Ohio State Team Wins NASA Glenn’s University Design Challenge

A student team from The Ohio State University has secured first place in NASA Glenn Research Center’s 2025-2026 University Student Design Challenge for their innovative approach to fluid management in space. This achievement was announced during a visit to NASA Glenn in Cleveland on June 23, 2025, where the team presented their winning design to center leadership.

The challenge, which focuses on creating solutions for NASA’s mission needs, encourages college students to develop projects related to aeronautics and space exploration. As part of their senior capstone project, the winning team will work on developing a functional prototype of their design throughout the academic year.

During their visit to NASA Glenn, the team also toured the Zero Gravity Research Facility, a site that may facilitate future testing of their prototype. This facility is known for its ability to simulate microgravity conditions, making it an ideal environment for testing new technologies aimed at space exploration.

NASA Glenn engineers Nancy Hall and John McQuillan served as mentors and technical advisors for the competition, guiding students through the complexities of their designs. Their involvement underscores NASA’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The University Student Design Challenge not only highlights the creativity and talent of students but also strengthens the partnership between academia and NASA. By encouraging innovative thinking, the initiative aims to address real-world challenges faced by the space agency while nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists.

As students finalize their designs, NASA continues to explore various STEM opportunities for young professionals, fostering a culture of innovation essential for future space missions.