The Louisiana Tech University student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), participated in its first ever IEEEXtreme 24-Hour Programming competition this fall. Twenty computer science, cyber engineering and electrical engineering students sacrificed sleep for the competition, which pitted seven Louisiana Tech teams against more than 2,400 teams from around the world, in the 24-hour competition sponsored by IEEE. The event provides challenges for teams of IEEE student members to test their skills by competing against each other to solve a set of programming problems. The competition helps participants prepare for real-world challenges that they will encounter in their careers. Dr. Paul Hummel, lecturer of electrical engineering and electrical engineering technology in Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science, and Dr. Davis Harbour, program chair for electrical engineering and senior lecturer of electrical engineering and electrical engineering technology, gave up a Saturday to proctor the Louisiana Tech teams. “This programming challenge is a great way to excite students in programming while building essential skills in computational thinking,” Hummel said. “One of the biggest challenges I see students face in the classroom is taking a computational approach to problem solving. This type of competition targets that weakness and gives students an opportunity to practice and hone those particular skills.” “This is an outstanding demonstration of the commitment of both our students and faculty to learning through engagement,” Dr. Galen Turner, director for computer science, cyber engineering, electrical engineering and electrical engineering technology, added. The IEEE student chapter began planning for the competition shortly after officers were elected last spring. Joshua Granger, IEEE president and ambassador for the event, says that in addition to preparing students for their careers, the competition is a good way for student members to build camaraderie. “Our students were able to come together as a group and work towards a common goal,” Granger said. The Louisiana Tech IEEE chapter also plans to participate in a VEX U Robotics competition next winter. Written by Brandy McKnight – mcknight@latech.edu