Virginia State University Students Win First Place In National Engineering Competition

Virginia State University Students Win First Place In National Engineering Competition

The VSU team developed an innovative AI-powered solution that helps small-scale farmers analyze soil conditions and maximize crop yields.

Virginia State University is proud to recognize a team of five students from the VSU S for winning first place in the 8th Annual Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) Design Challenge. The competition, held during the 39th Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) STEM Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, brought together 13 teams of top HBCU engineering students to develop technology-driven solutions for real-world challenges.

"This achievement is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication," said Dr. Joseph Shelton, Associate Professor in Computer Science, one of the faculty members who guided and mentored the team. "Their ability to apply emerging technologies to real-world challenges demonstrates their potential as future innovators and problem-solvers."

The VSU team consisting of computer science and computer engineering majors Julian Ramirez-Simon, Carlia Elvies, Amar Butcher, Atilia Thomas, and Favour Adesoye (pictured above from left to right), earned top honors for their project titled "G-Mo" (Grow-More).

Together, they designed an innovative system that integrates embedded sensors, machine learning, digital twin technology, and AI to help small-scale farmers analyze soil conditions and maximize crop yields. By collecting real-time data on moisture, temperature, and humidity, the system uses AI to generate insights, while a digital twin app simulates farm conditions and provides data-driven recommendations.

During a five-minute presentation, the team showed a compelling video of their technology in action, effectively explaining its impact on agricultural efficiency. The students confidently addressed questions from judges, showcasing their technical expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Their victory is a historic first for VSU, surpassing its previous best finish of third place in the competition's nine-year history.

In recognition of their hard work and success, the team and the College of Engineering and Technology will receive a cash prize to further develop their project, with potential funding to support commercialization. Additionally, they have been invited to present their work at Prairie View A&M University during the AMIE Annual Conference in September, where they will engage with industry leaders, researchers, and potential investors.

This achievement exemplifies the University's commitment to academic excellence and innovation. VSU is extremely proud of these students for their hard work and dedication to advancing technology that makes a real-world impact.