PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (September 28, 2023) —In the world of academia, fostering creativity and innovation is paramount, and the Panthers Invent competition has been at the forefront of achieving this goal. The Division of Research & Innovation and the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering , in collaboration with Texas A&M University System National Laboratories, hosted the Panthers Invent student competition from September 22 to 24, 2023, and it proved to be a remarkable success.
“Panthers Invent is an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and skills while engaging in multidisciplinary learning with mentors sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories. One of the many highlights is witnessing students come together within a 48-hour period to create and produce something amazing—something they didn’t know they were capable of before. They learned to believe in themselves and work through adversity,” said Seaborn Carter, Adjunct Professor and Student Services Coordinator in the College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University.
This competition transcends disciplinary boundaries, bringing together both graduate and undergraduate students to collaboratively address real-world challenges.
“As Panthers Invent continues to evolve, it stands as a shining example of how universities can nurture the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. This competition goes beyond the pursuit of victory; it’s a dedicated effort to cultivate a culture of innovation that promises to benefit society for generations to come. Panthers Invent 23 transcended mere competition; it was a jubilation of creativity and a testament to the promising future awaiting its participants and the impactful solutions they are poised to create,” expressed PVAMU Vice President of Research & Innovation, Dr. Magesh Rajan, who holds a Ph.D., P.E., and MBA.
An Interdisciplinary Affair
Panthers Invent thrives on diversity and inclusivity. Panthers Invent united a cohort of over forty talented students from various disciplines and classifications. These aspiring innovators formed five teams, each determined to devise the most innovative solutions to real-world needs. The event is more than a mere competition; it’s a platform for forging new connections, nurturing teamwork, and acquiring valuable experiences that can be applied across different industries.
State-of-the-Art Resources
One of the distinguishing features of Panthers Invent 23 was its location—the School of Architecture Fabrication Design Center. Here, students had access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools, providing them with a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to life. Under the guidance Abel Simie, the Fabrication Center Manager, participants were able to fabricate prototypes of their solutions. The live demonstrations during the final presentations showcased their creativity and the practicality of their innovations, adding an element of excitement to the competition.
Sponsorship by Sandia National Laboratories
The success of Panthers Invent is not only due to the enthusiasm of the participants but also the support of esteemed organizations. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) played a pivotal role as the sponsor. SNL, renowned for its cutting-edge research and development, provided the needs statements that served as the foundation for the competition.
“Sandia National Laboratories’ sponsorship of Panthers Invent exemplifies their unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and forging invaluable partnerships. Through their visionary support, Sandia empowers PVAMU to pioneer solutions that not only redefine the boundaries of technology but also enrich the future of our society. Together, they are the architects of progress, illuminating the path to a brighter tomorrow said,” Mark Martin, Sandia National Laboratories and PVAMU Alumnus.
What set this sponsorship apart was the active involvement of SNL’s top engineers and mentors, who collaborated closely with the student teams. This partnership offered the students a unique opportunity to gain insights and mentorship from some of the brightest minds in the field.
Recognizing Excellence
The essence of every competition is rooted in acknowledgment and gratification, and in collaboration with the Texas A&M University System, the finale of Panthers Invent 23 was marked by the generous presentation of cash prizes to the top three teams. The first-place team received $1,000, the second-place team earned $750, and the third-place team was awarded $500. These monetary incentives not only expressed gratitude but also underscored the students’ unwavering commitment and inventive prowess.
The awardees are as follows:
1st Place: Space Jam
First Place: SPACE JAM, Mentor: Victoria Miles
- Kaleb Crawford, Mechanical Engineering
- Chelsea Guidry, Mechanical Engineering
- Donald Okonkwo, Mechanical Engineering
- Kendall Seveor, Chemical Engineering
- Trinity Wiley, Civil Engineering
Second Place: BLOCK 5, Mentor: David Baker
- Jason Batiste, Jr., Computer Science
- Kara Daveron, Mechanical Engineering
Second Place: Block 5
- Isaiah Hayes, Mechanical Engineering
- Elijah James, Computer Science
- Josiah Moore, Computer Science
Third Place: FAN-XR, Mentor: David Baker
- Adrian Aker, Mechanical Engineering
- Ford Blunt, Mechanical Engineering
- Noah Crew, Mechanical Engineering
- Rorick McCoy, Mechanical Engineering
- X’Zavion Sanchious, Mechanical Engineering
Third place: Fan-XR
“When I first heard about Panthers Invent, I thought it would be nearly impossible to create something in 48 hours. However, once we formed our teams and put our minds together, it slowly became possible. What made the whole experience great for me is that even if my team didn’t win, we still achieved success in other areas, such as working together as a team, engaging in discussions, and presenting our inventions. The competition provided an invaluable experience,” said Donald Okonkwo, a member of the winning team.
Panthers Invent exemplified the power of collaboration, innovation, and mentorship. By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and providing them with top-tier resources, the competition allowed participants to push the boundaries of their creativity and create solutions with real-world impact. The involvement of Sandia National Laboratories added an extra layer of prestige, further emphasizing the importance of bridging academia and industry.
By Joe McGinty