“I always knew I wanted to do something in engineering. It might sound cheesy, but growing up, I was inspired to be an inventor by watching shows like ‘Phineas and Ferb.’ Around the eighth grade, I started writing down some of my ideas. From there, I started designing them. I have over 200 designs. I haven’t gotten anything patented yet, but I’m in the process.

The Center for Innovation is one of the reasons I came to Jackson State. Back at home, I didn’t really have access to a lot of engineering stuff. But here, I have free access to it. At the Center, I’ve actually started the process of building my inventions.

I’m majoring in engineering and entrepreneurship because I plan to own a tech company, and I just put two and two together. Not only do I want to learn how to build my own inventions, but I also need to know how to market them. I want to create things to help people have fun and brighten their day. One of the things I want to do with my inventions is help provide food in food deserts. I just want to help the world by inventing things that will help save it.”

– Nicholas, freshman double majoring in electrical engineering and entrepreneurship from Chicago, Ill.