Local Pride: Coalinga College Team Advances to National Innovation Finals

Coalinga College has reached the finals of the National Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC), organized by the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Science Foundation. The competition encourages STEM innovation among community college students.

Representing the college’s Firebaugh Center, the team includes Jose Davilla, Bryan Pineda, Adam Ovalles, and Salvador Ovalles. Guided by Chemistry Instructor Dr. Ken Henry, they developed 'Got Calcium: The New Battery Innovation.' This project suggests using calcium instead of lithium in batteries to improve safety, reduce costs, and increase environmental sustainability.

Carla Tweed, the college's president, commended the team for exemplifying the college's commitment to creativity and problem-solving. Dr. Henry praised the students for their dedication and innovative approach to energy storage solutions.

As finalists, the team will attend an Innovation Boot Camp in June. The camp provides educational opportunities, including expert advice on business planning and strategic communication. It concludes with a Student Innovation Poster Session on Capitol Hill, where the team will present their project to STEM leaders and congressional stakeholders.

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