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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.

Students: 

ArcticFlow Cooler Team – Finalist 

  • Avwerosuoghene Etaghene (AV): Majoring in Computer Science, set to graduate in 2024, aspiring to transfer to a 4-year institution and pursue a career in aerospace engineering. 

  • Sara Blaghi: Currently pursuing A.S. General, aiming for a career as an aerospace engineer post-graduation in 2025. 

  • Hassan Khan: Pre-Med/Biology major looking to graduate in 2024, with goals to attend medical school and venture into the evolving medical field. 

  • Emily Uzner: Business major anticipating graduation in 2024, aspiring to transfer to a 4-year university, start working, earn an MBA, and eventually pursue a PhD to teach at a university. 

  • Marco O'Malley: Studying Finance, set to graduate in 2025, aspiring to delve into Venture Capital and establish a lasting impact through entrepreneurship. 

  • Dylan Thach: Pursuing Mechanical Engineering with an expected graduation year of 2026, aspiring to become a mechanical engineer in aerospace or medical industries. 

Sound Solution Team – Finalist & 2nd Place Winner ($10,000!) 

  • Precious Shedrack: Pre-Med major expecting to graduate in 2025, aspiring to transfer to a university for a Bachelor's degree and become a Neurosurgeon while launching their project, Sound Solution. 

  • Okechukwu Odocha: Computer Science major set to graduate in 2025, contemplating a career in cybersecurity or software development. 

  • Geoffrey Scott Dolive II: Studying Physics and set to graduate in 2025, eyeing a career involving research, potentially working for NASA or in a research capacity. 

  • Zeus: Majoring in Computer Science with an expected graduation year of 2025, interested in the development of AI and intrigued by potential internships. 

  • Hudson Richard Deci: Business major aiming to graduate in 2027, contemplating pursuing the presented product from MITTIC while considering roles in Human Resources or Finance Management. 

  • Teresa Maguadog: Biology major set to graduate in 2025, planning to transfer to a university for further studies in healthcare, potentially aiming for anesthesiologist assistant school or PA school. 

Faculty:  

ArcticFlow Cooler Team's Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sujit Mondal 

Dr. Mondal, hailed as "amazing" by Avwerosuoghene (AV) Etaghene, has been an instrumental guiding force for the ArcticFlow Cooler team. His dedication and tireless commitment, as described by Hassan Khan, went beyond expectations, spending valuable time even during late hours to ensure the team's success. Sara Blaghi mentioned Dr. Mondal's passion and unwavering support, highlighting his role in aligning the team towards success. Emily Uzner appreciated Dr. Mondal's insightfulness and unwavering support throughout the project's development. Marco O'Malley praised Dr. Mondal's phenomenal support that extended beyond necessities, showcasing dedication that significantly contributed to the team's achievements. Dylan Thach echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Dr. Mondal's indispensable role as an amazing PI, pivotal to their success. Dr. Mondal's commitment and guidance played a pivotal role in shaping the team's journey and accomplishments. 

Sound Solution Team's Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nausheen Pasha 

Dr. Pasha, hailed as the backbone of Sound Solution, was described by Precious Shedrack as the best mentor the team could have asked for. Teresa Maguadog emphasized Dr. Pasha's encouragement and understanding at every step, through highs and lows. Okechukwu Odocha appreciated Dr. Pasha's constant availability and support, always ready to assist with MITTIC-related matters. Geoffrey Scott Dolive II mentioned Dr. Pasha's wonderful support, marking her instrumental in their journey. Hudson Richard Deci highlighted Dr. Pasha's relentless effort in pushing the team beyond what they deemed possible, shaping their success. Dr. Pasha's dedication, mentorship, and ability to navigate through challenges were pivotal in fostering the Sound Solution team's growth and achievements. 

Staff: 

ArcticFlow Cooler Team's Industry Mentor: Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt 

Ravi Brahmbhatt's mentorship was instrumental for the ArcticFlow Cooler team's success. Sara, Hassan, Emily, Marco, and Dylan all praised Ravi's supportive, straightforward guidance, which refined their pitches, connected them with mentors, and kept them informed about MITTIC, proving invaluable in their competition journey. 

Sound Solution Team's Industry Mentor: Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt 

Ravi Brahmbhatt made a significant impact on the Sound Solution team. Precious, Okechukwu, Teresa, Geoffrey, and Hudson credited Ravi with inspiring talks, valuable information about MITTIC, and efforts that facilitated their participation, contributing significantly to their journey and eventual success. 

Till next semester, see you in 2024!!

