Twenty-one students participated in NOVA Fab Lab’s third Product Design Incubator (PDI) cohort, held at the Manassas Fab Lab. Through ideation workshops, fellows identified and defined real-world problems, conducted user research, and developed prototypes, marketing materials, and formal pitches. The program concluded with a pitch event and networking opportunities. Fellows reflected on their experiences—see their insights below.
Computer science fellow Jahleel Jackson, business fellow Vy Tran, and visual arts fellow Kristina Rublevskaia developed “UServices,” a digital platform that streamlines access to government services.
General studies fellow Raven Thomas, graphic design fellow Khongorzul Munkhgerel, architecture fellow Mahder Gebeyehu, and cybersecurity fellow Dave Slaughter created “Heartfed,” a mobile platform aiming to make food aid shame-free and community-centered.
Mechanical engineering fellows Erin Tran and Benjamin Corliss, health science and IT fellow Nguyen Tran, and business administration fellow Ange Aghomo developed “BuyWise,” a mobile app that helps reduce impulsive grocery spending.
Computer science fellows Ariel Ticona and Irene Tran, along with mechanical engineering fellow Aiysha Aslam, created “Odyssea: In Search of Solace,” a video game that supports teen and young adult mental health through community, storytelling, and shared gameplay.
Business administration fellows Cyrus Sharafi and Tiffany Orellana, along with computer science fellow Tayven Stover, developed the “Artificial Reasoning Institute (ARI)”—a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank focused on the societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
Engineering fellows Somayah Hussein and Donovan Edwards, computer science fellow Lina Chimasuque, and art fellow Stephanie Merino developed “Sifted,” a nonprofit nutrition search engine designed to cut through misinformation.
Q&A
Q.What inspired you to join PDI?
A. “I saw an article in the NOVA IET newsletter about “Hermes Net” from last year, and I really liked their project and its purpose. It got me excited about creating something meaningful and learning the design process.” ~ Raven Thomas, “Heartfed”
A. “I hadn’t heard of product design before, but the description sounded interesting, so I wanted to try it. It’s not limited to a physical product or a website—it’s a broad way of thinking.” ~ Mahder Gebeyehu, “Heartfed”
A. “When I first heard about the program, it reminded me of my childhood experiences with FIRST LEGO League. It felt like an adult version of that, which really drew me in.
“Public speaking was another big factor. I wanted to challenge myself and be in a position where I had to practice—because I know how important that skill is. It was tough at first, but I’m glad I’ve had the chance to improve.” ~ Somayah Hussein, “Sifted”
Q. What problem are you trying to solve and why is it important to you?
A. “We started with the question, ‘Why do government processes take so long?’ It was something we all connected with. My teammates have direct or indirect experience with immigration services—I don’t, but I can empathize. Through this project, I’ve grown closer to them, and because it matters to them, it now matters to me. It’s become important to all of us.” ~ Jahleel Jackson, “UServices”
A. “We asked why it’s so hard to talk about mental health. At first, we thought it was taboo, but realized it’s often about not feeling safe. People open up when they trust who they’re talking to. So we focused on creating that sense of safety—through community, not therapy.
“The idea came from my own experience. In high school, my friends and I opened up while gaming. Those conversations helped us support each other, and we want to recreate that intentionally through a video game.” ~ Ariel Ticona,“Odyssea”
Q. How has working with a team from different backgrounds challenged or helped you?
A. “Our team brought diverse strengths to the table—no one’s great at everything, and I really valued that. We had early disagreements about the problem we chose, but learning to work through them professionally was a big part of the PDI experience. It taught me a lot about collaboration and knowing when to defer to others.” ~ Tayven Stover, “Artificial Reasoning Institute”
A. “Since I’m an art major and enjoy hands-on work, it was challenging to help my group at first because we were creating a digital product. I had to adapt by learning how to use Adobe Illustrator, which wasn’t too bad. I was able to contribute to the design aspects, but there were times when I couldn’t do much and just had to trust the process.”~ Stephanie Merino, “Sifted”
Q.Which workshop or activity had the biggest impact on you, and why?
