A Washington State University-based STEM program is helping boost three Spokane-area middle school students onto a national stage after they engineered a device aimed at reducing infant health risks.

The Westwood Middle School students - Remi Zickler, Eldona Zemedkun, and Kensey Bahme - are participants in the WSU Health Sciences Spokane Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program. They were named Washington's top middle school engineering team after developing an affordable infant vital signs monitor designed to help address Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and now will compete nationally in Baltimore against other top student teams.

"This team exemplifies what MESA is all about - empowering students to use STEM to solve real-world problems that impact their communities," said Alex Eppel, director of the Spokane campus MESA program. "Their innovation, teamwork, and commitment to accessibility demonstrate the kind of leadership and ingenuity we strive to cultivate through MESA."

This team exemplifies what MESA is all about - empowering students to use STEM to solve real-world problems that impact their communities.

The student-designed innovation, called the Baby Observation and Notification Device (BOND), is intended to support infant well-being while providing parents and caregivers with accessible, real-time monitoring - and greater peace of mind - regardless of income level.

In April, the team earned first place at the regional MESA National Engineering Design Challenge, hosted in partnership with Eastern Washington University's MESA program and regional academic and industry partners. They advanced to the state competition, where they again captured first place and earned the opportunity to represent Washington at the MESA USA National Engineering Design Competition later this month.

The students were mentored by Westwood eighth-grade science teacher Michelle Clayton, who has guided multiple MESA teams to state competition. Most recently, her 2024 team earned a national title. Clayton's experience and mentorship have played a key role in the team's success.

"I am incredibly proud of the hard work these students have put in to reach this point," said Clayton. "This accomplishment not only inspires pride among their classmates but also helps build a strong foundation for future Westwood MESA students who will follow in their footsteps."

Washington's MESA program, launched in 1984, as part of a national network that connects 6-12 grade students to STEM career pathways and leadership opportunities, with a focus on expanding access for students historically underrepresented in STEM.