 

Inventathon@HCC Fall 2023 TEAMS:

1. Power Pulse/Metal Oxide-Polyaniline Hybrid Supercapacitors:

In the heart of Houston Community College, a dynamic team named Power Pulse is rewriting the narrative of energy storage. Led by the determined Raghad Al-gharrawi and her brilliant teammates Jonah and Tulin, they've crafted a masterpiece — the Metal Oxide-Polyaniline Hybrid Supercapacitors. Picture this: clean, abundant energy wrapped in a sustainable package. With Power Pulse, reducing your carbon footprint is as easy as a flick of a switch.
Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/XdLa_wxwmns

2. The Nivalis Cooler:

Meanwhile, across the campus, Avwerosuoghene Etaghene and the innovative minds of The Nivalis Cooler are revolutionizing how we keep things cool. Sara, Hassan, Marco, and O'Malley are part of this cool team. Not just any cooler, The Nivalis Cooler ensures things stay chilled while prioritizing sustainability and saving lives. It's a cooler with a heart, beating for a greener world.
Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/H5bO-kguuGM?si=OL7TwYVG3D1DFRx0

3. ICC;QiMed At-home Reusable Diagnosis Handset:

Ethan Jeng, the young visionary from George Ranch and his brilliant companions Sebastian, Salem, and Christine, unveiled a game-changer — the ICC;QiMed At-home Reusable Diagnosis Handset. Imagine having the power of healthcare diagnostics at your fingertips, at any time and place. With this innovative creation, they're transforming healthcare into a convenient and accessible experience.

Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/Zlp17helbi4?si=c9vH5JeCEM_xJmw-

4. QD Solar - Powering Tomorrow, Seamlessly and Sustainably:

From diverse backgrounds, Zayna, Grace, Kathleen, and Pablo have joined forces to power tomorrow with their brainchild, QD Solar. Seamlessly and sustainably, they're harnessing the immense potential of solar energy. Their innovation promises a future where clean power is abundant and easily accessible, leaving behind a cleaner and greener planet.

Watch their Pitch here: https://vimeo.com/874543704?share=copy#t=0

5. LAMBS- Advanced Supercritical Water Oxidation Reactor:

In the realm of waste water treatment, the LAMBS team led by Dione Ebong and supported by Abel, Fuhnjem, Sharon, and Beatrice, is engineering a revolution. Their brainchild, the LAMBS- Advanced Supercritical Water Oxidation Reactor, is changing the game. Creating a greener footprint is revolutionizing waste water treatment and making waves in environmental sustainability.

Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/DU35gfvD8Es

6. Aerwise - Making Air Quality Easier to Understand:

Meet the heroes of fresh air — Judith, Hau, Gayathri, Prasad, and Kibru from Aerwise. Their mission is to demystify air quality for everyone. Through their brainchild, they're ensuring that understanding air quality is as easy as breathing. With this project, they're empowering individuals to make informed decisions for healthier and better lives.
Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/X3t3zojB0wQ?si=QcTsyfyp8kEuelwy

7. Sound Solution - Personalized Audio Experience:

In the sonic world, Teresa, Precious, Geo, and Hudson from Sound Solution orchestrate a symphony of personalized sound experiences. Imagine having control over your auditory universe — that's what Sound Solution offers. With their innovative technology, users can tailor noise suppression and amplification, crafting a world of sound that fits them perfectly.

Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/k_qLEMaAXqM

8. iRisk - Test, Don't Guess:

In the realm of accurate testing, Eboni, Mel Ryan, Orzu, and Haven from iRisk are leading the charge. Their battle cry is simple but profound: "Test, Don't Guess." They are pioneering reliable and efficient testing solutions, ensuring precision and accuracy. Their vision aims to revolutionize how we approach testing, bringing a new era of certainty and confidence.

Watch their Pitch here: https://youtu.be/wq_vYAE5nIM?si=qjujnOhsWa8J_Bp7

"With these eight exceptional teams and their visionary ideas, the future shines brighter. Each project holds the promise of a better, more sustainable world. Together, they're steering innovation and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of progress." - Ravi Brahmbhatt, HCC Director of Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

"The Inventathon@HCC has indeed birthed the seeds of a better tomorrow, and these young minds are leading the way." - Jeff Grant, Board Chairman, Space Science Foundation.

 

Welcome to Inventathon@HCC - NASA MITTIC Challenge!

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey of innovation and creativity? Inventathon@HCC, in collaboration with NASA, invites you to join an exhilarating hackathon experience like no other. This is your chance to explore the depths of space technology and its potential to drive Earth's Sustainability.

For Students:
Unleash your creativity and ingenuity as you form teams of 3-6 like-minded individuals or embark on this adventure solo. As a student participant, you'll delve into a fast-paced 16-hour hackathon with the unique opportunity to develop groundbreaking solutions. Dive into coding robotics, or unleash your creative genius to make something the world has never seen. The NASA MITTIC Challenge offers a chance to utilize NASA intellectual property, giving your project a stellar edge.

For Faculty:
Mentorship plays a vital role in the growth and success of our participants. You can guide and inspire the next generation of innovators as a faculty member. Your experience and expertise are invaluable in helping teams navigate challenges, refine their ideas, and present their solutions to the world. Join us in this exciting journey of mentorship and witness the incredible answers that emerge.