A. "For me, it was definitely public speaking. I’m naturally shy, so it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I still have room to grow, but giving my speech made me realize I’m stronger and more capable than I thought. It inspired me to keep improving." ~ Tiffany Orellana, “Artificial Reasoning Institute”
A. “Lunch and Learn is the biggest one. They invite different entrepreneurs to share their stories, and it really helps us see things from a different perspective. I especially enjoyed the one about the restaurant—Chris’s sister opened it, and it looks amazing. She talked about her challenges in a really funny, engaging way. It was excellent.” ~ Erin Tran, “BuyWISE”
Q. Has participating in PDI changed your career goals or interests?
A. “I’ve thought about becoming an entrepreneur, and this experience really inspired confidence in that path. It didn’t change my goals, but it helped me understand the process of creating a product and made me feel more capable of pursuing it.” ~ Cyrus Sharafi, “Artificial Reasoning Institute”
A. “I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur since I was a kid, and this experience has helped reinforce key skills like public speaking, teamwork, and marketing.
“Together, these make up the full entrepreneurial experience. Hopefully, after gaining more experience in computer science and working in the field, I can pursue something of my own.” ~ Lina Chimasuque, “Sifted”
Q. What advice would you give future students entering this program?
A. “Come in with a blank slate. People often arrive with ideas of what they want to solve, but here, you’re starting from zero—with no prior knowledge. Be ready for change. Our topic shifted from focusing on taboos to creating a safe environment, and many other groups changed their ideas, too. Change isn’t a bad thing—it’s part of the process.” ~ Aiysha Aslam, “Odyssea”
A. “This program really helped me come out of my shell. Even if it doesn’t directly align with your goals, it’s worth trying something new. What I love about this program is that, unlike others where you need a set idea, here it’s more about having the right mindset and being open to the process.” ~ Vy Tran, “UServices”
A. “Be creative and really engage in the class activity—this one opened so many new doors for me. It gave me the opportunity to learn from my classmates and teammates. They’re incredibly talented people, and I learned so much just by working alongside them.” ~ Nguyen Tran, “BuyWISE”
Q. What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?
A. “Getting to know everyone has been one of the best parts. Our personalities just clicked with the vibe here. I didn’t expect to connect with so many people—not just at my table, but throughout the program.
“It’s easy to start conversations now. One day I was sitting alone at lunch, and Cyrus just asked, ‘Can I join you?’ It felt like being a kindergartner again—in the best way. This experience really brings you back to that beginner mindset.” ~ Khongorzul Munkhgerel, “Heartfed”
A. “The last pitch was really rewarding because we got so little feedback—it meant we had really narrowed it down and nailed it. Hearing only a few small tweaks was such a relief. It felt like, ‘We finally did it.’” ~ Benjamin Corliss, “BuyWISE”
Q. If you could describe your PDI journey in one word or phrase, what would it be?
A. “We use the word ‘journey’ in our product, and I think it fits PDI as well—it includes the good, the bad, and everything in between. PDI is truly a journey.” ~ Irene Tran, “Odyssea”
A. “It’s expanded my horizons. I’ve learned more about topics I thought I already knew—and now I understand them in greater detail.” ~ Dave Slaughter, “Heartfed”
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A. “I’m just grateful to everyone who’s helped us move forward. Without their feedback, guidance, and encouragement, we wouldn’t be where we are. Richard, Chris, and Cameisha have been amazing—wishing the best of luck to the other teams as well.” ~ Kristina Rublevskaia, “UServices”
A. “There’s something for everyone—and I love that. For me, it’s a great way to take what I’ve been learning in class and actually apply it. This is a place where you can really take on the hard stuff and grow from it.” ~Ange Aghomo, “BuyWISE”
A. “For me, the two biggest takeaways are improving my design thinking and building connections. I think that’s what this program is really about. If I end up collaborating with people from my group in the future, that would be one of the best outcomes.” ~ Donovan Edwards, “Sifted”