SOMERS, N.Y. - A junior at John F. Kennedy Catholic has earned national recognition for an innovative approach to improving road safety.
Paolo Marena was awarded first place in the annual Innovation Challenge hosted by SCHOTT, a global specialty glass manufacturer. The competition invites students from across the country to develop glass-based solutions to real-world problems, with a focus on promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Marena’s winning concept centers on a fiber optic road sign illumination system designed to enhance visibility on poorly lit roadways. His idea captures light from vehicle headlights and redirects it through fiber optic cables to illuminate the outlines of road signs. The system could improve safety on rural and suburban roads where lighting is limited. Marena also proposed an additional application for commercial trucking, suggesting the technology could be used to make warnings such as “wide load” more visible by utilizing light from trailing vehicles.
The Innovation Challenge is held each year in conjunction with Manufacturing Day and draws participation from students in communities near SCHOTT’s U.S. facilities. This year’s competition received nearly 30 submissions, with finalists selected to present their ideas before a panel of company judges.
Marena was awarded first place and a $1,000 prize during a ceremony held in March.
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