Team 1: Stingers
Oluwatodimu Adegoke (Team Captain)
Junior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
Oluwatodimu Adegoke is a third-year Computer Science student at Alabama State University and a member of the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College. Driven by a passion for technology, innovation, and leadership, he is preparing to become a future leader in the tech industry.
He gained industry experience as an Embedded Software Engineering Intern at Qualcomm, where he improved test automation, expanded code coverage in C/C++ modules, and supported the bring-up of next-generation wireless devices. This hands-on role strengthened his technical foundation and deepened his commitment to building impactful solutions.
On campus, Oluwatodimu serves as the Secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where he helps organize chapter activities and initiatives that empower members and promote professional development. He is also an active member of ColorStack.
With a strong interest in embedded systems, software engineering, and emerging technologies, Oluwatodimu continuously expands his knowledge through independent study, research, and projects. His combination of academic excellence, industry experience, and leadership positions him as an emerging innovator ready to shape the future of computing.
Oluwakanyinsola Erinle
Junior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
My name is Erinle Oluwakanyinsola, a Junior Computer Science major at Alabama State University, and I expect to graduate in Spring 2027. I am someone who is always eager to learn new things, whether that means exploring new technologies, gaining a fresh perspective, or challenging myself with something I have never done before. I am especially passionate about building technology that makes life easier for people by improving user experiences and solving common problems. I am also very interested in the growing field of artificial intelligence, both in the way it is changing the tech industry and in how it can reshape the way we interact with the world around us.
This will be my first hackathon experience, and I am excited not only for the chance to build and collaborate but also to learn as much as I can from the process. I see hackathons as the perfect space to turn bold ideas into real solutions in a short time, and my goal is to bring energy, creativity, and persistence to my team. While the aim is always to win, I value the opportunity to grow my skills, connect with like-minded peers, and challenge myself in new ways just as much.
In the summer of 2025, I interned with Meta as part of the Meta University Software Engineering program. My work focused on building a hybrid music recommendation system that combined collaborative filtering using SVD with Haversine-based geospatial filtering, giving users location-aware personalized recommendations. I also worked on dynamic map clustering with raw SQL optimization for Google Maps integration and helped implement role-based access control with JWT authentication. Beyond these projects, I contributed to debugging production code by modernizing legacy JavaScript tracking across multiple dashboards. This experience gave me the chance to sharpen my technical skills in algorithms, full-stack engineering, and scalable backend systems while learning what it takes to contribute to a large production codebase.
On campus, I am an honors student and an active member of organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, Google Developer Student Club, and ColorStack. I also participate in outreach and mentorship, from helping students learn coding to engaging in service activities in the local community. These experiences keep me grounded in the importance of giving back while continuing to grow as a student and future software engineer.
George-Michael Kondoun
Sophomore, Computer Science, Alabama State University
I am George-Michael Terhide Kondoun from Alabama State University—where history is made—and I cannot wait to make history at the 2025 Black Enterprise SMART Hackathon. As a Computer Science major, I am driven to create innovative, community-centered technologies that merge AI, data, and design to address real-world challenges.
In Summer 2025, I was a Cloud Engineering Fellow in the Google Cloud Career Jumpstart Program, where I deployed cloud-native applications on Cloud Run and Kubernetes with CI/CD pipelines. This work cut manual deployment by 50%, improved reliability by 30%, and strengthened my expertise in scalable, containerized solutions.
I built Pass the Plate, a platform that connects individuals with surplus food to those in need—reducing waste while addressing food insecurity. The app integrates AI features like an image analyzer and receipt scanner that automatically update a smart pantry, making the process seamless and impactful. During the 2025 Amazon Next Design Challenge, it earned positive reviews from Amazon designers and engineers for its vision and usability.
I was also a Finalist in the UNCF x AAAS HBCU Making & Innovation Showcase, where I co-developed OceanAI, an AI-powered tool using satellite data and predictive models to monitor marine ecosystems and promote sustainability. Additionally, I competed in prestigious hackathons such as the 2025 HBCU Battle of the Brains and the Experian IYKYK Pitch Competition, developing AI/ML-driven solutions in fintech and social innovation.
As a member of NSBE and ColorStack, I continue to grow as a leader, collaborator, and innovator in tech. Through every experience, I aim to build not just solutions, but lasting impact—and the BE SMART Hackathon is the next stage to push that vision forward.
Jamerio Robinson
Junior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
Jamerio Robinson is a Computer Science major at Alabama State University with a growing passion for software engineering, esports, and community engagement. An aspiring video game software engineer, Jamerio has developed hands on expertise in computer hardware and network repair through his role as a Computer Technician for Montgomery Public Schools, where he provided technical support and IT maintenance across multiple sites.
