Five students were recognized on May 1 for their innovative projects during the DAAPworks showcase at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. The awards were given by the university’s 1819 Innovation Hub to highlight designs with originality, inventive technology use, strong presentation, and potential real-world application.
The awards aim to support forward-thinking student work that could have practical impact beyond the classroom. Each winning project demonstrated creativity as well as problem-solving that addresses real-life challenges.
Shruti Parasher received an award for Melded, a lamp inspired by Cincinnati’s industrial history and produced in the university’s makerspace. “In essence, Melded is a modern desk that’s inspired by the industrial factory task lamp,” Parasher said. “And in its making and design, it reveals Cincinnati’s industrial history.” She added that her project “uses the fabrication of objects – how it’s made, the processes involved – as a medium to communicate a larger idea that relates to a place and a story.”
Ben Ragals was honored for Naso, a food spoilage detector designed for people who cannot smell food due to conditions such as those resulting from COVID-19. Ragals said his inspiration came from his grandmother’s experience: “She’s always been a good cook,” he said, “and it’s been a big issue for her.” He explained Naso’s technology: “It’s just a point-and-click system… [Naso] uses a volatile organic compound sensor … typically VOC sensors are used for measuring pollutants in industrial solutions but foods also have their own signature.”
Other winners included Leo Brock with SnapLab—a line of customizable 3D-printed toys intended to make learning about 3D printing more engaging; Bria Dues with Soma Seat—a desk seat designed especially for neurodivergent children needing movement in classrooms; and Annika Jankowsky with Take Care—a dispenser offering heat patches for period pain relief in public spaces.
Jankowsky described her motivation: “[Take Care] uses an existing solution like a dispenser… but it provides a new service for people… Using this existing solution to provide a service that addresses an issue that’s part of periods is innovative.” She added: “Take Care solves different issues… It also tells people they can take care of their period pain instead of having to push through it.”
The projects benefited from resources at UC’s Ground Floor Makerspace within the 1819 Innovation Hub—described as one of Greater Cincinnati’s best-equipped facilities—offering tools such as CNC machines and UV printers alongside expert guidance.
Parasher reflected on using these resources: “I didn’t know a thing about metalworking before this project,” she said. “I learned [all my] machining from the great machinists there. The makerspace has been very supportive and helpful.”
The university says its faculty, staff and students are committed to driving innovation with real impact.
