UT PGE Student Wins BASF Team Chemistry Challenge
-
May 15, 2015
A petroleum engineering student placed first with a team of chemical engineering students at the recent BASF Team Chemistry Challenge—a student competition to develop solutions to make UT sports events more sustainable.
The annual event is hosted by BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, and Texas Athletics and awards a total of $25,000 to the top three teams or individuals who submit winning proposals.
Team “Array of Sunshine” won first place for their idea to harness the sun’s rays to power UFCU Disch-Falk Field—the home of Texas baseball— utilizing solar panels. They also suggested the installation of industrial fans to reduce the temperature in seating areas. The team’s funding plan proposed a temporary UT Athletics Green Fee on ticketed sporting events coupled with a revolving loan fund, which would serve to help fund other sustainable projects on campus.
Team members were petroleum engineering major and AADE President Taylor Lopez-Huebner and chemical engineering majors Kush Muzumdar, Teresa Wu and Bradley McCoy.
"In school we look at academic problems all day, but this competition was an opportunity to solve an important real-world problem," said Lopez-Huebner. "Sustainability is a tough challenge, so I am excited that UT and BASF created a meaningful competition that sought ideas from UT students."
In addition to submitting detailed proposals, teams were asked to incorporate at least one BASF material from the company’s available portfolio of sustainable products. A BASF mentor was also assigned to each team to provide guidance and support.
In the final phase of the competition, the top five teams pitched their solutions to a panel of Texas Athletics representatives and BASF sustainability experts.
“It is always inspiring to hear creative ideas presented by groups of intelligent and thoughtful UT students during the BASF Team Chemistry Challenge,” said Merrick MyCue, Texas Athletics Assistant Athletics Director for Events, Operations & Specialty Events. “Texas Athletics is proud to be a part of this distinctive program that brings together athletics, an industry partner and UT students to work toward solutions to everyday problems.”
