Alabama A&M University students put innovation and collaboration to the test during the inaugural Physics (PHY) 214 Shark Tank Capstone Challenge, the first competition of its kind for the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Designed and led by Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Quianna S. Johnson, the event challenged students to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world design problem – transforming the components of a rechargeable power bank into a fully functional and marketable product.

Working in teams, students were responsible for building and testing their devices, developing a brand identity and presenting a two-minute marketing pitch before a panel of faculty and professional judges in a format inspired by the television show “Shark Tank.” The competition also required students to produce an engineer’s technical report, integrating scientific reasoning and quantitative data into their project presentation.

Johnson, an Alabama A&M alumna who earned degrees in chemistry and physics before completing her doctorate in applied physics, said the idea for the competition came from a desire to connect theoretical physics with practical engineering applications.

“I wanted students to see how abstract concepts like electromotive force and current apply to real-world technology,” she said. “This project pushed them to innovate, collaborate and communicate like true STEM professionals.”

After two weeks of preparation, students presented their prototypes before a distinguished panel of judges who evaluated each project based on design, functionality, innovation and market potential. Along with Johnson, the judging panel inluded Dr. Padmaja Guggilla, professor of physics and chair of the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; Dr. Matthew Edwards, professor of physics; Dr. Jonathan Lassiter, research associate and co-principal investigator in the Partnership for Radiation Studies (PaRS) Consortium; Dr. Jonathan Bibb, Missile Defense Agency lead for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs; Dr. Zhengtao Deng, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences; Dr. Chance Glenn, professor of electrical engineering and computer science; and Dr. Satilmis Budak, professor of electrical engineering and computer science. After conferring, the judges selected the winning teams.

First Place – The Dielectric Rangers
Prototype: Wattup!

· Breunna Carter, junior chemistry major, Birmingham, Alabama
· Madison Sturdivant, sophomore civil engineering major, York, Alabama
· Brandon Ramadan, senior computer science major, Mobile, Alabama
· Terrion Fields, senior computer science major, Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Second Place – Moebius
Prototype: The Moebius Power Bank

· Quincy Andrews, sophomore mechanical engineering major, Columbus, Ohio
· Jamari McIlwain, sophomore mechanical engineering major, Washington, D.C.
· Cameron Dunson, junior biology major, LaGrange, Georgia
· Yamiri Mants, junior computer science major, White Hall, Alabama
· DLonni Wright, sophomore mechanical engineering major, Meridianville, Alabama

Third Place – The Dream Team
Prototype: The Power Bankanator

· Nina Mungo, sophomore mechanical engineering major, Doral, Florida
· Nila Dulcio, junior biology major, Sugar Hill, Georgia
· Cameron Brown, senior biology major, Selma, Alabama
· Janiah Dixon, sophomore civil engineering major, Huntsville, Alabama
· Malachi Jones, sophomore electrical engineering major, Harvest, Alabama
· Trayton Berger, sophomore civil engineering major, Madison, Alabama

Each member of the top three teams received a gold, silver or bronze science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) medal for their achievement because their projects encompassed all of those areas.

Johnson said the experience offered students an alternative to the traditional final exam, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of topics such as electric fields and circuits through a hands-on design process that developed teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and other skills essential for future careers.

“This type of project not only reinforces scientific understanding but also builds the soft skills that employers value most – teamwork, leadership and effective communication,” she said. “Our students left this experience not just as learners, but as innovators ready to lead in STEM fields.”