Past STEM Challenges

This solution proposes designing rockets with a carbon capture system integrated into a modified flame trench. This system incorporates both filtration and storage components, positioned beneath the rocket to effectively capture and store exhaust gases.

OlivAir is a compact, one-foot cube designed to passively capture carbon dioxide from the air. It requires no power and only uses recycled materials, sunlight, and earth minerals to remove carbon dioxide from the air.

This solution proposes a bus stop equipped with a mist sprayer, fan and solar panel to reduce the prevalence of heat-related illness. These bus stops would be placed in areas where they would have the largest impact, including vulnerable, low-income areas and hospitals.

This solution proposes a pavilion-like structure called, "Casita Fresca." This building would provide cooling, shade, and water to people in need, specifically field workers. The building is primarily made from recycled materials and harvests rainwater for a solar-powered mister.

This solution proposes a portable, multi-stage water filter that could be distributed to prevent the spread of diseases. The portable filtration system offers a sustainable and accessible solution to provide safe drinking water to communities impacted by climate change.

THE MANTA is a hydrodynamic, semi-autonomous underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) designed to support coral reef restoration efforts. Equipped with precision thrusters, high-intensity lighting, and an articulating robotic claw, the MANTA can plant coral fragments, remove invasive algae, and monitor reef health with minimal human intervention.

This solution proposes a temporary, controlled underwater sanctuary that regulates temperature and pH, physically protects corals, mimics natural reef structures, and can be removed and added back as needed.

This solution proposes the use of a vibrocoring machine to use controlled vibrations instead of invasive drilling to extract fossils from sediment, mitigating risk to the fossil while reducing the impact on the local rock layers and environment.

This solution proposes a filtration system for major cities and waterways that helps remove pollutants from water before the water reaches the ocean.

This solution proposes using Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to remove carbon dioxide from the air. It utilizes square-shaped ventilation towers that use solar energy to power fans that draw ambient air through sorbent filters that chemically bind carbon dioxide.

This solution proposes using an "Air Pollution Fan" made of bioplastic to draw air through a filter. This fan is designed for outdoor use in areas that experience high levels of air pollution. For example, the fan could be placed near factories, rest areas, or shelters.

• Carmen Alex, Prescott College
• Vladimir Baldelomar, Ph.D., Palm Beach School District
• Maya Bhalla-Ladd, Aspen Institute's Energy and Environment Program
• Marisol Capellan, Ed.D., The Capellan Institute
• Katy Cummings, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Alexandra Fine, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Alex Harris, Miami Herald
• Robin Harrison, M.D. University of Miami
• Young Gu Her, Ph.D., University of Florida
• Daniel Jones, Miami-Dade Public Library System
• Dan Large, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
• Ximena Lugo, Spearmint Energy
• Alexa Pavan, Conscious Content Clips and Friends of Our Florida Reefs
• Krizia Polanco, Miami EdTech
• Steven Pomerantz, Ed.D., Broward County Public Schools
• Wajida Qureshi, Miami Community Charter Schools
• Tej Rana, Highway Studio and Florida Engineering Society
• Maikel Right, Florida International University
• Tom Sargent, Ph.D., Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center
• Ned Robert Sauthoff, Ph.D., Princeton University (Retired) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Retired)
• Ankita Saxena, M.D., University of Miami
• Steve Sterling, Hologram Solutions & Technologies
• Ben Swaringen, Ph.D., Cornwell Engineering Group, Inc.
• Julia Wester, Ph.D., Miami Waterkeeper
• Cary Woodruff, Ph.D., Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science