Six groups of first-year business students took center stage at the MBS Shark Tank competition, pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of judges and vying for scholarship prizes. These business ideas, shared by students, included campus cleaning and t-shirt services to custom organization and workout plans. Students spent the semester creating and running their side hustles for their Intro to Business class, competing for the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.

Meet the finalists who impressed the judges with their vision and determination:

Fournier Entrepreneurship Prize: $1,000

This prize was awarded by Executive Dean Jason Harkins to the student or group whose idea demonstrates the most originality and forward-thinking potential.

Fast Refs
Eli Filieo, South Portland, ME
Liam Poland, Brewer, ME
Jacob Pratt, Lewiston, ME
Isabella Tenney, Nottingham, NH

Fast Refs responds to the shortage of referees for 91¸£Àû’s club basketball program, one of the campus’s newest clubs. The business supplies certified referees for games, maintaining and utilizing a roster of IAABO-certified officials.

First Place: $1,000

Orono Fitness (pictured above)
Noah Denham, Bangor, ME
Ryan Fernstrom, Bentonville, AR
Fern Giarla, Roslindale, MA
Hewitt Sykes, South Portland, ME
Corbin Voisine, South Portland, ME

Orono Fitness develops individualized workout plans tailored to each client’s goals, abilities, and preferences. Plans include detailed exercises, timing guidance, and considerations for current fitness levels to support safe and effective training.

Second Place: $750

Career Threads
Quentin Ackerson, Wells, ME
Nolan Ainsworth, Bradford, ME
Landan Albair, Caribou, ME
Alex Duprey, Presque Isle, ME
Sofia Pride, Falmouth, ME
Maren Urquhart, Fort Fairfield, ME

Career Threads addresses the gap between students’ need for professional clothing and their access to it. The organization operates a free professional clothing closet stocked with donations from alumni, 91¸£Àû staff, and local businesses. Its mission is to remove the financial barriers that prevent students from showing up professionally.

Third Place: $500

Campus Cleaning
Abbey Anderson, Whiting, ME
Dustin Bearce, Waterville, ME
Ryker Beyeler, Scarborough, ME
Joe Donnelly, Windham, ME
Rilyn Sawyer, Falmouth, ME

Campus Cleaning provides affordable, dorm-friendly cleaning services designed to help students maintain a tidy and comfortable living space. Recognizing that many students struggle to keep up with messes, the team offers quick, efficient, and low-cost solutions.

Honorable Mentions

Chucklenuts
Delia Custer, Litchfield, ME
Rigel DeLisle, South Portland, ME
Liam Monks, Topsham, ME
Igor Nganji, Freeport, ME
Ryan Osgood, Wolfeboro, NH
Ayda Sonnenberg, Orono, ME
Shay Tucker, Dover, PA

Chucklenuts offers locally made, custom-designed apparel that provides an alternative to mass-produced clothing. The business aims to give students unique, affordable options that allow them to express themselves through original designs.

OrganizeU
Matt Björkman, Jefferson, MA
Connor Edwards, Island Falls, ME
Chase Knight, Auburn, ME
Ava Spina, Scarborough, ME

OrganizeU focuses on helping students reduce stress and increase productivity. With many students juggling academic demands and social commitments, the business offers personalized schedules designed to make daily life more manageable.

91¸£Àû’s MaineMBA Academy–a flagship experiential program within the Maine Business School–recently celebrated its third successful cohort in Portland, Maine.

Launched in 2023 through the vision and generosity of Mark and Evan Skinner, the MaineMBA Academy offers a dynamic hybrid capstone experience that pairs MBA students with companies in Maine to address real-world business challenges. The program culminates in an intensive, three-day in-person experience at the Maine Center and Graduate School of Business in Portland’s Old Port, where students collaborate with executives and mentors on strategic projects.

For students like Jane Nicoll, the MaineMBA Academy represented the pinnacle of their graduate education. “After weeks of virtual classes, having that time together in person made a big difference,” she says. “It allowed students to build stronger relationships, connect more naturally, and practice essential skills like collaboration, group facilitation, and public speaking—things that are often harder to develop through a screen. That week really brought everything full circle and reminded me how valuable in-person collaboration can be for both personal and professional growth.â€�

Since its inception, the MaineMBA Academy has grown rapidly—underscoring the value of integrating academic insight with real-world business engagement. To guide its continued success, a dedicated advisory group has been established. Comprising Mark Skinner, Melanie Tinto, Jon Sorensen, Jason Harkins, Richard Bilodeau, and Andrew King, the group has developed a strategic plan focused on long-term sustainability, expanding corporate partnerships, and aligning with the evolving needs of Maine’s business community.

