HCC student teams rocket to success in NASA's MITTIC Challenge
Dec 5, 2023
Two teams of ambitious students from Houston Community College (HCC) defied the odds and soared to the top ranks of the prestigious NASA MITTIC Challenge, a national competition that pushes students to develop innovative solutions using real NASA technologies.
Outshining teams from renowned universities across the country, Team Sound Solution secured a remarkable second-place finish, bringing home a well-deserved $10,000 prize and national recognition for their ingenuity. Their project, a personalized hearing aid powered by NASA's Statistical Audibility Prediction (SAP) Algorithm, promises to revolutionize the hearing aid industry by offering affordable, customizable sound enhancement for millions with hearing loss.
Not to be outdone, Team Nivalis impressed the judges with their sustainable cooler that utilizes NASA's Layered Composite Insulation for Extreme Conditions (LCX) technology. This innovative cooler eliminates the need for ice or electricity, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and addressing the critical need for efficient organ transportation in the medical field.
Team Sound Solution:
- Members: Precious Shedrack, Teresa Maguadog, Hudson Deci, Chukwu Odocha, Zeus Acosta, Geoffrey Dolive
- Faculty Principal Investigator: Dr. Nausheen Pasha
Team Nivalis:
- Members: Emily Uzner, Dylan Thach, Sara Blaghi, Marco O’Malley, Hassan Khan, Avwerosuoghene (AV) Etaghene
- Faculty Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujit Mondal
"The success of our students in the MITTIC Challenge is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication cultivated at HCC," said Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt, Director of Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship of HCC and Industry mentor for both teams. "We are incredibly proud of their achievements and their unwavering commitment to tackling real-world problems with innovative solutions inspired by NASA's cutting-edge technology."
Both teams faced intense competition from universities like University of Houston-Clear Lake (first place), University of California Davis and University of Massachusetts Boston. Their victory underscores the caliber of talent nurtured at HCC and their ability to compete with and surpass students from top universities across the nation.
“We are so proud of the entrepreneurial spirit of our HCC students who took on a big challenge and demonstrated their resolve, their skills, and commitment to innovation and social issues," said Dr. Maya Durnovo, Associate Vice Chancellor at Houston Community College. "The NASA MITTIC Challenge enabled HCC students to showcase their problem-solving skills, their technical acumen and their ability to work as a dynamic team"
The success of these HCC teams serves as a testament to the institution's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an environment of innovation and excellence among its students.
With their groundbreaking ideas and unwavering determination, these student teams have not only secured a place among the nation's brightest minds but also paved the way for solutions that have the potential to positively impact lives around the world.
“To our winning teams, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and a resounding 'Bravo!' You have not only brought home NASA recognition but also ignited a spark of inspiration within our entire HCC community," said Dr. Norma Perez, HCC Chief Academic Officer and Vice Chancellor of Instruction. "Your journey is a beacon, calling out to every aspiring innovator, every curious mind, every dreamer within our walls: Dare to think big, embrace the challenge, and know that at HCC, we will be your unwavering champions every step of the way.”
Dr. Perez and Dr. Durnovo extend heartfelt gratitude and recognition to the dedicated faculty members who wholeheartedly participated in Inventathon@HCC and provided invaluable mentorship to our students. Your commitment and expertise have significantly enriched this event, fostering innovation, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration among our students. Special thanks to Janet Sanders from Biology, Mia Taylor from Business Technology, Sujit Mondol from Chemistry, G Brown from Computer Science, Richard Gosselin from Economics, Jeff Stear, June Keller, Juurong Hsieh, and Mehmet Argin from Engineering, Peter Abanda from Geology, Albert Urbina and Roland Fields from Manufacturing, Cyril Anoka from Natural Science, Kumela Tafa and Oara Neumann from Physics, Dr. Nauseen Pasha from Psychology, Danielle Stagg and James Duvall from Speech and Communication, Anjana Pandey and Sonya Scott-King from Student Success, and Ngoc Thu Dinh from the Supplemental Instruction Service. Your guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping our students' innovative spirit and success, making this event a resounding triumph. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to student success at HCC.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of these HCC student teams and their inspiring journey to the top of the NASA MITTIC Challenge in Fall 2023.