Two students gained first place at Missouri S&T’s Micro Grand Challenge. The competition, inspired by the National Academy of Engineering’s international grand challenges event, encouraged students to rethink carbon dioxide capture and sequestration technologies for capturing CO2.

A winning project called “The Green Screen” was presented by Abigail Richner, who is a senior in engineering management with an emphasis in aerospace engineering. Her project used aftermarket algae window biofilms to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.

A second winning project called “Regenerative ICCCC,” was showcased by Harshit Agarwal, who is a senior in physics. This project used a regenerative system that integrates photocatalyst and can refresh itself using light to increase reaction speed, plus bacteria for CO2 capture and conversion.

These students can now partner on an OURE research project with Professor of chemistry and Director of the Kummer Institute Center for Resource Sustainability, Dr. Shelley Minteer.

Minteer said, “It was so great to see a wide variety of students from physicists to civil engineers using their unique perspectives to creatively address this grand challenge.”

Shannon Young, Kummer Student Programs manager, added, “We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Minteer for hosting, the judges and to the many individuals who provided mentoring during the competition.”