Interdisciplinary Teams Designed, Tested and Pitched Power Bank Prototypes
AAMU Students Showcase Innovation in Second Annual ‘Shark Tank’ Capstone Challenge
Innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship took center stage at Alabama A&M University during the second annual PHY 214 Shark Tank Capstone Challenge, where students transformed classroom concepts into market-ready technology solutions.
Designed and led by Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Quianna S. Johnson, the competition challenged students to redesign rechargeable power bank components into fully functional consumer products. The event marked a hands-on learning experience for students while emphasizing innovation, teamwork and real-world problem-solving.
Working in teams over two weeks, students designed, built and tested fast-charging rechargeable power banks capable of charging a cellphone from 0% to 100% in approximately 90 minutes. The upgraded devices included both USB-C and USB-A charging ports and were evaluated on functionality, design, innovation and marketability.
In addition to engineering and testing their prototypes, students developed brand identities and delivered five-minute business pitches before a panel of faculty and industry judges in a format inspired by the television program “Shark Tank.” Teams also completed technical engineering reports incorporating scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis and performance data.
The judging panel included Johnson; Dr. Padmaja Guggilla, professor of physics and chair of the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; Dr. Anup Sharma, professor of physics; Dr. Samaiyah Farid, assistant professor of physics; Dr. Jonathan Bibb, Missile Defense Agency lead for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs; and Dr. Bruce Peters, business development solutions lead at Torch Technologies.
After deliberation, judges selected the top three teams:
First Place — Capstarz
Prototype: Astro
- Karen Earle, senior computer science major, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
- Kaden Bowers, sophomore mechanical engineering major, Trussville, Alabama
- Shataya Crowley, freshman mechanical engineering major, Knoxville, Tennessee
- David Anderson, freshman mechanical engineering major, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Zhanaria Harris, junior mechanical engineering major, Dothan, Alabama
- Aljyne Brown, senior computer science major, Zachary, Louisiana
Second Place — Power Pulse
Prototype: Power Pulse Pocket Edition
- Serena Carter, senior biology major, York, Alabama
- Briana McCaskey, sophomore electrical engineering major, Northport, Alabama
- Gjehovah Roberts, sophomore civil engineering major, Dawson, Georgia
- Hannah Island, sophomore mechanical engineering major, Edwards, Mississippi
- Molly Krajewski, sophomore physics major, Seminole, Alabama
- Chanah Reese, sophomore civil engineering major, Graysville, Alabama
Third Place — Voltec
Prototype: Nova
- Jason Burks, junior computer science major, Mobile, Alabama
- Mhakayla Johnson, junior mechanical engineering major, East St. Louis, Illinois
- Tremayne Flennory, junior mechanical engineering major, Montgomery, Alabama
Members of the top three teams received gold, silver and bronze Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) medals recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of their projects.
The capstone challenge served as an alternative to a traditional final exam, giving students the opportunity to apply concepts such as electric fields and circuits through experiential learning while strengthening critical thinking, communication and leadership skills essential for future careers.
From left, Karen Earle, Kaden Bowers, Shataya Crowley, David Anderson, Zhanaria Harris and Aljyne Brown of team Capstarz.