Youngstown State University College of STEM

We have a winner! ?? Congratulations to Nabayt Kibreab, this year’s Penguin Shark Tank champion! Nabayt, a junior Computer Science and Economics major, took home the top prize for her innovative stock trading platform, Velora. Her idea wowed the judges and secured funding to help bring her vision to life! A huge shoutout to all the finalists, Sai Teja Reddy Bokka and Jan Harter—for their incredible business ideas and to everyone who participated in this year’s competition. The future of entrepreneurship at YSU is brighter than ever.???? #KnowY

HackYSU 2025 is almost here! The Computer Club’s 10th Annual Hackathon is set for March 21-23 at the DeBartolo Stadium Club. Whether you want to build a website, develop a game, or bring an innovative idea to life, this 36-hour coding marathon is the place to do it. ? Open to all current students & recent grads (within 12 months) ? Compete solo or with a team ? Mentors & judges needed too! Ready to create, collaborate, and code? Register now at https://hackysu.com/ Questions? Contact [email protected]???? #KnowY

Meet Alayna Cuevas, a Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Mathematics! ???? "Throughout my journey in STEM, I have been fortunate to work with many strong female engineering leaders who have encouraged me to confidently share my ideas and persevere through any adversity. In previous internships, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside women who lead their teams, and their leadership is incredibly inspiring. While I’ve often been one of the few women in the room, the strength and presence of the women around me have had a lasting impact. During my time on YSU’s Baja SAE team, Penguin Baja Racing @penguin_baja_racing , I’ve also had the chance to work with amazing women, including Dr. Hazel Marie, who constantly encourages me to speak with confidence. I am beyond grateful for the strong women in STEM that I am surrounded by daily. They continually inspire me to work hard, dream big, and make a meaningful impact in the field." -Alayna Cuevas ???? #KnowY

New Workforce Training Opportunity! Our STEM Workforce Education and Innovation is partnering with the Fiber Broadband Association to launch the OpTIC PathTM training program, preparing individuals for high-demand careers in fiber optics. With support from Preformed Line Products and the National Centers for Urban Solutions, this hands-on program equips participants with the skills needed for roles like Fiber Optic Technician, helping to drive broadband expansion in Northeast Ohio and beyond.???? ?? Classes begin March 24! ?? For more info, contact Chris Riedel at [email protected] or 330-941-2036. #KnowY

Our Data Science Club dove into the world of AI at the Data Science Salon conference in Austin, Texas. Thanks to funding from the J. Douglas Faires Memorial Endowment, eight students explored real-world AI applications—from how companies like CVS and John Snow Labs use AI to watching startups pitch cutting-edge ideas Shark Tank-style. This trip was made possible by the leadership of Tom Wakefield, who supported the initiative, Jeffrey Coldren, who organized the trip, and Jay Kerns, who provided instrumental guidance. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this experience happen! ???? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eAT5s7br #KnowY

This week for Women's Month, we would like to introduce Jacqueline Palusak, a Biology major with a Chemistry minor in the BaccMed program! She will graduate this spring and attend dental school in the fall! ???? Jacqueline says, "I have valued my journey as a woman in STEM, especially the connections I have built with the tight-knit community at YSU. The support from faculty, staff, and my peers have been advocates for me to reach my goals". We cannot wait to see what lies ahead for our women in STEM! ??♀? #KnowY #YSUSTEM #WomensMonth

And that’s a wrap on another amazing STEM Expo! Our students got to connect with top employers, explore career opportunities, and take big steps toward their futures. Huge shoutout to everyone who made it happen—students, employers, and faculty, you all crushed it! Missed this one? No worries more opportunities are always around the corner. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eaZE8g_P #KnowY

To kick off National Women's Month, meet Natalie, a senior Mathematics major, who has a minor in Chemistry! ???????? Natalie says, "Being a woman in STEM, it can sometimes be a challenge to be one of the only women in the room. I have definitely held fears about being perceived as bossy when leading group projects, gotten handed the busy work, and sometimes had to make the extra effort to make my ideas heard. But, I have loved the opportunity to build community with other women in STEM! By joining organizations like Society for Women Engineers and Association for Women in Mathematics, I have made connections with other STEM ladies and found some of my closest friends! After graduation, I hope to pursue a PhD in Mathematics." ???? Stay tuned all month long to see other women crushing it in STEM fields! #KnowY #YSUSTEM #YSU #nationalwomensmonth

The STEM Expo is back! Looking for internships, co-ops, research opportunities, or full-time positions? Our STEM Expo is your chance to connect with 100+ employers eager to meet YSU students! Date: Thursday, February 27 Time: 12:00 – 4:00 PM Location: Stambaugh Stadium, Gymnasiums A & B Don’t miss this opportunity to network, explore career paths, and take the next step toward your future!???? Learn more here: brnw.ch... #KnowY

Got a business idea? Applications for the 2025 Penguin Shark Tank Competition are now open! Compete for a share of $10,000 in funding, gain mentorship, and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Apply by March 1 and pitch your way to success. ???? Learn More Here: https://lnkd.in/g7PirrqV #KnowY