Tunxis Students Awarded in CT Community College Quadcopter Challenge

A Tunxis Community College student robotics team received special recognition during the 2022 NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium Community College Quadcopter Challenge on April 29 at Central Connecticut State University.

Tunxis students Dennis Tekyi (New Britain), Brandon Chui (Unionville), Paige Patz (Newington), Gus Ferrante (New Hartford), and Jonathan Rainieri (Plantsville) were the only team to complete the multipilot task using the drone they built. They also received a separate award for being the only team to successfully retrieve a material sample using an innovative and functional idea.

The Tunxis team competed against other Connecticut Community Colleges in a variety of challenges in which they were scored on design specifications, flying skills, successful mission completion, and other requirements.

“These students worked many hours this semester collaborating on this project, and I would like to commend them for their successful teamwork in exploring innovative ideas that led to this special recognition,” said Dr. Darryl Reome, Tunxis campus CEO.

The team worked together during most of spring semester in preparation for the competition, with advising from Tunxis professor Dr. Brendan Mascarenhas as they worked on building and learning to fly their quadcopter, and documenting progress. Each student received a $1,000 stipend from NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium for their participation.

Located in Farmington, Tunxis offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, including 28 associate degrees with manufacturing, science, engineering and technology emphases. Tunxis transfer programs offer guaranteed admission to the CT State Universities, Charter Oak State College and University of Connecticut. Transfer agreements with private colleges and universities are also available.