Beyond technical skills, Jamerio thrives as a leader and mentor. He currently serves as Esports Coordinator for the City of Montgomery, where he hosted the city’s first-ever esports tournament, awarding iPads to six winners. At Alabama State University, he continues his leadership journey as a Resident Assistant and Esports Captain, helping to build community through mentorship, collaboration, and innovative events.
Committed to service, Jamerio has contributed to youth mentorship through 4 Kids Youth Group, supported canned food drives with SkillsUSA, and participated in cleanup efforts as part of the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program. His dedication to both technology and people has been recognized through achievements such as being a 2023 EJI Legacy Museum Scholarship recipient.
With career ambitions in video game software engineering, artificial intelligence, and IT innovation, Jamerio is dedicated to merging technical expertise with creativity and community service to inspire progress and impact lives.
Abigiya Mesfin
Sophomore, Computer Science, Alabama State University
My name is Abigiya Mesfin, and I am a Senior Computer Science major at Alabama State University with a 3.9 GPA, expecting to graduate in May 2026. I am passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and creating accessible digital solutions, especially in spaces that impact students and underserved communities.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been honored with several scholarships and recognitions, including the Presidential Academic Scholarship, Disney Innovation Challenge Scholarship, eBay Battle of the Brains Scholarship, Google-Techwise Flash Hackathon 1st place, Adobe 2024 HBCU 20×20 Fellowship, and the NASA ASU Deep Scholar award.
Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Microsoft for two summers. In 2025, I worked as a Bing Software Engineering Intern, where I improved related search results by designing a genetic algorithm with LLM integration, boosting engagement by 0.65%. In 2024, I served as both a Program Manager and Software Engineering Intern with the AMPX team, contributing to cross-device communication between Android and Windows devices and reducing setup times by 10%.
At Alabama State, I served as an AI Research Assistant, where I tested and optimized chatbot models to improve response accuracy and reduce error rates. I also worked as a VR and IT Support Technician, managing VR systems and enhancing technical troubleshooting efficiency.
I’ve also developed impactful projects such as MOMCare, a web app designed to improve healthcare access for women in Alabama’s Black Belt, and built the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program website, which became a user friendly and effective tool to our honors students.
I am deeply committed to blending technical innovation, creativity, and community impact, and I look forward to continuing this work through collaborative opportunities like the BE SMART Hackathon.
Team 2: Team ASU
Antoine Edwards (Team Captain)
Junior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
My name is Antoine Edwards, and I’m a Junior Computer Science major at Alabama State University. I’m a hard-working, creative thinking and highly dedicated individual who strives to make gradual improvements on a daily basis. I’m extremely passionate about the future of technology and the continual development of AI, as I believe that we’ve only scratched the surface of the possibilities that AI opens for mankind.
I have competed in three prior hackathons, including the 2024 staging of the BE SMART hackathon. I placed 2nd in the TMCF NextTech Innovation Challenge where my team proposed “CareerLab On Wheels”, a mobile AI laboratory for improving AI education in rural schools. We built and pitched our solution in the Metaverse using Meta Quest headsets.
In the summer of 2025 I interned with Dell Techologies at their headquarters in Round Rock, Texas as a Software Engineer in the Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG). My team contributed to the release of the Dell Automation Platform, which helps customers adopt private cloud environments by simplifying the process of setting up Dell infrastructure like PowerEdge servers or PowerScale storage. My project in particular focused on creating blueprints for deploying Cohere North using Kubernetes. I gained a wealth of knowledge from working on this project, like using Kubernetes, Docker, Helm, Bash and working with Agentic AI and Vector Databases.
I am involved in clubs and organizations on campus, including the National Society for Black Engineers. As an honors student at Alabama State, I have, and will continue to participate in several community service and outreach initiatives in Alabama, from helping fix computers at local libraries to speaking to kids in local high schools.
Marcus Warren
Junior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
Marcus Warren is a junior at Alabama State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a 3.7 GPA. As a W.E.B. Du Bois Presidential Scholar, he has constantly worked to prove why he earned the title of “honors”, he has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition while excelling in courses such as Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Calculus. His academic journey is strengthened by transfer credits from Bard College, where he completed advanced seminars in philosophy, English composition, and statistics.
