Albany State takes first place in NASA University Design Challenge
ALBANY – Albany State University computer science students claimed first place in the recent NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) University Design Challenge. The award was announced at NASA Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
The ASU team, comprising Shamar Swift, Valeria Mendez Bonilla, Ky’uan Wright and Anthony Strachan, demonstrated tireless skill and dedication throughout the grueling six-month competition. The team was supported by Robert Owor, ASU professor of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, and Data Report Analyst Amiralca Johnson.
The NASA University Design Challenge is a competitive event that encourages students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems. This year's challenge tasked teams with designing a rocket engine capable of cooling itself using sound waves, a groundbreaking concept aimed at enhancing rocket performance. The primary goal was to reduce the time of flight to Mars from the current six months to six weeks.
The Glenn NASA Research Center, known for its cutting-edge research and development in aeronautics and space exploration, provided an ideal platform for students to push the boundaries of current technology. The center's expertise and resources were instrumental in guiding the students through the complexities of the challenge. Roy Bush, Jeretha Nixon and Rogers Dyson of NASA guided the ASU team throughout its research.
The ASU achievement showcases the institution's commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in its students, university officials said in a news release. The victory is also a significant milestone for the students involved, marking the beginning of what promises to impact their professional careers.
