UC recognizes students for innovation achievement and leadership
On April 10, 2025, the University of Cincinnati’s NEXT Innovation Scholars program, along with the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies, recognized undergraduate students with the Neil Armstrong Awards for Transdisciplinary Innovation and Impact.
Neil Armstrong Moonshot Award for Commercial Innovation
UC students Austin Castle, Mallika Desai, Yale Miller and Rosheeta Shah at the final presentation of their innovation sprint on Dawn Powerwash. Photo/Aaron Bradley/UC
The Neil Armstrong Moonshot Award for Commercial Innovation is awarded annually to a transdisciplinary team of students who demonstrate exemplary work in driving commercial innovation through collaboration with an industry partner from the Cincinnati Innovation District.
This year’s award went to a diverse team made up of the following students:
- Austin Castle, a fourth-year in finance and marketing
- Miami Celentana, a junior in industrial design
- Mallika Desai, a senior in medical sciences
- Arya Garg, a third-year in computer science
- Max Kemats, a third-year in economics
- Yale Miller, a junior in computer science
- Haley Potter, a first-year in chemical engineering
- Rosheeta Shah, a sophomore in neurobiology
The team applied human-centered design research and ideation along with their diverse backgrounds and experiences to complete three distinct innovation sprints against an aggressive timeline for Cincinnati-based Fortune 500 company P&G. Their work uncovered opportunities to enhance and evolve the customer experience and benefits of P&G products that are currently in stores across the country.
Neil Armstrong New Frontiers Award for Innovation Leadership
UC student and innovation leader Yasmine Shaban moderates an ideation session at the 1819 Innovation Hub, March 2025. Photo/Aaron Bradley
The Neil Armstrong New Frontiers Award for Innovation Leadership is awarded annually to an individual or team whose leadership of innovation initiatives or projects empowers and elevates others in the University of Cincinnati innovation ecosystem to reach new levels of innovation potential.
This year’s award went to senior Yasmine Shaban, who showed tremendous professional and personal growth throughout her time at UC. Her curiosity and pursuit of new knowledge and experiences made her a trusted leader of several innovation initiatives, most notably in strategic foresight and futures research. She created peer research support groups, new systems for advancing data synthesis, and new instructional activities. Her leadership has accelerated the development of sustainable systems to support future research and instruction that will last beyond her time at UC.
Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Shaban was one of 22 students selected among thousands of applicants from across the globe for a highly competitive, prestigious summer fellowship with Silicon Valley venture capital firm True Ventures. Her co-op experience at UC includes user experience research at Hatch, innovation design at Procter & Gamble, and research and strategy at Relish Works. Upon graduation, Shaban plans to work in venture capital and start-up innovation in Silicon Valley or New York.
About the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
Drawing on UC’s pioneering work in cooperative education, the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies supports learners at any stage in their educational and professional growth. In collaboration with university, industry, government and community partners, we bridge the gap between academic achievement and career success through innovative programs, skill development and service learning.
Featured image at top: A diverse team of students poses together after receiving the 2025 Neil Armstrong Moonshot Award for Commercial Innovation. Photo/Emily Sullivan/UC
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