UIC students win the Academic Olympiad Competition at SHPE convention
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Undergraduate students Lizette Salinas, industrial engineering; Luis Gonzalez, computer engineering; and Vanessa Del Real, electrical engineering, won first place and took home a $3,000 prize for the UIC chapter in the Academic Olympiad Competition at the recent Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) National Convention in Philadelphia.
The challenge consisted of three rounds. The first was a written exam that included engineering questions across multiple disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, computer science, civil, and general sciences such as thermodynamics, physics, and chemistry, along with SHPE history. The second round brought together the top three teams from the region, all of which were from UIC. The final round was a Jeopardy-style competition with the top seven schools nationwide.
“Winning first place was an unforgettable moment. I was shocked, proud, and honestly a little speechless. Competing against universities from across the country and representing UIC on a national stage felt incredibly rewarding. It meant a lot to bring visibility to UIC and show that our students can excel and compete with the best,” Salinas said.
The students had to think quickly, work under pressure, and combine their strengths to beat their competition.
“My teammates approached problems through different lenses than I do as an industrial engineering student. We each brought unique perspectives that helped us reach stronger, well-rounded solutions. For areas outside our expertise, such as civil engineering, we had to think creatively and rely on our foundational STEM knowledge. It was a meaningful example of how interdisciplinary collaboration strengthens engineering outcomes,” she said.
In addition to winning the Academic Olympiad, UIC brought home two additional awards. Computer Science student and SHPE at UIC President Monsserrat Berrum received the Region 6 “La Familia” Award, which is awarded to a student who exemplifies the organization’s core value of “Familia” through their selfless dedication, mentorship, and leadership.
The UIC chapter received the SHPE Gold Chapter Award, the highest honor from the society for university chapters, recognizing excellence in the core values of familia, service, education, and resilience. It is awarded to chapters that consistently lead and execute impactful programs, serving as a model for other chapters based on their performance and activities throughout the SHPE year.
At the conference, students had the opportunity to network and gain insight into career paths that align with their goals.
“As a first-generation student, connecting with others who shared similar experiences was incredibly motivating. Hearing how other students built their careers and navigated opportunities gave me confidence. The workshops helped me understand how one role can lead to many different paths, and that even if you feel stuck, there are always ways to grow beyond your degree through new skills and experiences,” Salinas said.
As a transfer student, SHPE at UIC played a crucial role in helping Salinas adjust and find her place at the university.
“SHPE provided guidance on tailoring my resume, preparing for interviews, and navigating professional development. Most importantly, it gave me a community of first-gen students who understood the experience of figuring things out on your own. It showed me that it’s okay to feel lost at times; there are resources, mentors, and people who genuinely want to see you succeed. SHPE and UIC have taught me that growth happens when you reach out, connect, and move forward together. We rise by supporting one another,” she said.