Oakton students place second in national Innovation Challenge

Oakton Community College took second place in the 2018 Community College Innovation Challenge hosted by the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Students from Oakton, along with nine other finalists, took part in a White House reception June 13 and presented its project to members of the administration, Congress and legislative staff.

Oakton's project, "Heat Recovering Silencer," demonstrated the value of replacing the traditional vehicle muffler with a new device that maintains noise reduction while recovering exhaust heat. According to Oakton student research, up to one third of energy from fuel can be lost through the exhaust system of vehicles, especially trucks. Oakton's team, "Fuel Guards," examined how the process of a fluidized bed can recover heat and reduce noise in one process.

Lecturer Helen Skop, Ph.D., served as faculty mentor for the group consisting of students Erika Bim of Glenview; Michelle Chudnovsky of Skokie; Tracy Martinez of Elk Grove Village; Judd Palonpon of Des Plaines; and Anna Yabloch of Northfield.