Naval ROTC Alumni Takes Second at TU Novel Tech Challenge

Timothy E Gressett (07) led his team to second place in the 2019 Tulane School of Science and Engineering Novel Tech Challenge. Student teams compete in the annual event by developing ideas that improve the environment, human health, education and urban infrastructure through technology. Gressett’s team set out to develop a method to identify pathogens by their DNA fingerprint, without the need for expensive equipment, trained technicians or electricity. The team won second place with a scheme to diagnose disease rapidly, accurately and inexpensively. Their $5000 prize will go toward further development with a goal to deploy the technology in developing countries.

Gressett  was Assistant Chief Engineer / Auxiliaries Officer, USS New Orleans LPD-18. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, he managed security forces operating with the 7th Fleet flagship during humanitarian operations and subsequent inspections and certifications as Weapons / Force Protection Officer, USS Blue Ridge LCC-19. He is back at Tulane as a MD/PhD student in the school of Medicine, continuing to make the NROTC Unit proud!