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Second Big Idea Competition
Celebrates Innovation and Intergenerational Connection

April 24, 2025

At Residences at Vantage Point, we believe that innovation and community are intergenerational. That spirit was fully on display during our second Big Idea Competition – a remarkable initiative that brought together the energy and creativity of Howard County high school students with the wisdom and mentorship of our resident community.

Spearheaded by Vantage Point resident Dr. Douglas Edsall, the Big Idea is designed to do more than spark technological and social innovation. Loosely modeled after Shark Tank, it offers a platform for residents and students to collaborate and build relationships centered on education, mentorship, and mutual growth.

We reviewed submissions from eight talented student teams from Howard County public high schools. Then, four finalist teams were invited to present their ideas live to a panel of distinguished resident judges. Their challenge? To develop a creative, science- or technology-based solution to a pressing societal need – ranging from environmental sustainability and public health to education and accessibility.

Meet the Judges

Our panel of judges represented a diverse and accomplished group of Vantage Point residents. They brought decades of experience – and a shared commitment to lifelong learning – to their roles, evaluating each Big Idea across seven criteria.

Judges included:

• Gerrie, retired Department of Defense senior executive and literacy advocate
• Jim, retired environmental scientist and certified Maryland Master Naturalist
• Carol, retired special education teacher and educational technology pioneer
• Fred, retired economist and resident artist at Vantage Point
• David, retired physicist and researcher with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

The Winning Teams and Their Big Ideas

First Place: Game Changer — Reservoir High School

Team members Cheren Song, Jonathan Ye, Neil Chibber, Tam Vo and Ife Adeleye created an inclusive gaming controller tailored for individuals with physical disabilities and limited dexterity. Using a 3D-printed design and an Arduino Leonardo board, their device provides accessible gaming with customizable controls and user-friendly software. Their idea stood out not only for its technical ingenuity, but also for its profound social impact—bridging the gap between accessibility and recreation. The team earned the $2,000 top prize and widespread admiration from both residents and judges alike.

Second Place: Menstrual Pilot Program in Howard County — Mount Hebron High School

This team, consisting of Isha Ande, Katherine Zheng, Srisha Rangini, Ahana Roy and Tanvi Anand, tackled menstrual equity head-on. Their proposal for a pilot program to provide free menstrual products in high-traffic Howard County public buildings impressed judges with its clarity, social consciousness and feasibility. Already in talks with local officials and advocacy groups, this team demonstrates what grassroots change can look like – starting with compassion and courage.

Third Place: Dermalock — Mount Hebron High School

Team members Yashika Reddy and Joe Phelps submitted Dermalock, a wearable device designed to detect blood alcohol levels transdermally and prevent impaired driving. Their thoughtful blend of biotechnology and public safety certainly addresses a critical issue with a practical, data-driven solution that aims to save lives.

Fourth Place: Clean CritAir — Marriotts Ridge High School

Dev Gadhia, working independently, set out to support pet owners and their families who live with allergies or asthma. His innovative solution, Clean CritAir, features a small pet habitat enclosed in a clear glass terrarium equipped with a custom MERV air filter. Unlike traditional wire cages, this sealed design keeps dust, dirt and debris contained—improving air quality both for pets and for their people.

Big Idea Participant Reaction

Teams were very positive in their assessment of the Big Idea competition. Michelle Dubreuil Macek, World Language Educator-French at Mount Hebron High School and sponsor of the second place team for 2025, had this to say about this year’s contest, “The Big Idea contest was a fabulous opportunity for the Period Club team of Mount Hebron High School to showcase their unique skills and their vision for equality for all young girls and women in Howard County.”

Beyond the Second Big Idea Competition

More than a contest, the second Big Idea Competition was a living example of supporting purpose-driven lives at every age. Indeed, it created space for mentorship and real-world impact. Residents served not only as judges but also as role models and cheerleaders for the next generation.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Edsall for his vision, to our judges for their service and to the educators who supported each team. Furthermore, we celebrate every student who dared to think big and tackle the issues that matter.

Residences at Vantage Point is proud to be a home for lifelong learners – and for ideas that have the power to change the world.