Engineering students tackle innovation challenge sponsored by Marmon Holdings, Inc

Engineering

Engineering students tackle innovation challenge sponsored by Marmon Holdings, Inc

Earlier this semester, six teams of engineering students gathered in Marquette's Engineering Hall to compete in an all-day Innovate-o-thon challenge sponsored by Marmon Holdings, Inc.

At the event, students from across all engineering departments formed teams to address an unknown, real-world engineering problem in an eight-hour timeframe. After a problem briefing presented by Marmon executives, teams spread to Engineering Hall labs and classrooms to kick off their work with the support of Opus College of Engineering professional mentors.

Over eight hours, each team progressed from research to ideation to preparing a final proposal - all fueled by snacks, a quick lunch and no shortage of coffee.

"These events help us connect with Marquette's talented students who can contribute to our mission of driving innovation forward and creating new solutions to win in a better way," says Dr. Jeff Garascia, chief innovation officer at Marmon Holdings. "Our Innovate-o-thons also support our recruiting efforts and further solidify Marmon as an employer of choice by introducing students to Marmon and sharing internship opportunities."

By 4:00 p.m., teams were called back to pitch their final solutions to Marmon's team of judges, offering students the opportunity to practice communicating a technical and economic solution to a real professional audience.

"The final pitching component was a really valuable experience. Not only were we able to practice sharing our ideas with professionals while getting meaningful feedback, but we also were able to learn from what other groups did," says Abby Ryan, an undergraduate mechanical engineering major. Ryan added that the challenge's format offered her practical lessons on engineering teamwork - like how to quickly build trust with new teammates - that she can carry into her career.

Following pitching, Marmon announced winning and runner-up teams, with students departing with various prizes and new connections to industry leaders at Marmon.

"This challenge is a great way for Marquette engineering students to gain more experience solving industry problems collaboratively on a team," says Dr. Carmel Ruffolo, associate vice president for corporate engagement at Marquette. "We are grateful to Marmon for providing this opportunity to students and for partnering with Marquette to develop the next generation of innovation leaders."

The fall 2024 event was the third iteration of Marmon's Innovate-o-Thon with Marquette University. Current students should stay tuned for more information on the next offering planned for February 2025.

About Marmon Holdings, Inc
Marmon Holdings Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a global industrial organization comprising 11 diverse business sectors and more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and services companies.

With over 100+ companies, 400+ facilities, 20,000+ employees, and $10 billion in annual revenue, Marmon Holdings Inc. is the biggest company in Chicago you have never heard of.

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