Beyond the classroom, Marcus brings strong leadership and teamwork skills through roles such as Peer-to-Peer Mentor, NSBE member, and E-Sports team competitor. He has applied his problem-solving abilities in real-world settings, including a 2025 Hackathon where he collaborated to design a functional app, and connections with YouthForce NOLA that teaches many skills and has available positions.
Passionate about using technology to address social and economic challenges, as a student from New Orleans, LA, he is already well versed in issues of poverty, poor educational conditions, and violence within communities so he is dedicated to merging his technical expertise with his commitment to community impact. His career interests lie in software development, artificial intelligence, and data-driven solutions that foster innovation and general improvement to quality of life.
Jessica-Rita Ochuba
Junior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
My name is Jessica-Rita Ochuba, and I am a junior studying Computer Science at Alabama State University. Hailing from Nigeria, where innovation is steadily growing, and inspired by my older brother’s passion for technology, I decided to embark on this journey in tech. I have the strong desire to combine the art of creativity and the science of building to make impactful solutions wherever I find myself.
I have a strong interest in full-stack development, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, and I have gained experience working in front-end development with React, JavaScript, HTML and CSS; backend systems with python and Web API development; and database management with MongoDB. During my recent internship with Solera, I collaborated on an agile team to develop scalable applications with AI-integrated features. I also completed a Software Engineering Fellowship through TechWise, a Google-sponsored program, where I strengthened my technical foundations and gained valuable experience.
I have collaborated on projects like WordWise, a gamified language-learning web application built with Flask and React, and a live chatbot assistant developed with Web API and React frontend. I am also currently working under Break Through Tech’s fellowship in partnership with Meta, where I will collaborate on a project focused on detecting bias in datasets using language models, applying machine learning techniques to real-world challenges.
In addition to my technical experience, I serve as secretary in a campus organization, developing leadership, communication, and organization skills. Upon graduation, I plan to become a software engineer at an organization where I can build and maintain innovative products. I am truly driven and eager to see the solutions I create make a meaningful impact over time. In my free time, I enjoy sketching, creative writing, and expanding my knowledge.
Shawantae Ramnaught
Sophomore, Computer Science, Alabama State University
My name is Shawantae Ramnaught, and I am a sophomore Computer Science scholar at Alabama State University with a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and leveraging technology to create meaningful impact. Over the summer, I interned at the Levi Watkins Learning Center, where I designed and developed a cross-platform library app to improve student access to academic resources. I later pitched this app to the Dean of the Library, receiving positive feedback for its potential to transform how students engage with the center’s services. In addition, I serve as a student assistant in the library, where I support the campus community by servicing computers and providing technical assistance.
I have actively competed in hackathons and pitch competitions, including the 2024 Alabama Collective AI Hackathon, where my team was challenged to rapidly design and present a solution. In less than 3 minutes, we developed an AI-driven concept and successfully pitched it in under a minute earning first place. This experience not only highlighted my ability to think creatively under pressure but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication in fast-paced environments. Beyond technology, I am deeply committed to service and leadership. As a Thurgood Marshall College Fund 2025 Soar Mentor, I guided rising high school juniors through academic and career exploration, equipping them with tools to envision their futures. On campus, I am honored to serve as a member of the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program, Alabama State Golden Ambassadors, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the Future Alumni Movement, and the International Student Association where I work alongside peers to foster community, leadership, and cultural representation.
I also dedicate my time to volunteer initiatives that support underrepresented communities in Montgomery, furthering my commitment to service. With my love for traveling, volunteering, and technology, I strive to merge innovation with service, developing solutions that empower individuals and create equitable opportunities for others.
Oluwatosin Oyekeye
Senior, Computer Science, Alabama State University
Oluwatosin Oyekeye is an ambitious and driven computer science student with a strong academic record, currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. As a member of the prestigious W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program, Oluwatosin exemplifies the values of excellence, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. With a passion for technology and innovation, she has actively participated in several hackathons, including the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge and the American Airlines Be Smart Hackathon among others, where she applied creativity and technical expertise to develop impactful solutions to real-world problems.
Beyond academics, Oluwatosin thrives in collaborative and challenging environments where she can learn quickly, adapt to new tools, and push past expectations. Each internship experience has required her to master new programming languages and concepts, a challenge she consistently embraced and exceeded. Her research and project interests lie in leveraging computing, data visualization, and artificial intelligence to address pressing community needs—such as improving communication tools for firefighters and supporting urban development initiatives.
Known for her curiosity, discipline, and leadership, Oluwatosin continues to pursue opportunities that blend innovation with service. She embodies the qualities of a scholar, problem-solver, and changemaker, with aspirations to make meaningful contributions to both the tech industry and his community.