The program’s benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Nicholas Steenberg, Business Development Manager for , joined the 2025 Academy as a business partner, working with two student teams to explore the company’s strategic direction. TEMO, a France-based manufacturer of electric outboard motors, launched its Maine operations in Portland and Scarborough in fall 2024.

“Working alongside the students was eye-opening,” Steenberg says. “They applied frameworks—from the triple bottom line to SWOT analysis—and offered new perspectives on everything from leveraging carbon credits to improving dealer training and exploring influencer partnerships. Their recommendations were both practical and thought-provoking—many were things I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.â€�

Looking ahead, the MaineMBA Academy plans to amplify its visibility through targeted marketing to prospective students, corporate collaborators, and potential donors. A comprehensive fundraising strategy is also underway, designed to diversify revenue through corporate sponsorships, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support.

“The experience reminded me how energizing it is to engage local students,” adds Steenberg, “and how much there is to gain from their curiosity, analysis, and fresh thinking.â€�

The MaineMBA Academy reflects the Maine Business School’s deep commitment to innovation and experiential learning—preparing students to lead with insight, agility, and confidence in today’s evolving business landscape. “With the support of our advisory group and the broader university community, we are poised to elevate the Academy’s impact and reach,” says Jason Harkins, Executive Dean of the Maine Business School.

For more information about the MaineMBA Academy and opportunities to get involved, please visit umaine.edu/business/mainemba-academy.​

On January 31, a group of MBS Sport Management students took an enthralling day trip to Portland, ME, where they learned from industry professionals, bridging the gap between academic concepts and professional practice. The trip, led by Dr. Nick Swim, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, and Melanie Brooks, Marketing and Communications Manager, gave students powerful insight into the world of minor league sports.

“We are so lucky to have such amazing sport industry partners here in Maine,” Dr. Swim says. “These networking opportunities are essential for students to enter the sport industry.â€�

Hosted at the University of Maine’s Graduate and Professional Center at 300 Fore Street, the day began with Layne Audet, a 91¸£Àû Alum, and Sam Murray, from the . They shared insight regarding landing entry-level positions, and what working for an ECHL team truly entails. The two gave an engaging presentation covering sales strategy, marketing strategy, and game day logistics.

“Sharing my experiences with 91¸£Àû students as an alum, was a full circle moment for me,” Audet says. “I remember being in similar classrooms and having industry professionals as guest speakers. I loved hearing about their careers and the inside workings of the sports industry. These speakers gave me a glimpse of what I could do after college, and I wanted to be able to provide similar insight to the students I spoke to.” Students enjoyed lunch with Audet and Murray, fostering time for one-on-one conversations and networking.

“The Mariners showed me that when it comes to sales and sponsorship, no does not always mean no,” says Ella Roy, a sophomore from Ludlow, MA. “No can sometimes mean not right now. Layne shared that persistence is key to any job, and that advice will help me prepare for handling rejection in the future.”

Next, students met with the Strategic Director of the , Sheila Brennan Nee, who shared how she and her partners work to bring sporting events to Maine. A nonprofit organization, the Maine Sports Commission, works to promote Maine as a four-season sports destination, strengthening the state through sports tourism.

Next stop: Hadlock Field! Students toured the facility and met with several representatives specializing in business development, management, communication, and fan experience. The team shared insights on internship and early career opportunities, and the skills needed to advance in the sports industry.

“Talking with the Sea Dogs organization absolutely made me excited for my internship,” says John Sutton, a junior from Gorham, ME. “Even though most of the stadium was under construction, it made me excited for the opportunity nonetheless. I had only met with the members of the organization over the phone and on Zoom, so I was very glad to meet face-to-face with some of the people I’ll be working for.”

The final stop of the action-packed day occurred at the Portland Expo Center, where students met with the leadership of the . The panel included the president, the head of corporate partnerships, and the ticket sales and digital media managers. The team discussed the behind-the-scenes action of gamedays, their recent re-brand, the benefits of their location, their professional league, and their connection to Boston.