For Industry Mentors:
Join us in shaping the future of innovation. Become a mentor and share your knowledge and experience with bright, eager minds. Your guidance and insights will empower teams to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop solutions that can make a significant impact. As a mentor, you'll nurture innovation and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.

At Inventathon@HCC, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment that encourages diversity of thought and collaboration. We aim to address global challenges and work towards a sustainable future.

Join us for a weekend of learning to create and a chance to win fantastic cash prizes. Let's come together to reimagine the future with space technology and Earth Sustainability at the heart of our vision.

Take advantage of this exciting adventure. Register now and be a part of something extraordinary!
 

SO STUDENTS, FACULTY, INDUSTRY MENTORS: 

First, to get involved in this program, please select the "REGISTER" button above or the link below, indicate whether you are a student, faculty, or industry partner/member, and choose the options for the upcoming events and programs, in-person or virtually.

....Click here to Register...

Upcoming events & programs

1. Orientation Session:

  • COMPLETED: 9/8 - HCC West Loop Campus - Auditorium & Virtual - 12 pm to 1 pm*
    (WATCH THE RECORDING:
    • )

Then, please choose whether you will participate in the Group Mentoring Match Making Session with Business mentors in person or virtually:

2. Group Mentoring Session/Mentor Match Making:

  • 9/29 - VIRTUALLY - 12 pm to 4 pm  (WebEx with Breakout sessions, please download WebEx App before joining)  - (Recording of the event sent to students in attendance only - 56 students and faculty combined participated!)

Then, please choose whether you will participate in the Inventathon@HCC - Hackathon Program in person:

3. Inventathon@HCC - Hackathon Program: (KEY EVENT!)

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023: (10 am to 5 pm) - HCC Stafford Campus (Lobby of Advanced Manufacturing Building)  Moved to SCARCELLA BUILDING in Auditorium W102!!
    • Check-in at 9:30 am
      Registration and welcome by Director Ravi Brahmbhatt at 9:30 am
    • Keynote on Innovation & Space at 10 am by Jeff Grant (Chairman of Board, Space Foundation)
    • Presentation on Solar Eclipse at 11:30 am by by Dr. Kumela Tafa (Houston Community College)
    • Effective Communications Presentations at 1 p.m. by James Duvall (Speech and Communications) 
    • Mentoring with Business & Professional Mentors (1 pm to 4 pm)
    • Faculty and Student Team Building Exercise (4 pm to 5 pm) 
    • Pizza Lunch will be provided (1 pm to 2 pm)

SEE PHOTOS FROM DAY 1 EVENT: https://photos.app.goo.gl/j4mddGumkkcpSRPG6 and Keynote Recording: https://youtu.be/eOtCFaU5n8Q

 

  • Sunday, October 15, 2023: (10 am to 4 pm) - HCC West Loop Campus - Auditorium
    • Check-in at 9:30 am
    • Submission Guidelines and Rules by Director Ravi Brahmbhatt at 10 am
    • Final Presentations due by 11 am CST! in the Devpost system!
    • TOP 9 to be announced at 1 pm
    • 12:30 pm: Houston Startup Resources by Willy Verbrugghe (World Chamber of Commerce)
    • 1 pm to 3 pm - JUDGING for TOP 7 Projects
    • 3 pm to 4 pm - Awards and Submissions
    • Pizza Lunch will be provided (12 pm to 1 pm)

​​​​​​IMPORTANT: ALL PROJECTS DUE ON DEVPOST: https://inventathon-hcc-space.devpost.com before 11 a.m. CST on October 15th!

Submission Link: https://inventathon-hcc-space.devpost.com/


See past Inventathon Videos (FA2019, SP2019, 2018, 2017, 2016) - please note the themes that change each hackathon and the challenges.

* Virtual/Hybrid sign-up is available as well.

Lastly, all top-scoring teams from our HCC Local Round (winning teams of Inventathon@HCC) can apply to the MITTIC Challenge by October 16th (Fall 2023) or by March 13, 2024 (Spring 2024) deadline!!

Note: Teams must have at least one (1) faculty mentor and between three (3) and six (6) student members)  to submit to MITTIC Challenge.  Students from multiple colleges/universities can apply as well. International students can participate (but may not be more than 50% of team makeup) 

Download Flyer Link: Inventathon2023.pdf

Learn more about the MITTIC Challenge here below: NASA MITTIC Digital Flyer FY24.pdf

 

Inventathon@HCC is organized in collaboration by HCC Entrepreneurial Initiatives, Engineering, SW Honors College, the Engineering Technology and Innovation Student Club at HCC, & HCC Instructional Services. 

Venue location, room numbers, virtual session link, and/or session timings are subject to change.  All registered participants will be notified of changes via email & on the event page.
Please register your email and text-enabled phone number to stay informed of any changes.

 

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