Two of Shaker High School’s Engineering Teams have been named State Finalists in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition and each team will receive a $2,500 prize package. Senior teams of Azhaar Zamani and Nick Vona and Gianna Greco and David Musser are among ten finalists from New York State that will compete for a New York State Championship. The remaining teams have been asked to produce an “action plan” by January 9, 2025. From there, a NYS champion will be announced and that team will win $12,000 in prizes.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition designed to empower students in grades 6-12 to unleash the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities. The competition empowers public middle and high school students to catalyze change by applying Problem-based Learning (PBL) principles, environmental stewardship, and social impact entrepreneurship to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Azhaar Zamani and Nick Vona are developing an Adaptive Hydration Patch that is a wearable device that uses transdermal delivery technology to help people manage hydration and body temperature. By directly delivering essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium through the skin, the patch provides a sophisticated approach to monitoring personal health in hot environments. Connected to a smartphone app, the device tracks key physiological metrics such as body temperature, hydration status, and electrolyte balance in real-time, offering instant alerts if levels become concerning. The patch is particularly beneficial for athletes, outdoor workers, and individuals exposed to high temperatures. Its advanced design incorporates sensors and a nutrient delivery system that can provide customized electrolyte combinations, offering a proactive method to prevent heat-related illnesses. Unlike traditional hydration methods, this technology provides continuous, hands-free monitoring that helps users understand and respond to their body’s needs before heat stress becomes dangerous.
Gianna Greco and David Musser are developing a daylight-harmonized LED light system designed to alleviate the effects of sleep deprivation in educational environments. The system features an LED light strip between an aluminum back plate and a translucent cover, dispersing light to mimic natural sunlight. The strip uses SMD chips with a luminosity of 5000-7000k, further replicating natural daylight. An Arduino board will control the light panel, adjusting brightness based on the specific sunrise and sunset times at its particular location. As the sun rises, the LEDs will illuminate at full brightness, gradually dimming throughout the day to align with the user’s circadian rhythm -the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep. The panel will be powered by removable batteries, which can be recharged when class is not in session. This system addresses teenagers struggling with daytime tiredness caused by poor sleep schedules that disrupt their circadian rhythm. By reducing symptoms of sleep inertia, such as drowsiness and mental fog, the LED systems aim to improve students’ mood, attentiveness, and overall ability to learn effectively in school.
