall to study chemical engineering. Asch is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in computer science and applied physics and plans to go on to obtain a doctorate. Phelps graduated in May with an associate degree in mechanical engineering and will enter Minnesota State University to study mechanical engineering in the fall.
“These are extraordinary students, and we are extremely proud of their work on this project,” said Ravi Brahmbhatt, HCC director of Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship, who served as the team’s mentor. “They showed that developing a STEM-based solution can help to solve a real-world problem in a truly meaningful way.”
The HCC team was among a dozen community college finalists to present their ideas in Washington, D.C. There, they attended an Innovation Boot Camp where they learned from entrepreneurs and experts, STEM leaders and congressional stakeholders. The team presented a five-minute presentation to a panel of industry and entrepreneurial professionals who then named HCC the winning team.
“These project ideas showcase the outstanding educational opportunities provided at our nation’s community colleges,” said Walter Bumphus, president and CEO of the association. “On behalf of AACC, congratulations to the team from Houston Community College… the innovation and creativity shown by these students clearly indicates that our future is in good hands.”