FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Orleans, LA – STEM NOLA is proud to announce that six students from our STEM Fellows program have been selected to advance in the prestigious 2025 National STEM Challenge presented by EXPLR. This incredible achievement is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and innovation fostered by STEM NOLA, which continues to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders. These six exceptional students—representing a diverse range of disciplines and solutions—are now one step closer to showcasing their groundbreaking projects at the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C.
The Six STEM Fellows Advancing to the National STEM Festival:
- Alongkorn Lafargue– 9th Grade, Benjamin Franklin High School
Project: PureFlow
Alongkorn’s PureFlow is a cutting-edge desalination system that provides an affordable, energy-efficient solution for homes affected by saltwater intrusion. By utilizing renewable energy sources like solar power, this system not only filters salt from water but also generates income through the sale of salt, making it a sustainable solution for homeowners near water bodies impacted by rising sea levels. - Fatemah Hamed– 11th Grade, Jefferson Rise Charter School
Project: Qawana
Fatemah’s Qawana is an innovative smart cartilage replacement device designed to treat osteoarthritis. By mimicking natural cartilage and continuously monitoring joint health through sensors, the device provides real-time data on joint pressure, movement, and inflammation. This technology promises to improve pain management and mobility for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. - Larry Jackson Jr.– 10th Grade, Archbishop Shaw High School
Project: Clearview: Air/Water Drone
Larry’s Clearview is a revolutionary environmental monitoring tool that detects pollutants in real-time, both in the air and water. Equipped with multispectral sensors, the drone identifies microplastics, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds, providing valuable data to environmental organizations, researchers, and communities for better pollution management. - Brian Swinney Jr. – 11th Grade, New Orleans Science and Math High School
Project: Hollow-Vision
Brian’s project, Hollow-Vision, is an innovative solution designed to help dementia patients manage anxiety and emotional distress. Using smart Bluetooth glasses, the device projects calming holographic memories when stress triggers are detected. This non-invasive, personalized approach offers a breakthrough in dementia care, improving the emotional well-being of patients and their caregivers. - Takara Powell– 12th Grade, Eleanor Mcmain High School
Project: iFood SmartScan
Takara’s iFood SmartScan empowers individuals to make healthier, more informed dietary choices. This food scanner provides real-time information about ingredients, allergens, and hidden chemicals in meals while also tracking how the body responds to specific foods. By offering personalized feedback, iFood SmartScan helps users enhance their diet and manage health conditions. - Mariah Tela– 11th Grade, McDonogh 35 High School
Project: BC Pod
Mariah’s BC Pod is a smart birth control device that continuously monitors key physiological factors, such as hemoglobin and hormone levels, while improving contraceptive effectiveness. Paired with a mobile app, it offers users personalized feedback and alerts, revolutionizing reproductive health management through continuous monitoring.
A Legacy of Excellence: STEM NOLA’s Impact on the National STEM Challenge
The mission of STEM NOLA is to expose, engage, and inspire future innovators, creators, makers, and entrepreneurs in grades K-12 through STEM-based activities and opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
The STEM Fellows program, a core initiative of STEM NOLA, has been instrumental in preparing underrepresented high school students for success in STEM fields. Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge resources, STEM Fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these fast-growing sectors. Since its inception, STEM NOLA has worked to bridge the STEM equity gap by offering students from low-income communities the chance to engage with innovative STEM projects and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
In 2024, STEM NOLA was proud to have two Fellows—Jayden Hall and Naya Ellis—advance to the finals of the National STEM Challenge, underscoring the program’s success in fostering talent and creativity among its participants. This year, we celebrate the continued success of our students, as six Fellows make their mark in the competition.
Jakara Bachus, STEM Fellows Manager, oversees the program and the National STEM Challenge project submission process for STEM NOLA.
What’s Next?
The National STEM Festival will take place from March 19-25, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where the six STEM Fellows will have the chance to present their innovative projects to a distinguished panel of industry leaders, government officials, and media representatives. This prestigious event celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of young STEM innovators from across the nation.
For more information about the STEM Fellows program visit our website at www.stemnola.com. For additional information about the National STEM Festival visit: www.nationalstemfestival.com. Follow STEM NOLA on our social media channels for updates.
Media Contact:
Jim Pittman
Chief Communications Officer
STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action
Email: jpittman@stemnola.com
Phone: 504-583-5862