“My favorite part of the day was the talk we had with the Celtics,” Roy says. “They were very gracious with the amount of time they spent with us and gave us really great advice. I also loved getting to spend time with my fellow students, whom I didn’t know before this trip. I felt like it was such a fun experience where we all got to learn about our prospective careers.”

Story by: Regan Lawn

Six first-year business students took center stage at the inaugural MBS Shark Tank competition, pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of judges and vying for scholarship prizes. From solving local childcare shortages to offering personalized blankets and international snacks, these budding entrepreneurs demonstrated creativity, business acumen, and a passion for addressing real-world challenges.

Meet the finalists who impressed the judges with their vision and determination:

First Place:
Colleen Thamsen
Hometown: St. Agatha, ME
Majors: Finance & Management
Business Name: CM Childcare Services

CM Childcare Services aims to support busy and hardworking parents by offering flexible and affordable childcare options in the Fort Kent area. Whether parents need a night off to recharge or a day to tackle household chores, CM Childcare Services provides tailored solutions. The business offers convenient services, including transportation to events, practices, and outings. Overnight and evening care is also available, making this childcare service unique in its offerings and committed to meeting the needs of families in the community.

Second Place:
Marcus McLain
Hometown: Falmouth, ME
Major: Finance;
Business Name: Custom Coziness

Custom Coziness offers fully customizable, high-quality blankets to help customers personalize their spaces during the colder months. Through the website, customers can upload approved images to be printed on soft, durable blankets. Founder Marcus McLain leverages his experience in international commerce to ensure positive relationships with manufacturers and customers. Custom Coziness provides an affordable way to stay warm while expressing creativity.

Third Place:
Nastassja DeLoge
Hometown, Bath, ME
Major: Computer Science and Business
Business Name: Nastassja DeLoge Media Design & Branding

Nastassja DeLoge Media Design & Branding helps businesses thrive by creating authentic brand identities that connect with their audiences. With five years of experience in professional photography, Nastassja offers services, including brand strategy, website design, marketing campaigns, and branding photography. This business combines creativity with strategy to deliver personalized solutions that empower brands to stand out in a competitive market.

Other Three Finalists:

Nevaeh Bartlett
Hometown: Shapleigh, ME
Majors: Accounting & Finance;
Business Name: Spiral Spreads

Spiral Spreads offers beautifully designed and functional planner spreads to help individuals manage their busy lives. These planner spreads are sold as digital downloads on Etsy, allowing customers to reuse them indefinitely for a base price of $1.90. Inspired by her success with to-do lists and bullet journaling, founder Nevaeh Bartlett combines academic efficiency with artistic design to help others stay organized and productive.

Colton Flaherty
Hometown: Franklin, MA
Major: Finance
Business Name: Fun Foreign Food

Fun Foreign Food brings international snacks to college students looking for a unique and fun experience. This business offers a variety of snacks not typically available in the U.S., providing students with new flavors to try and enjoy. Founder Colton Flaherty draws on his background in sales, including a successful high school fundraising effort, to deliver snacks that range from single-serving to multi-serving options. Fun Foreign Food adds excitement to everyday life and helps students discover their next favorite treat.

Hallie Taunton
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Majors: Finance & Management
Business Name: Group-Pop

Group-Pop simplifies international ordering by handling customers’ purchasing and shipping processes. With a network of trusted team members in foreign countries, Group-Pop ensures that products are legitimate and arrive safely. By consolidating multiple orders into a single shipment, the business reduces shipping costs and minimizes risks. Founder Hallie Taunton leverages years of experience and a strong global network to help customers access products from places like Korea and Japan, catering to growing interest in international fashion and culture.

Read more about this project in this 91¸£Àû News story.

Dr. Nick Swim’s Sport Sales and Sponsorship class is gaining invaluable real-world experience while supporting the university’s athletic programs. The course, developed in partnership with the athletics ticket office, immerses students in the challenging and fast-paced world of sports sales. Over eight sessions, students called past ticket buyers to pitch packages for events like women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, and football, ultimately generating over $750 in ticket sales. This innovative approach enhances students’ selling skills and strengthens the connection between the business school and athletics, creating a win-win for both programs.

