Articles
HCC students shine bright in innovation competitions
Dec 5, 2023
Houston Community College (HCC) students recently showcased their innovation prowess and collaborative spirit in various competitions, leaving an indelible mark in the realms of technology, entrepreneurship, and academia.
Participants from different disciplines poured their dedication and creativity into projects showcased at NASA's MITTIC Program and HCC's Inventathon, garnering accolades, experiences and invaluable connections.
The students' endeavors were met with enthusiastic feedback, acknowledging the pivotal role of their mentors and the diverse learning opportunities presented by these competitions.
Avwerosuoghene Etaghene, a Computer Science major and member of the "Artic Flow" team, expressed gratitude for the guidance provided by mentors Dr. Sujit Mondal and Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt. Etaghene highlighted the thrill of visiting the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at NASA and relished the recognition received for their hard work.
For Precious Shedrack, aiming for a career in neurosurgery, Dr. Pasha stood as an invaluable support system. Shedrack's team, "Sound Solution," clinched recognition at NASA MITTIC, fostering aspirations to launch their innovation into the market.
The sentiments echoed by Sara Blaghi, Hassan Khan, Emily Uzner, Okechukwu Odocha, Geoffrey Scott Dolive II, Marco O'Malley and Dylan Thach mirrored the commitment to excellence and the transformative impact of these programs. Blaghi hailed Dr. Mondal's passion, while Khan lauded the dedication of mentors like Dr. Mondal and Dr. Brahmbhatt. Uzner acknowledged the exposure to Houston's innovation community and networking opportunities.
From successes at the Inventathon to the exhilarating experience of being NASA MITTIC finalists, these students encountered challenges that forged their resilience and honed their skills. Balancing academic pressures, navigating social dynamics and managing time were among the hurdles triumphed over with determination and support.
Their collective vision for the future encompasses aspirations in diverse fields—ranging from medical careers and entrepreneurship to engineering and venture capitalism. These experiences not only enriched their academic journey but also instilled the importance of teamwork, adaptability and perseverance.
Their dedication to innovation, coupled with the supportive ecosystem fostered by HCC, showcases the college's commitment to nurturing future leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship. As these students move forward, they carry with them the pride of their achievements, the lessons learned, and the networks they have built—a testament to their potential to shape tomorrow's landscape.
The journey of these HCC students through these competitions exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration, mentorship and resilience—an inspiration for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs within and beyond the college's corridors.