On Friday, Nov. 21, 42 students participated in the STEM Tank Season 8 competition at Central Campus — and they all did a great job. Students built critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills through research and professional development workshops. 

What happened: 

• Competitors presented research proposals addressing problems on campus or in the community. 

Top projects: 

• First place: 
  • Project: Open Space App — a parking spot availability monitoring system on Central Campus 
  • Students: Julian Salmon, Precious Bikusa, Noah Ellenbogen, Uyen Le 
  • Research mentor: Dr. Hisham Abdel-Aal 
• Second place: 
  • Project: D.A.V.E. — an interactive kiosk that provides real-time directions, updates, and campus activity information 
  • Students: Dennisse Farias, Amaiya Lipscomb, Abenezer Tesfaye, Bawi Thawng, Tendaishe Marcus Mhonda 
  • Research mentor: Mr. Quillie Hunt 
• Third place: 
  • Project: Glow Go — a motion-activated crosswalk system that lights up instantly to alert drivers and protect pedestrians 
  • Students: Jhazia Flood, Paul Josue Acka Diama, Meyer Miller, Hoomon Nikoei, Yasmin Pena 
  • Research mentor: Dr. Heather Song