“For students, being able to learn about selling is great, but being able to actually sell for a Division I athletics program has provided the opportunity to put their learning into action,” says Dr. Swim, Assistant Professor of Sport Management.

91¸£Àû Athletics provides a multitude of part-time jobs for students, including sales, marketing, and operations. Josh Daigle, Associate Director of Ticket Operations, was enthusiastic about the partnership with the class. “This collaboration was huge not just for our office but for 91¸£Àû Athletics as a whole,” he says. “As a ticket office, we see ourselves as the first point of contact when it comes to a fan’s experience at any 91¸£Àû sporting event,” he says. “The relationship we are fostering with the Sport Management program is a huge benefit to our department as it creates opportunities to gain real-world experience before graduation.”

The course challenged students to develop critical sales skills, often in high-pressure situations. “Sales cold calls might be one of the toughest roles in sport, and in this class, students gained important skills while receiving constant constructive feedback and support,” says Dr. Swim.

Using a list of 300 leads provided by the ticket office, students worked hour-and-a-half shifts in the Donald P. Corbett Business Building computer lab. They crafted and refined call scripts based on the tickets or sponsorships they were selling.

“We spent a ton of time in class trying to sell different items to one another,â€� says Eamon Goscinski, a senior from Belfast, ME. “It’s difficult to sell to people over the phone, so practicing in class was incredibly helpful.â€�

Mallory Lufkin, a senior from Brandon, VT, adjusted her script each week based on the teams she was representing. “When you cold call someone, every conversation will be different,” she says. “By learning how to actively listen to a customer, I have more confidence not just in making cold calls, but also at work talking to customers, participating in job interviews, class presentations, and so much more.â€�

Dr. Swim is incredibly proud of his students’ efforts and their ability to rise to the occasion. “They embraced the discomfort of cold calling, learned to build meaningful relationships with customers, and developed skills they will carry into their careers.â€�

The inaugural MBS Golf Tournament, held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club on May 2, proved a resounding success, with eighteen teams participating in the scramble. Spearheaded by nineteen students enrolled in Dr. Nick Swim‘s capstone class for the Sport Management major, the event showcased their prowess in event planning and execution.

“The class considered various event ideas but ultimately chose a golf tournament for its multifaceted nature,” Dr. Swim says. “This type of event allows students to delve into budgeting, sponsorship, marketing, and day-of operations—essential sport management skills.”

Divided into four groups, students undertook distinct responsibilities, from sponsorship and marketing to event operations and logistics. Jordyn Barry, a double major in Marketing and Sport Management, relished the hands-on experience. “We were completely in charge, putting the knowledge we had learned to use in this real-world situation,” she says.

Andrew Varipatis, part of the marketing team, underscores the importance of attention to detail, citing collaboration with MBS staff to ensure seamless execution. “My main takeaway from this class was that it teaches you never to overlook the smallest things,” Andrew says. “Everyone’s initial thoughts were based on the big things – like the prizes and food. Getting into the weeds of the tournament helped us pay attention to often overlooked areas, such as day-of organization, ensuring sponsors are getting what we promised, and how payments can be processed efficiently in a chaotic space.”

Dr. Swim was most impressed by the student’s ability to be adaptable. “Anyone who works in events will tell you that nothing will go exactly as planned. But the students were able to adapt to the challenges and run a successful event.”

Seniors Andrew and Jordyn found fulfillment in witnessing their hard work culminate on tournament day. The event’s $6,000 proceeds will bolster professional development initiatives, student travel, and volunteer opportunities within the Sport Management major, fostering growth and networking opportunities within the Maine sports community and beyond.

This March, three outstanding undergraduate students from the Maine Business School participated in the prestigious College Sport Research Institute () Case Competition at the University of South Carolina. Grace Harmatys, Lucas Ronco, and Cooper Williams, representing 91¸£Àû’s Sport Management major, showcased their academic prowess and practical skills in addressing pertinent issues within collegiate athletics.

Dr. Nick Swim, Assistant Professor of Sport Management and faculty advisor to the students, emphasized the invaluable learning opportunity provided by academic conferences. “Attending an academic conference allows students to extend their classroom experience,” he says. “This opportunity pushed students to challenge themselves to think critically while allowing for some great presentation experience in front of a panel of judges. More importantly, having students attend conferences can allow them to get outside their comfort zone.”

