Spokane MESA team takes third place at national competition

Salk Middle School-MESA-WinnersSPOKANE, Wash. – The Math, Engineering, Science Achievement team from Salk Middle School took third place at the MESA National Engineering Design Competition in Philadelphia, Penn., June 21-22.

The team – including Maya Valenciano, Terra Bronson and Meilin Scott – designed and built a prosthetic arm. The team was judged on its technical paper, oral presentation and poster boards.

The group also participated in a Prosthetic Device Competition that focused on object relocation, and distance and accuracy. The level of competition showcases the best of MESA teams as they use critical thinking, creativity and teamwork to deliver an engineering-based solution to a human-centered challenge.

“I’m impressed with how hard the students worked this year and the dedication of the MESA team,” said Brenda Jo VanSlyke, Spokane MESA director.

The Salk team previously took home the state championship in May.

Spokane MESA is co-funded by WSU Spokane and Eastern Washington University and has served the students of the Spokane area for more than 20 years. MESA started in 1970 and now serves more than 49,000 students nationwide, advocating for education, equity and access for under-represented groups in STEM careers.

Photo: (L-R): Jamie Smith (MESA Teacher), Maya Valenciano, Terra Bronson, Meilin Scott, Sarah Halsted (MESA Middle School Coordinator)

 

Media Contacts:

Brenda Jo VanSlyke, MESA Director, 509-358-7966, brenda.vanslyke@wsu.edu