i3 Finals to Take Place April 17

From the best way to break bad news to the effect of color on memory, the University of Charleston’s finalists in its annual “Ideas, Innovation, Invention (i3)” event provide inspiring thought and answer intriguing questions. The final four competitors will go head-to-head on Monday, April 17, at 3:30 pm as they compete for the top two prizes – and a cash award.

The four student finalists are the winners of each of four categories – Innovative Product, Service or Project; Research; Case Study; and Innovative Work of Art, Design, Performance, or Creation.

Case Study Winner – Joel Braswell – “Breaking Bad News: Delivering the Negative Positively”

Product or Service Winner – Sindy Y. Canales, Matthew Ballard, Bryn Calhoun, and Meghan Smith – “Increasing Awareness Among Pharmacist Students about the Environmental Impact of Inhalers and Advocating for Drugs Repository Program in West Virginia.”

Work of Art or Performance Winner – Kaylee Nott – “A Stitch in Time”

Research Winner – Emelina Alvarez Espinosa – “Cold and Warm Colors Effect on Memory”

Judges from the community will assess the presentations of the students, and award cash prizes: $2,000 for first and $1,000 for second place. Judging will take place in the UC Innovation Center.

“This is the culmination of the largest collegiate innovation competition in the state,” explained Dr. Travis Kahle, Director of the UC Innovation Center. “It reflects the innovative mindset here at UC. We had many entries from faculty and staff as well as students from nearly every major, and they were all impressive.”

Earlier in the competition, awards were given to the top entries by faculty and staff, as well as the top four student entries in each category. For a list of those winners, visit here.

A livestream of the final presentations will be provided for those who cannot be there in person: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSP1hJC8AJo