The 2024 case study topic focused on the changing structure of the NCAA governance model with the goal of creating better competitive balance throughout the different divisions and schools. Not a small task for groups of students! At the end of the two-week case analysis, the students had to create a quality presentation, putting their PowerPoint and public speaking skills to the test.

Selected for their academic excellence and active involvement, Grace, a senior, and Lucas and Cooper, juniors, seized the chance to delve into the complexities of the NCAA governance model. Despite the daunting task, they tackled it head-on, utilizing their research acumen and teamwork to develop innovative solutions to foster competitive balance across divisions and schools.

“Having participated in several research-focused corporate classrooms within the business school thus far, I thought that this case study would be a great way to continue doing research within a different industry,” Lucas says. Cooper, a 91¸£Àû men’s swim team member, was delighted to be invited. “Being able to complete background research on a sports case was highly attractive to me and I was excited to be a part of it,” he says.

The preparation leading up to the competition was intensive, with Dr. Swim’s office transformed into a dynamic brainstorming hub. “This case study definitely did not have an easy problem to try and solve, but it was a challenge my group and I were ready to tackle,” Lucas says.

During the three-day event, the trio presented their proposal, advocating for enhanced student-athlete representation and a tiered system for certain sports to level the playing field. “We proposed councils that would have equal student-athlete representation and recommended that certain sports split into a tiered system to give smaller schools more of a chance to win a national title,” Grace says.

The competition provided not only a platform for academic exchange but also invaluable networking opportunities. Beyond the academic arena, the students had the chance to explore USC’s top-tier facilities, including the USC Academic Center and Swim and Dive facility.

Dr. Swim lauded the students’ resilience and professionalism throughout the process. “There were a few stressful moments over the three-week process, but they really took it all in stride and delivered a presentation all MBS would be proud of,” he says. “We provide a quality sport management education at 91¸£Àû. Our students competed with small and big schools at this national competition and demonstrated they belonged.”

A cohort of Maine Business School students spent the fall 2023 semester helping solve a real-world business problem—what to do with blueberry byproducts. The Business of Blueberries class is an advanced Research Learning Experience (RLE), meaning students are engaged in meaningful research work throughout the semester. 

“This is not your typical course,” says Professor Buffie McCue-Quinn. “It’s incredibly entrepreneurial, and there is a lot of ambiguity. It’s my goal to try to get students to understand that their failures often lead to the next success.”

The challenge posed to students was to offer suggestions about what Wyman’s can do with the blueberry byproduct, called pomace, left over from the juicing process. Pomace consists of leftover blueberry skins, stems, and seeds, which don’t fit through a filter in the juicing process. While most sugars and water have been squeezed out of the blueberries, fiber and nutrients remain in the pomace. Annually, Wyman’s produces about 65,000 pounds of pomace. 

Unless the pomace is frozen or dried quickly, it has a short shelf life. After a couple of days, mold and yeast begin to grow. Currently, Wyman’s disposes of or donates the pomace to pig farmers as feed. Students devised alternative uses for this pomace during the class. 

Gillianne Bolduc, a marketing major from North Haven, Connecticut, developed three product ideas with her team: toothpaste, a scented candle, and exfoliating scrub. “Our suggestions for the byproducts shifted over the semester,” Gillianne says. “After our midterm presentation with Wyman’s, we pivoted our ideas based on their recommendations.” Henry Tate, a marketing major from Holliston, Massachusetts, worked on a team that suggested a dye, a dog treat, and a lip balm. “We settled on these ideas through testing and research,” he says. “We found these ideas to be practical, unique uses for the byproduct.”

Because of the nature of Wyman’s and their real-world business challenge, MBS students worked with partners from the food science and human nutrition program in 91¸£Àû’s School of Food and Agriculture. Students went into 91¸£Àû kitchen labs to learn about the food science behind blueberries and their byproducts.

This RLE course operates similarly to an internship. Students work in small groups throughout the semester, taking turns assuming leadership roles. “This class reflects the work and challenges of work beyond the classroom, which often pushes students out of their comfort zone,” McCue-Quinn says. “There is no strict grading rubric and often not one right answer. Most students don’t appreciate how much they’ve learned until they reflect at the end of the semester.”

