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MSOE TEAMS: The 48-Hour Design Challenge That Ignites Young Minds

Updated: Sep 25

Get ready, Milwaukee! From September 20-22, the MSOE campus is set to transform into a whirlwind of innovation and creativity. Picture this: teams of bright high school students, armed with determination and a design challenge, have just 48 hours to build a working prototype with the help of tools techs at an amazing makerspace on the MSOE campus. 

This isn't your average invention competition —it's a high-stakes competition designed to push the boundaries of what's possible.


Hosted by MSOE's renowned We Energies STEM Center, this year's Make48 competition will challenge 8 teams of high school students. The design challenge will be unveiled on Friday morning, September 20th, kicking off an intense 48-hour sprint of innovation. 

Teams will have to think on their feet, applying their problem-solving skills and creativity with the available resources. Stay tuned throughout the weekend for live updates as these young inventors race against the clock to design, build, and pitch their prototypes. 


Meet the Teams

Eight teams, hailing from high schools across the Milwaukee area, are ready to tackle the unknown. Each team has the backing of a local business sponsor, adding another layer of expertise and support to their endeavors. Let's give them a round of applause!



COAH Crew

Gabrielle Crider, Keymari Upshaw, Frank Northern and Team Captain Tim Wilson 

 (sponsored by Harley-Davidson)


“Our team leads a youth center in Milwaukee's central city. We are dedicated to creating new experiences for young people and challenging them to try new/hard things. This is our way of showing them that we also try new/hard things.”



City on a hill logo



Cookie Cre8tors 

Evie Skibicki, Ava Shapiro Scheuer, Sophia Deak and Team Captain Aleks Skibicki

(sponsored by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast & Rockwell) 


“Cookie Cre8tors are a group of Girl Scouts from different schools that connected through their love of robotics and participation on competitive robotics teams. We love to get out in the community to get others excited in STEAM--Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, and have organized and taught thousands of kids in STEAM classes, camps, and workshops in cities across Southeastern Wisconsin. Some of our members have been Girl Scouts since kindergarten, and others joined in high school, but we're all proud to be women of courage, confidence and character that make the world a better place!”


Girl Scouts of WI SE logo




Waukesha West TREK

Ian Roberts, Daria Tolkachova, Caleb Hannan and Team Captain Brandon Egnarski 

 (sponsored by Generac) 


“The Waukesha West TREK team consists of three students in the Waukesha West TREK class—Ian Roberts, Daria Tolkachova , and Caleb Hannan—alongside their teacher, Mr. Egnarski. TREK is a unique class that empowers students to drive their own learning experience, choosing both the subject matter and the method of learning, culminating in hands-on projects to showcase their knowledge and understanding.”


Waukesha West Logo




Cristo Rey Trailblazers 

Brigith Siliezar Hernandez, Gabriela Thompson, Diego Gomez Segura and Team Captain Andrea Spykstra

(sponsored by ATC) 


“The Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Make48 team hails from the south side of Milwaukee, WI. Cristo Rey uses an innovative work-study program to provide a comprehensive, affordable Catholic education to students from families with limited financial means. Our team includes Gabi, a sophomore who loves to create in our school makerspace; Brigith, a junior and star driver of our robotics team; Diego, a senior known for his resourcefulness and leadership skills; and Mrs. Spykstra who runs the school's innovation lab.”


Cristo Rey logo




NOVAS

Jason Reeves Jr., DeAnthony Taylor, Aaron Hanke II and Team Captain Justin Krueger

(sponsored by Milwaukee Tool) 


“Jason, DeAnthony and Aaron are three bright minds from Milwaukee Academy of Seiences, where STEM education is their mission! They will be guided by team captain Justin Krueger from Milwaukee Tool. They’re determined to put their STEM education to the test and showcase their skills and innovation.”







Lions Rising

Henry Martin, Dianelis Avila, Daniel Avila and Team Captain Jesus Ortiz

 (sponsored by Husco) 


“Led by their captain, Jesus, this team is set to make their mark at the Make48 competition at MSOE this September. With their passion for innovation and collaborative spirit, this team is ready to tackle any challenge thrown their way.”


Augustine Prep logo



Golda Girls 2.0 

Tina Gleason, Maya Sierra, Camilah DeLeon and Dayana Landa-Medina

(sponsored by Northwestern Mutual) 


“Golda Girls 2.0, Camilah, Dayana, and Maya are high school girls with a passion for engineering.  They are joined with their mentor and teacher, Tina Gleason, who has worked with the girls for around 4 years and is a strong advocate for women in the STEM field.  They are excited to be returning to Make 48 to not only continue challenging themselves and finding solutions to existing problems but to also share their passion for creating, bolster their team bond, and keep advocating for Latin/Hispanic women in STEM!”



golda Meir Logo



Charger Robotics 

Elise Fuhr, Shaanvi Konda Gopinath, Lucas Polczynski and Team Captain Dave Woods

(sponsored by JP Cullen) 


“We are from Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin, and are part of Charger Robotics Team 537. The three of us enjoy building robots, and sharing our passion for engineering in our community. We all participated in FIRST ® LEGO® League in middle school, for a combined total of 8 years, which is a competitive youth program comparable to the Make48 opportunity.”


Charger Robotics logo




The MSOE competition isn't just about winning – it's about fostering the next generation of problem solvers. It's about showcasing the power of STEM education and the incredible talent that exists within our communities. And on September 22nd, we'll be there to witness the grand unveiling of their prototypes. Don't miss it!


Want to get involved?

  • Local businesses: Contact Make48 to learn how you can sponsor a future team.

  • Students: Start building your skills now – you could be part of next year's competition!


Let the countdown begin!


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