Academy for Software Engineering
Projects 2025
Mint Toothbrush by LuxeVerdeSmiles
Finalist Project
Goddess Lamont, Josiah Mcdonald, Dash Thomas, Kosisochukwu Ozigbo
Mint Toothbrush by LuxeVerdeSmiles is a plant-based, biodegradable toothbrush designed to reduce plastic waste and harmful chemicals in the environment. Made from natural materials including mint leaves, bamboo, miswak (chewing sticks), and tree resin, it offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic toothbrushes. This design addresses environmental challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, which impact human respiratory health. By using sustainable, plant-based ingredients, Mint Toothbrush promotes healthier ecosystems and communities. LuxeVerdeSmiles aims to create a product that benefits people, animals, and the planet, fostering a cleaner, safer environment for all.
Aqua Bot
Nonfinalist Project
Raaida, Mahmuda, Marley, Jada, Danill
Aqua Bot is an innovative solution to the growing issue of microplastics in our oceans, which threaten marine ecosystems and human health. Marine creatures often mistake microplastics for food, leading to toxic buildup in the food chain that ultimately affects people through seafood consumption. Aqua Bot is a small, ocean-friendly robot designed to detect, collect, and store microplastics without harming marine life. Once full, it returns for safe recycling of the captured particles. This project aims to raise awareness about ocean pollution while offering a safe, sustainable method to reduce plastic contamination and protect both aquatic life and human communities.
Past the Date, Not the Plate!
Nonfinalist Project
Anes Ayad, Adam Akki, Ruslan Lymarenko, Destiny Kartosonto
Past the Date, Not the Plate tackles food waste caused by confusing expiration labels. At its core is FreshTag—a low-cost, intuitive label designed for busy urban communities like NYC, including families, students, and small businesses. The label uses a traffic-light color system (green = still safe, yellow = use soon, red = past date) that changes over time based on the written expiration date. It sticks to common surfaces like jars and packaging, helping users track freshness at a glance. With added features like a QR code for food safety tips and space for notes, FreshTag empowers smarter food use and reduces unnecessary waste.
EZPark
Nonfinalist Project
Connor Girard, Rehana Mahmud, Joel Juarez, Jordan Konate
EZPark is a smart parking system designed to reduce traffic congestion in New York City by helping drivers quickly find available parking. AI-powered cameras installed on streetlights or buildings detect open and occupied parking spots in real time. This data is sent to a connected mobile app, guiding users to the nearest open space and reducing the need to circle blocks or double-park. By cutting down on unnecessary driving, EZPark saves fuel, lowers emissions, and eases traffic flow. Over time, the system can lead to more efficient street use and improved urban mobility in crowded city environments.
Strongroot Scaffolding
Nonfinalist Project
Aiden Irizarry, Barry zou, Samin Hussain, Ezekiel Acevedo
Strongroot Scaffolding explores the use of bamboo as a more sustainable alternative to traditional scaffolding materials like wood and steel. Bamboo is an abundant, fast-growing plant—some species can grow up to 91 centimeters in just 24 hours—and it offers impressive tensile strength, even greater than steel. While its lower compressive strength makes it unsuitable to fully replace steel in high-risk construction, bamboo can effectively substitute wood in small-scale projects, especially in regions where it is readily available. Cost-effective and environmentally friendly, bamboo scaffolding presents a promising option for reducing the environmental impact of construction while maintaining safety and practicality.
Mold in Society
Nonfinalist Project
Nkengasong, bilal, kaison, Ahanaf
Mold in Society is a project focused on preventing mold growth and its harmful health effects, such as joint pain, skin rashes, and asthma attacks. Unlike traditional refrigerators that only slow mold development, this innovation combines the functions of a mini refrigerator with air purification technology to actively halt the mold process. Designed for everyday use in homes or small spaces, the device maintains a cool, clean environment that inhibits mold formation on food and surfaces. By addressing both storage and air quality, Mold in Society offers a compact, practical solution to reduce mold-related health risks and improve daily living.
The Phoenix
Nonfinalist Project
Bryan Calero, Sergio Martinez, Rudra Sarker, Bruno Alvarado
The Phoenix airplane prototype is the world’s first fully renewable commercial aircraft, offering the cleanest known method of aerial transport. Equipped with solar panels on its surface, the plane harnesses solar energy, storing it in battery packs for long-distance flights. Additionally, kinetic energy from the turbines is converted into electricity, creating a secondary renewable power source. By eliminating conventional engines, Phoenix drastically reduces both weight and carbon emissions. Designed for public accessibility, this groundbreaking prototype represents a major step toward sustainable aviation, combining innovation, environmental responsibility, and the potential to transform the future of commercial air travel.
ThermoLink
Nonfinalist Project
Pratik, Lizbeth, Dereck, Lawritta
ThermoLink is a smart, temperature-controlling bracelet that automatically adjusts a car’s climate based on the wearer’s body and surrounding temperature. Equipped with advanced sensors, the device ensures optimal comfort by fine-tuning heating and cooling systems in real time. Over time, ThermoLink learns individual comfort preferences to personalize climate control, enhancing the driving experience. By precisely matching the car’s temperature to the user’s needs, it reduces unnecessary energy consumption and minimizes environmental impact. This innovative wearable combines convenience, sustainability, and personalization to create a smarter, more efficient way to manage in-car climate systems.
Instructors 2025
Joytrese George is a science educator working in NYC. Prior to teaching, Joytrese worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in clinical research, and with non-profit youth programs in the Washington, DC area. Joytrese was awarded a Master Teaching Fellowship with the prestigious Math For America; where she collaborates with other STEM educators to promote professional growth and continued learning. She has also facilitated domestic and international traveling research trips, taking students outside of the typical classroom and into a world of exploration in sustainability and conservation. Additionally, she was a STEM-Ed Innovator fellow, working to foster empathy and antiracism in the classroom atmosphere. Joytrese holds a Bachelors in Biology from Howard University, and a Masters in Education from St. John’s University. Joytrese is currently a Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership and Policy at American University (DC). Joytrese loves culinary arts, home decor, and discovery through travel.