Working alongside a company throughout the semester was something Gillianne had yet to experience while at 91¸£Àû. “This class was an amazing opportunity to have a hands-on experience and a real taste of the business world,” Gillianne says. “This class was intellectually challenging. It gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about myself as a student and future businesswoman.”

This year the Maine Business School piloted an undergraduate class focused on personal finance. Taught by cooperating faculty member Matt Skaves, the course reached learners ranging from first-year students to seniors.

“The idea behind this course was to enhance accessibility for students and focus on key personal finance elements that college students face,” says Dr. Jason Harkins, Executive Dean of the Maine Business School. Offered for the first time in the fall of 2022, this pilot course was made possible thanks to a generous gift from Pat Maiorino, ’69.

“I have friends in their 50s who could probably benefit from a class in personal finance, so the need isn’t just at the undergraduate level,” Skaves says. “But with respect to undergraduates, it is really important for them to set themselves up for financial success as early as possible.”

Skaves points out that everyone can benefit from having a basic understanding of things like credit, personal loans, investments, etc. And while there is a lot of good information on the internet, there’s also a lot of misinformation, particularly on social media. One goal of this course is to help students become better-informed consumers of financial information so they can be less influenced by what they read or watch online.

“This class is one that I thought would be most applicable to me and my financial future, not just my degree,” says Abigail Mailly, a sophomore Accounting major. “From building credit and borrowing money to budgeting and saving for goals, the class covers material we all wish we were taught in high school. This class feels like it is meant to prepare us for the more personal side post-graduation – our finances and achieving our larger, more daunting goals.”

The semester-long course begins with the basics of building good credit and borrowing wisely. Students then learn how to budget and invest any short-term cash surplus. Next comes discussions about longer-term savings goals, including long-term investments like stocks and bonds. Lastly, the class finishes with information on how to protect financial lives through insurance and how to diversify and advance human capital.

“I like that this is an applied course, and students will walk away with tangible life skills that will positively impact their future,” Skaves says. “Students who start this course generally have a partial understanding of the concepts we discuss, but not a full enough understanding to make optimal decisions.â€� Since his class includes first-years to seniors, Skaves strives to teach purposefully so that less experienced students aren’t lost, and more experienced students stay engaged.

“I would absolutely recommend this class to other students; I actually already have!” Mailly says. “Great teachers who care about their work are so important to me. Matt Skaves is an amazing example of that. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and an incredible resource and teacher.”

Four Maine Business School students competed in the CFA Institute Research Challenge state finals in early March. This event is an offering students real-world experience as research analysts. 

Dr. Stephen Jurich, Associate Professor of Finance, led a team of four senior Finance majors, Parker Burtnett from Melrose, MA; Alexandra Lessard from Jackman, ME; Jack Lalime from Otis, ME, and Ashlynne Stevenson from Vassalboro, ME. Their task was to analyze Tyler Technologies’ finances to determine if it was a valuable stock to buy, hold, or sell as a stockholder. The team created a 10-page paper and a presentation as part of the challenge. 

“I saw this project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Ashlynne Stevenson. “I wanted to have a real-world experience applying the knowledge I had acquired in the classroom. The CFA Institute Research Challenge gave me a sense of what a research analyst would do, which is something I want to pursue as a career.”

The four team members were classmates in Dr. Jurich’s FIN 351 Financial Valuation course in the fall 2022 semester. They met once or twice weekly to prepare for their final presentation. “When large milestones were approaching, like the written portion of our project, we met at least three times a week – sometimes multiple times per day,” Stevenson says. The team worked together during holiday breaks to prepare for the event in early March 2023. 

While they didn’t win the competition, the lessons the students learned were invaluable. “I’m proud of my team members for their hard work and dedication to this project,” Parker Burtnett says. “We learned more through this challenge than any class could teach.” 

Alexandra Lessard learned about the dynamics of working as a team on a high-level, independently run project. “We set our own deadlines, coordinated schedules, and trusted one another’s abilities and work.” 

“I didn’t know how four undergraduate students would accomplish what felt like the largest and most elaborate research project for a competition ever – but we did!” Stevenson says. “I’m forever thankful that I chose to compete in this challenge and thankful that I had the best team members to work with.”