Clarkson-made Collectible: Puzzle Maze

We're so glad you came to visit, and hope you had a memorable experience. 

If you took home our Clarkson puzzle maze, you've come to the right place to learn more about this unique collectible in your possession. 

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Our Clarkson-branded puzzle maze was designed by a team of students, Piecewise, for the 2023 President's Challenge. Not only was it designed by our students, but it was also fabricated in our Dorf Makerspace by our students. So, you have a 100% student made product! 

Piecewise was able to secure the top prize in the general Clarkson category of the challenge.

"Working on the President’s challenge my first semester at Clarkson taught me a lot about how the design process really happens. Countless hours were spent just brainstorming what we wanted to make. There were many prototypes that did not work, from not fitting together to getting stuck when solved," says team member Aiden Gardiner '27. "The President’s challenge was just that, a challenge. However, this made overcoming the obstacles feel even more rewarding. Working on this project taught me that just because something is not perfect the first time, or second, or even third, that does not mean it can’t turn into something amazing."

Team member B. Dickinson '27 adds, "The biggest takeaway I have is that you really can make something and make something happen. Our group had an idea. And now it's a reality. You can just do that. You don't have to be stuck thinking about how cool something would be. You can go out and make it. Obviously, we were provided with the resources to do so, but taking something from concept to production was a great experience."

Working as part of a team and with faculty and staff was another key element to the experience. "My fellow group members, my peers, the faculty, mentors, and staff were and are very flexible with everyone's busy lives and were extremely helpful throughout the whole process of creating our product," says Mackenzie Roth '27. "I learned to be more open-minded with new ideas and built on my creativity quite a bit. Furthermore, after creating our prototype and finally going into the final stages of our product, the quick adaptability to issues and setbacks demonstrated by our group is another key lesson that I have learned and will incorporate into my daily life."

As Mackenzie noted, the skills and knowledge the team gained during the process will last beyond just the challenge. "I learned that sometimes working in a group can bring about its own challenges on top of trying to complete a project. It requires a lot of clear communication and patience that can be useful for the rest of my time here at Clarkson, but will also carry over to my career after graduation," concludes Michael Feltman '27.
 

What will YOU make as a Clarkson student?

ABOUT THE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE & CLARKSON IGNITE

Each fall semester, Clarkson Ignite hosts the President's Challenge. The challenge itself may change annually, but the "why" behind it remains the same: to bring together cross-functional teams who will address a real-world need using innovation, teamwork and creativity by devleoping a prototype or compelling conceptual design. In 2023, the President's Challenge was completed by over 100 teams and over 500 students, competing for incredible prizes and campus glory.

Learn more about Clarkson Ignite

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CLARKSON PUTS YOU ON THE PATH TO A WILDLY SUCCESSFUL CAREER.

Here, science, technology, engineering and math converge with the exciting careers of tomorrow — from AI and high-tech manufacturing to healthcare and data analytics and more. No matter your major, Clarkson offers a well-rounded education deeply rooted in STEM, preparing you to excel through the twists and turns of our ever-evolving, innovative world. You will graduate with not just knowledge but also a lifelong learning mindset and skills to navigate your career with adaptability. Unleash your potential at Clarkson and find your unique path forward.