MVCTC Students Showcased Innovation at NASA HUNCH Presentations
Englewood, OH—High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) was an innovative school-based program that partnered NASA Centers with schools (elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary) nationwide. The partnership involved students prototyping real-world products for NASA and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Students applied their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills while learning to work in teams and think creatively.
On Friday, February 21, 2025, Kettering and Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) students showcased their prototypes to NASA program managers and judges in the Critical Design Review, the final step in this months-long activity. These projects were evaluated against other projects across the nation, and NASA planned to select the top 3-5 in each category to showcase their projects and turn over their prototypes in Houston in April.
Under the leadership of instructor Melissa Goodall, MVCTC students from the Computer Coding & Web Applications program presented their innovative prototypes to representatives from NASA, Sinclair College, and distinguished guests.
The event featured impressive student-led projects designed to support NASA’s mission and solve real-world aerospace challenges. Attendees provided valuable feedback and suggestions to enhance students' designs, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on hands-on, industry-relevant learning experiences.
Notable attendees included Sinclair Community College professors David McCain and Kenneth Clark, John Ciprian, Michael E. Woytek, and Dr. Martin English from the Ohio Academy of Science, as well as MVCTC administrators. Their expertise and mentorship further enriched the experience for students, who demonstrated their creativity and technical skills in tackling complex engineering and coding challenges.
Ohio Representative Rodney Creech also engaged with students, encouraging them and offering insights into their projects. His presence highlighted the importance of STEM education and workforce development initiatives that prepare students for in-demand careers.
MVCTC had a team represented in the top 3 every year they participated in this event (past seven years) and had past graduates selected as interns for NASA on various projects. The school was honored to participate in NASA HUNCH, providing students with unique, real-world learning opportunities that bridged the gap between education and industry. Special thanks went to NASA representatives Nancy Rabel Hall and Cody Farinacci for their ongoing mentorship and support of this impactful program.
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